Quattroporte Sport GT S: Luxury With An Edge

Motoring Channel Staff - 30/August/2007

Paris, France — What is Maserati doing? The new Gran Turismo is said to be a much softer, more luxurious version of its predecessor, the Coupe. And now the Italian company is releasing a hard-edged sports version of its luxury limousine, the Quattroporte. Perhaps it's driven by customer feedback. Or perhaps we had no sleep last night and are grouchy...

Unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Quattroporte Sport GT S is for the driver who wants both luxury and performance from their bespoke Italian sports car. It's based on the Quattroporte, but is tailored towards hard driving.

It's the evolution of the original Quattroporte I, first released in 1963, and will face tougher competition in the coming years as the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide come to market.

Maserati released a statement that claims the new Quattroporte Sport GT S is more than just a new set of alloy wheels aluminium accents in the cabin. Packed with a 6-speed automatic transmission that transfers the 4.2-litre V8s power to the rear wheels, it delivers "exceptional dynamic behaviour and uncompromised handling".

Improved handling dynamics have been developed with the use of a new suspension system, as Maserati explained, which comprises single rate dampers and a "racing" set up. In addition, the Quattroporte Sport GT S rests some 10mm lower to the ground at the front and 25mm lower at the rear. 

New springs and dampers are stiffer than the previous components which will reduce ride quality, but improve handling characteristics. Unique Brembo brakes have been added, which employ a new design that "uses dual-cast brake discs, and this is the first time such a set up has been employed on a road car," says Maserati.

These new brakes are likely to be adopted on other vehicles in future, possibly on Maserati's sister brand Ferrari. According to the car company they are unlike traditional cast iron discs in that they use 'dual-cast' discs are made of two materials, cast iron and aluminium. This alloy, or combination of metals, leads to "optimised braking, improving performance in the most extreme conditions and providing greater resistance to fade even at the highest temperatures" says Maserati. 

The Quattroporte Sport GT S's innovative Brembo brake system also gets new 6-piston callipers at the front.

Other aspects of the chassis that have been upgraded to deliver improved handling include new tyres fitted to 20-inch wheel rims: 245/35 R20s for the front and 295/30 R20s at the rear.

Powered by a 298kW (400hp) V8 engine, this special edition Maserati Quattroporte can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in about 5.3 seconds according to the company. The 4.2-litre V8 is shared with some other Maserati models and is known for its distinctive exhaust note.

As well as the firmer suspension and new alloy Brembo disc brakes, the Quattroporte Sport GT S benefits from a sporty new suit, "distinguished by a more aggressive look" says Maserati. The black-chrome mesh front grille is new, as the side window trims and a pair of double exhaust pipes are finished in black. The dark chrome 20-inch wheel rims, which feature a seven spoke design, are also new.

As befits a low-volume Italian luxury sports sedan, the interior has been refurbished. "Traditional Poltrona Frau leather has been combined with Alcantara, which covers the central zone of the seats, the interior door panels and the steering wheel" reads the Maserati statement. Carbon fibre highlights also appear on the dash, and the seats feature sportier bolsters.

Related articles:
- Maserati Quattroporte: Maseratirundum (2007)
- Maserati GS Zagato (2007)
- Maserati GranTurismo (2008)
- Maserati MC12 Stradale (2005)
- Maserati Quattroporte (2004)
- Maserati 3200GT Assetto Corsa (2001)