2008 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

While Ferrari has in the past released a number of successful 4-door vehicles, in recent years they have focused almost exclusively on sport coupes, grand tourers and ultra-high performance supercars. Their relationship with wholly owned subsidiary Maserati, however, has allowed them to make of use the engineering experience they have gained on the race track by applying some of this technology towards creating an exclusive line of sedans. These vehicles combine luxury with the performance image Ferrari is known for. The 2008 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S is the latest extension of this sedan line.

While the Maserati Quattroporte on which the Sport GT S is based on was by no means a slow vehicle, Maserati was unable to resist tweaking their formula until they were able to unlock even more performance from the platform. Instead of the original reactive Skyhook suspension, the Sport GT S is fitted with heavier standard shock absorbers and springs. This change lowers the car 25 millimeters in the rear and half that in the front. Composite Brembo brakes grip the front wheels with 6 powerful pistons to slow the heavy sedan down from triple-digit speeds with a minimum of panic. Pirelli P Zero tires, specifically designed for the Quattroporte are wrapped around 7 spoke, 20-inch wheels. The lower Sport GT S provides a more confident ride than the standard Quattroporte.

Underneath the hood, the Sport GT S employs the same 393 horsepower Ferrari 4.3 liter V8. Strangely, there is no longer an option for a manual transmission, and a 6 speed automatic transmission controlled via paddle shifters on the steering wheel is the only method for changing gears. The race-bred engine revs all the way up to 7500 rpm, and while no one will mistake the 2008 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S for a Formula 1 car, there is no denying the heritage of its power train once it has been heard screaming down the highway at full throttle. The Maserati can find itself north of 60 from a standing start in as little as 5.6 seconds, topping out at 167 miles per hour.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S is fantastically expensive – at over $170 000, the vehicle is clearly about more than just performance numbers and a leather wrapped steering wheel. Maserati, as with most Italian manufacturers, is mostly concerned with selling the emotion and experience of owning one of their finely engineered vehicles. There is also a certain air of exclusivity associated with the nameplate – it is unlikely that you will encounter too many other people on the road in a Sport GT S, and for people shopping in this price range, this is important.

Not only is the body of the Quattroporte Sport GT S beautifully put together, but the interior of the vehicle is also inviting and relaxing. Almost every surface is covered in Alcantara leather, and controls are laid out in a logical and pleasing fashion. A small information screen is located near the top of the center console, just underneath an analog clock – a small reminder that you are riding in a sedan with the longest production history at Maserati. While there do seem to be quite a large number of buttons arrayed before the driver, their layout is uncomplicated and easy to understand.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S is truly a vehicle for the connoisseur, someone who wishes to distinguish themselves from the sea of BMW’s and Mercedes crowding the parking lot at the country club. With a commanding presence and breathtaking styling, it is impossible not to be noticed as you ride in this understated piece of Italian mechanical sculpture.

Engine

• Displacement 8 Cylinders in a 90 V - 4.2 liter - normally aspirated
• Max power output / rpm: 400 hp (295 kW) 7000 rpm
• Peak torque / rpm: 339 lb-ft (460 Nm) 4250 rpm

Performance

• Miximum speed: 165 mph (270 kml/h)
• Acceleration 0.60 mph (0-100 krnih): 5.5 s (5.6 s)

Transmission

• 6-speed automatic transmission, with gear selector on the central console and paddle shifters mounted on the steering column.

Suspension

• lndependent front and rear suspension with double wishbone geometry and antidive and antiquate features.

Standard Features

• Airbags 2 smart front bags, 2 front side bags. 2 window bags for front and rear seats
• B-Xenon headlights with washing system
• Sunroof
• Laminated dual pane safety glass, for improved soundproof and temperature isolation
• 14-way electric front sears. 3 memories for driver seat
• Rear seats with individual power adjustment (sliding and tilting)
• Blaupunkt Info Center System with 6.5’ screen, trip computer, radio, single CD player, GPS navigation system, 5 CD changer
• Bose Audio System, with high power amplifier, two base enclosures, specific speakers’ layout, AudioPllotTM System
• Electric rear sunblind
• Dual zone automatic climate control
• MSP Meiserati Stability Program
• TPMS tire pressure monitoring system
• Rear parking sensors

Executive Sport GT S Features

• Black chrome front grille and Trident with red accents
• 7-spoke 20’ alloy wheels
• Front discs with dual casting technology (first time used on a road car) and fixed six piston calipers
Cross-drilled brake discs and steel braided brake lines
• Sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals
• Door handles painted in body color, black chrome window molding and exhaust pipes
• Carbon fiber with aluminum insert interior trim
• Alcantara and leather interior
• Sport design front seats

Warranty and Service

First service at 12.500 miles or after two years of the vehicle's life and subsequently every 12.500 miles. Transferable four year / 50.000 mile new car limited warranty with 24/7 Roadside Assistance

Base price starts around $128.165






Images were reprinted with permissions from original author Mike Marino! Content was written by Benjamin Hunting for www.sport-cars.org only and you MAY NOT copy, distribute or use this page's content for any commercial or non-commerical purpose without written permission of this site owner and photos authors!
May 18, 2008, 6:16 am