In the midst of automotive hell, it’s good to know that manufacturers around the world know how to put on a good show. The North American International Auto Show (c’mon, it’s the Detroit show and you know it) is one of the most important auto shows in the world, if not THE most important show held annually. I wish we were there, but since we’re not, we’ll just settle with providing you updates on all that is new.
Maserati has introduced another sportier variation on their universally adored sedan, making the car sound even cooler than it actually is. Don’t get me wrong, I think the Q’Porte is great, I’m just not caught up in the crowd who think it’s the most beautiful thing ever.
The engine has been retuned, maximum horsepower has been cranked to 433, a slight improvement over the normal 425. Suspension has been recalibrated, being lower, stiffer, and all-around more tuned for performance. The twin pipes emit a more “throaty, and captivating sound” due to new pneumatic valves.
Visually, not much has changed. We guess Maserati wanted to play it safe, which is fine by us. The trident badge in the grille stands out a bit more due to red accents, and “sportiness” is expressed through concave vertical fins surrounding the new black grille. Headlights have a metallic titanium finish, and the handles are body color.
Of more interest is the beautiful interior, which features new seats and a new trim called “Titantex”. Whatever. The lucky dude (or dudette) gets a more visually appealing luxury cabin to recline in, or maybe to pilot in, if said individual decides the new “Sport GT S” moniker means he can tackle curvaceous roads.
Overall, it’s not much, but to us, any new Maserati is exciting, or at least interesting to ponder over. We are kinda disappointed though. Sure, the Q’Porte is the original classy big boys ride, and sure, no one else hits 60 in less than 5 seconds with nearly as much style, but the market is getting tougher. Recent competitors in the form of the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide (which, by the way, is the most gorgeous thing with four doors ever made), and maybe even the Lamborghini Estoque (though we pray not), are chipping away at the Quattroporte’s secure base, high high high above their heads.
We say Maserati should just say screw it, we’re stickin’ a real Ferrari engine in here, this sucker’s gonna have 500 horses and hit 60 in 4 seconds. Wouldn’t that be a big “F U” to aspiring competitors.
Specs
Price: reported $140,000
Engine: 4.7 liter V-8
Horsepower: 433
Torque: 490 pound-feet
0-60 mph: N/A, but estimated less than 5.5 seconds
Top Speed: N/A, but regular Quattroporte S hits 177 mph
Mileage: N/A, but Q’Porte S gets 12 city/18 highway mpg
Source: R Sports Cars
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