Maserati Quattroporte

The majestic new Pininfarina-designed Maserati Quattroporte is a curvaceous yet aggressive-looking, big, five-metre long saloon that hails the rebirth of the “Italian flagship car”. The Quattroporte is the ultimate embodiment of qualities for which Italy is renowned throughout the world: an appreciation of beauty and good living, elegance, sophisticated engineering, genuinely sporty temperament and alluring exclusivity. A host of other features also turn this new Maserati into a truly exclusive car: a highly sophisticated, light, compact yet thrillingly responsive 4.2-litre 90° V8 that punches out 400bhp; the Skyhook automatic damping system; the renowned MSP (Maserati Stability Program); electronically controlled power steering; and a powerful braking system.
Now render those lines in aluminum, add a 400-horsepower, Ferrari-built wonder of an engine, and spread around an obscene amount of velvety leather. Never ones for self-restraint, the folks at Maserati elected to offer the Quattroporte in 4 million different bespoke configurations ? you can choose mahogany or rosewood, nero leather or grigio, and so on. Buyers can outfit their Quattros with GPSs, rear veneered tables that emerge from hidden pockets, DVD systems, Bose stereos, ventilated seats that cool and massage, and even a button in the rear that, when pushed, maneuvers the front passenger seat forward, to allow for more legroom on those rare occasions when you prefer to be driven rather than drive.

The purity of the technical solutions adopted for the Quattroporte, the lack of any fussy details or complications, the sensuality of a line created by the world's most celebrated stylist, and a sophisticated bespoke leather and wood interior personalised to suit each individual owner, all combine to make the new Quattroporte absolutely irresistible. In a confirmed enthusiast, just the sight of the Quattroporte can make the heart race, perspiration bead, and muscles quiver with anticipation. With the keys to the ignition in hand, the effect is quadrupled. Emblazoned with a dominant trident badge in the center of the massive grille, the Quattroporte's appearance and pedigree intoxicate, casting a spell even before the big V8 engine under the hood roars to life. Driving the Quattroporte, caressing the soft leather steering wheel rim while goosing its Ferrari-sourced engine through the accelerator pedal, is like a triple-shot dose of espresso, setting every nerve on full alert.