THE Maserati Quattroporte S can be described as a 'super saloon'; an alternative to offerings from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and lately Porsche.
This handsome Italian is one of three in a range which first made its debut at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and its truly distinctive character sets it apart from the competition.
The S and the Sport GTS share the same glorious sounding 4.7-litre V8 engine and result is 430bhp with massive torque. Allied to the engine is a six speed hydraulic torque converter automatic gearbox by the German company ZF.
In both the S and Sport GTS, the transmission possesses revised electronic controls and specific gearbox software, developed to optimise both acceleration and the sporty feel of the transmission in harmony with the 4.7 litre engine.
This car is a sheer joy to drive and even in the full auto mode, you are rewarded with a memorable driving experience.
This combination gives the S a top speed of 174mph and rest to 60mph arrives in just 5.4 seconds. The delivery can be so smooth that it is difficult to believe that you are travelling at such speeds.
I had the opportunity to explore the handling and performance of this Maserati at the Prodrive facility - an old airfield where it is safe to drive a vehicle at such speeds.
A standard feature of the S is the Skyhook suspension system; this assures the automatic and continuous adjustment of the damping, which provides a comfy ride over differing road surfaces and does not penalise performance or handling. Normal mode delivers a softer ride and press the Sport button and a stiffer set up is selected.
Stopping power is very important and the S and Sport GTS are equipped with a high performance Brembo braking system.
Worth noting, is that Maserati does not lean too heavily on the word 'sports', they prefer to describe their cars as grand tourers and I have no doubt should you need to take a long journey, then the Quattroporte S would be well suited to the task.
Designed by Pininfarina and for 2010, it gets a more aggressive nose, a new grille with vertical fins and larger headlights with an L-shaped band of LEDS contributing to a much tougher look. The profile has also been transformed with a more pronounced side-sill moulding and the exterior mirrors now merge more smoothly into the overall design.
There is a daytime running light function using the side lights and the headlights are equipped with adaptive technology which turns the lights to better illuminate the road and verges and bends.
The rear styling has been refreshed and there is a strong link to the GranTurismo. Colour choice is very wide, you can select from 19 body colours and there are optional special and pearlescent paint finishes.
Luxury is taken to an even higher level in 2010 with Italian styling and crafted detailing. All the harmony of the interior shapes of the S is immediately apparent to all who travel in this car.
Having an unusually long wheelbase and width this Maserati provides excellent head, leg and shoulder room; seating is very comfy. Noise levels are low thanks to the use of double glazing and this also provides excellent thermal insulation.
Equipment levels - no great surprise, are of the highest level, a superb BOSE sound system and the Multi Media System can be controlled by either buttons on the steering wheel or by voice command.
The sat nav system with a clear colour display and 3D graphic processor is simple to use with the controls at the centre of the dashboard.
Completing the Quattroporte S package is a huge selection of options to make this car stand out even further from the crowd.
Maserati is certainly gaining ground in the UK marketplace and nine percent of production finds its way onto our roads.
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