2006 Maserati Quattroporte EXECUTIVE GT , black/tan, 29k mi, MIIIINNTT !!!!

2006 Maserati Quattroporte Description

Introduced for 2005, Quattroporte was the Italian automaker’s sedan–a five-passenger companion to the company’s smaller coupes and convertibles. “Quattroporte” meant, simply, “four doors. Maserati described the new sedan as “contemporary Italian art” with a “sporty temperament.” Styling details included a long hood, prominent grille, steeply raked windshield, and low-slung front fenders that contained “portholes” (reminiscent of those in late 1940s-1950s Buicks). Interiors could be finished in standard Rosewood; or in mahogany, briarwood, or titanium-style. A button in the center rear armrest could be use to push the front passenger forward, for increased rear legroom.

All early Quattroportes came with a 400-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 engine, mounted behind the front axle. A six-speed “DuoSelect” automated-manual was the sole transmission offering, mounted at the rear for increased rear weight bias. Maserati claimed that placement improved handling. Lacking a clutch pedal, the DuoSelect transmission could be set to shift like an automatic, or gearchanging could be accomplished using shift paddles mounted at the steering column. A Skyhook automatic-damping suspension was standard, as were Brembo disc brakes. Alloy wheels held 18-inch tires. Weight distribution was 43/57 (front/rear). Maserati claimed 0-60 mph acceleration in as little as 5.1 seconds, and each car was road-tested in Italy. Standard safety features included antilock braking, traction control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. An optional front-seat Comfort package included heating, ventilating, and massaging, plus an automatic system that adjusted seat padding according to the occupant’s movements.

Quattroporte competitors included the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Maserati had been out of the U.S. market since 1991. Then, in 2002, the Italian automaker introduced a new Spider convertible, followed by a GT coupe. The Quattroporte made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in fall 2003, as the first Maserati designed by Pininfarina in half a century.