A couple of years in the past Maserati loaned us one among their new Levante SUV’s with a Ferrari-designed and engineered biturbo V8 engine underneath the hood. To say that I raved about it’s an understatement. I cherished it and I used to be very clear about how a lot I cherished it in my evaluate. Apparently I wasn’t the one one to rave about it as a result of Maserati did one thing extraordinarily cool: they created a brand new trim degree referred to as “Trofeo” and each Trofeo automobile – Ghibli, Levante, Quattroporte – got here with that unimaginable engine and a corsa suspension setting. These two substances made the Trofeo vehicles simply probably the most succesful Maseratis each constructed. They had been on a regular basis drivers with completely mind-boggling efficiency capabilities that might embarrass everybody else on the weekend observe day.
Right now we’re driving the Quattroporte Trofeo. That is the final Trofeo automobile to be examined, each for GT Spirt and for….ever. You see, not solely is that this the ultimate Trofeo mannequin for us to check, the final of the Trofeo trio, however the trim degree is being retired after this yr. Ferrari won’t be supplying it’s engines to any producers beginning in 2024, so Maserati must carry the short-lived however tremendous spectacular Trofeo line to an finish. It’s disappointing as a result of the Trofeo lineup was the ne-plus-ultra of the Maserati line. It was the most effective they needed to provide and it was – and nonetheless is – distinctive. So what’s going to substitute it? Maybe nothing. Maybe a model of Maserati’s new Nettuno 3.0L bi-turbo V6, a formidable piece of engineering in it’s personal proper. It generates 630 hp and 538 lb-ft or torque within the MC20, which is greater than what the Ferrari engine makes. Time will inform.
We cherished the Ghibli Trofeo and we cherished the Levante Trofeo, so what can we consider the Quattroporte Trofeo? On the surface, it’s commonplace Quattroporte with just a few badges hinting at what it’s. The Italian flag on the b-pillar. The red-accented fender ports. The “trofeo” script on the flanks. The “V8” badge on the rear. The design is engaging. It’s a phenomenal four-door sports activities sedan. It’s form of like a bigger, longer Ghibli. Or slightly, the Ghibli is a shorter, smaller model of the Quattroporte. You possibly can see the issue: the 2 fashions are a bit too related and so they diminish one another by being so related. Personally, I desire the Ghibli as a result of it IS smaller, however others might like and like the bigger, extra refined presence of the Quattroporte.
The within too is similar to the Ghibli. The most important distinction is rear-seat legroom. In any other case, the structure is almost equivalent and the supplies are equivalent additionally. Wealthy leather-based, aluminum, carbon fiber adorn the inside. A big infotainment display is the main focus of the middle stack. Buttons for the assorted suspension settings and driving modes line the left facet of the middle console, beside the shifter. A spherical knob controls the radio and infotainment system. The seats are eminently snug – you would sit in them for days with out discomfort. They’re each heated and ventilated. In case you can’t get snug within the Quattroporte, you merely can’t get snug in something.
Press the Engine Begin button and the Ferrari V8 cranks and rapidly catches with a loud rumble that may get the neighbors consideration. The engine is superb. It generates a ton of torque (determine of speech, not an actual measurement), revs to a decent 7200 rpm, and makes the Quattroporte’s girth and weight disappear because it tears to redline like a crazed animal.
The engine is hooked up to an 8-speed transmission that the driving force can shift utilizing the massive aluminum paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. They really feel cool to the contact and crack off shifts as rapidly as you want with out breaking a sweat. This makes for some superb driving once you actually wish to get pleasure from an excellent backroad.
The suspension is a bit on the smooth facet. It’s compliant however there’s an excessive amount of roll, squat, diving for my tastes. The game and corsa suspension settings treatment this and supply a strong foundational baseline of chassis management that match the efficiency of the engine. These settings will not be too harsh for on a regular basis driving both.
The steering is intuitive however theres no sense of suggestions. Just a little extra communication from the steering wheel would have been good. Additionally, it feels too gentle. Too electrical.
The brakes are Brembo items, using commonplace drilled metal discs and multi-piston calipers. They do a wonderful job of stopping and supply good suggestions on what’s taking place down contained in the 21” wheels. The tires are wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tires and supply glorious grip and suggestions.
The stereo system is superb. The readability at excessive quantity was elegant.
The mileage was respectable. Particularly for a bi-turbo efficiency V8. We averaged decrease outcomes than the EPA figures, however then we often do on vehicles which are enjoyable to drive.
Driving the Quattroporte Trofeo is pleasant. On one hand you’re feeling such as you’re driving an beautiful luxurious sedan, on the opposite you rapidly acknowledge the efficiency potential that surrounds you. You don’t know whether or not to be dignified or a hooligan. Are you able to be each? Why not? So we drove round as dignified hooligans for the week that we had it, reveling within the luxurious and efficiency that it offered.
And but…there was one thing off. One thing not fairly proper. The automobile was good, we had no mechanical points. However…possibly it was as a result of we loved the Ghibli Trofeo and the Levante Trofeo a lot that we had been stunned when the Quattroporte didn’t sweep us off our toes. The Quattroporte Trofeo felt just like the least of the three Trofeo vehicles. Possibly it’s as a result of I simply desire smaller vehicles. And possibly it was as a result of we drove it proper after we drove the unworldly MC20 – and albeit, after THAT automobile nothing will ever measure up for us once more. Regardless of the purpose, whereas nonetheless superb, it simply didn’t gentle our fireplace.
In case you’ve been fascinated by a Maserati Quattroporte, Levante, or Ghibli, the Trofeo vehicles are the most effective of the most effective and I can’t suggest them sufficient. The choice simply comes right down to what kind of automobile you’re most fascinated by: SUV, small coupe, or massive saloon. With the engine licensing ending in 2023, you’d finest transfer quick to drive one and take a look at it out. Transfer quick! As a result of they’ll.
Efficiency: 8
Dealing with: 8
Design: 6
Inside: 8
Infotainment: 8
Sound: 10
Enjoyable: 6
General: 8