Maserati Quattroporte – 2011-2012 Review, Pricing, Release date and Specifications

The current Maserati Quattroporte, the fifth generation of Maserati’s big four-door sedan, has been around for a while now, first coming onto the market back in 2004. Most of its rivals have been updated or completely redesigned since then, but so has the Quattroporte. It underwent a significant facelift for the 2009 model year so for 2011 there a few changes to the lineup.

The Quattroporte, which translates roughly to “four-door” in Italian, retains its elegant flowing lines and powerful Ferrari-derived engine.

The base model, which lists for around $120,000, gets a 4.2-liter V-8, the same unit found in the base 2011 Maserati GranTurismo, and a peak output of 400 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It will accelerate the big sedan from 0-60 mph in around 5.5 seconds.

Moving up the line is the mid-level Quattroporte S, which gets the bigger and more powerful 4.7-liter V-8 engine found in the GranTurismo lineup as well. It develops a peak output of 430 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque and rockets the Quattroporte S from 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds flat.

However, if this is still not enough, Maserati also offers a range-topping Quattroporte GT S, which is priced around $140,000 and gets a 440 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque version of the 4.7-liter V-8. It will take you from 0-60 mph in just under 5.0 seconds.

The small power bump in the Quattroporte GT S is courtesy of a high-flow exhaust system, which comes with an adjustable valve to keep the engine muffled around town and let loose once in the open country. However, the car also gets unique transmission software that enables faster gearshifts than in the Quattroporte S and base Quattroporte.

Note, all Quattroportes now come with a ZF six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift operated manual modes as standard. This replaces the older automated manual gearbox, which tended to be very clunky and prone to breakdowns.

Other hardware specs include supercar-size Brembo brakes, available Skyhook air suspension and a sports exhaust system. Around town the standard suspension setup can be a bit firm so we suggest opting for the Skyhook system if it’s not included.

Inside, the car is a work of fine are--as most Maseratis are. It features wood or optional carbon fiber panels, a special multimedia system and ‘Marrone Corniola’ or ‘Sabbia’ leather trim. The Quattroporte is certainly a drivers’ car as things can be a little tight in the back.

For a detailed look at the styling, performance, quality and safety of the 2011 Maserati Quattroporte, check out TheCarConnection’s full review of the virtually identical 2010 model.