Review: Maserati Mk.5 Quattroporte (2004-12)

Review: Maserati Mk.5-I Quattrorporte (2004-08)

Overview

Released in August 2004, the Maserati Mk.5 Series I (Mk.5-I) Quattroporte was a large, luxury sedan powered by a 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine. The Mk.5-I Quattroporte range initially consisted of a standard (unnamed) variant, the Sport and Executive. In 2006, the range was expanded with the introduction of GT versions of the Sport and Executive variants, with the Sport GT S following in March 2008.

Initially, the Quattroporte was fitted with a six-speed electro-actuated ‘DuoSelect’ transmission with a dry dual-plate clutch. These models started in automatic mode in which the steering wheel gearshift paddles could be used at any time for sequential shifts. However, the ‘manual’ mode could be engaged by pressing the ‘M/A SHIFT’ button on the centre console.

From March 2007, however, the Quattroporte was available with a six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission which was introduced in response to criticisms of the DuoSelect unit. For models with the ZF automatic transmission, the engine was also revised with a new inlet manifold and airbox, variable valve timing, modified pistons and redesigned cylinder head covers.

The Mk.5 Quattroporte was 5052 mm long, 1895 mm wide, 1438 mm tall and had a 3064 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Quattroporte had double wishbone suspension front and rear which included Maserati’s ‘Skyhook’ adaptive damping system. The Skyhook system used accelerometers to measure body movement and vary damping resistance to maintain ride comfort; the system also provided selectable ‘Normal’ and Sport’ modes.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters for the front and outer rear seats.

Brakes

The Quattroporte was fitted with a Brembo braking package which consisted of four ventilated brake discs (measuring 330 mm at the front and 316 mm at the rear) with fixed calipers (four pistons at the front and two pistons at the rear). Furthermore, the Sport and Sport GT variants had cross-drilled brake discs, while the Sport GT S had dual-cast (combination of cast-iron and aluminium) brake discs with monoblock six-piston front calipers.

Standard features

Standard features for the Quattroporte included 18-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker Bose sound system with CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation with a 6.5-inch screen, power adjustable front and rear seats (with driver’s seat memory settings), Poltrona Frau leather upholstery, cruise control, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, bi-xenon headlights, a refrigerated compartment inside the front arm-rest, a multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, power-operated rear sun-shade, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Features: Quattroporte Sport, Sport GT and Sport GT S

The Sport variants were further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, ventilated and heated front seats with massage function and dynamic regulation of the seat paddings in response to body movements and tyre pressure monitoring.

Beyond this, the Sport GT variants added 20-inch alloy wheels, carbon-fibre interior highlights, aluminium pedal covers and a sports steering wheel; the Sport GT was also distinguished by its faster gearshifts for the DuoSelect transmission, unique suspension settings and exhaust tune. Sport GT variants with the automatic transmission were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.

The Sport GT S was distinguished by its seven-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/35 R20 tyres at the front and 295/30 R20 tyres at the rear, upgraded brakes (see above), stiffer single-rate shock absorbers instead of Skyhook active suspension system and lowered suspension (25 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear). Visually, the Sport GT S could be identified by its black-chrome mesh grille, body-coloured door handles, black window trims and double exhausts. Inside, the dashboard features carbon-fibre trim with aluminium highlights.

Features: Quattroporte Executive and Executive GT

Compared to standard Quattroporte, the Executive variants were fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels, four-zone climate control air conditioning, ventilated and heated front and rear seats with massage functions, wooden pull-down tables, rear side window blinds, tyre pressure monitoring and a rear seat entertainment system including a rear centre screen, TV tuner, DVD player AV input and headphone outlet.

The Executive GT was distinguished by its nine-spoke 19-inch ball-polished alloy wheels, chrome mesh grille, side chrome grille, a wood/leather steering wheel and Alcantara headlining.

Review: Maserati Mk.5-II Quattroporte (2008-12)

Overview

Released in November 2008, the Mk.5 Series II (Mk.5-II) Quattroporte introduced a revised range which consisted of the standard Quattroporte, S and Sport GT S variants. The S and Sport GT S were powered by a more powerful 4.7-litre V8 engine, with the latter fitted with a twin-plate clutch ‘MC-Auto Shift’ transmission. The semi-automatic DuoSelect transmissions from the Mk.5-I Quattroporte range, however, were discontinued.

Visually, the Mk.5-II Quattroporte could be identified by its revised grille with vertical slats, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, updated head- and tail-lights with LEDs, more pronounced side skirts and door mirrors. Inside, there was a new centre console, updated multi-media and navigation systems and two new shades of leather: Marrone Corniola and Sabbia.

In August 2012, changes to the engine management system for the Sport GT S variant resulted in peak power and torque increasing by 8 kW and 20 Nm, respectively.

Features

Compared to its Mk.5-I predecessor, standard features were extended to include an upgraded sound system with MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB) and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the standard Quattroporte was fitted with single-rate suspension damping.

Compared to the standard Quattroporte, the S variant added 20-inch polished alloy wheels and the continuously variable Skyhook suspension system.

The Sport GT S was distinguished by its new 20-inch alloy wheels, single-rate dampers with stiffer springs (30 percent stiffer at the front and 10 per cent stiffer at the rear), lowered ride height and pneumatic exhaust valves. Visually, the Sport GT S could be identified by its deeper grille, enlarged air intakes, titanium-surround front light clusters and more aerodynamic door mirrors. Inside, there was ‘TitanTex’ fabric and steering wheel gearshift paddles with chrome detailing.

Quattroporte Sport GT S: MC Sportline package

In November 2010, an MC Sportline package was introduced for the Sport GT S variant which included carbon-fibre interior trim (including the gearshift paddles) and other cosmetic highlights.

Brochure

• Brochure: Maserati Mk.5-II Quattroporte (January 2009)

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Maserati Mk.5 Quattroporte