- Powerful twin-turbo engines
- Sumptuous Connolly leather seats
- Large boot
- High running and maintenance costs
- Mk.4-I Quattroporte has inferior build and reliability
Review: Maserati Mk.4-I Quattroporte (1995-97)
Overview
Released in August 1995, the Maserati Mk.4 Series I (Mk.4-I) Quattroporte was a large, luxury sedan. The Quattroporte range initially consisted of the 2.8i V6, powered by a 2.8-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed Getrag manual transmission or a four-speed ZF automatic transmission.
In 1996, the range was expanded with the introduction of the 3.2i V8, powered by a 3.2-litre twin turbo petrol V8 engine; transmission options were the same as for the 2.8i V6. In late 1997, Maserati’s factory in Modena was shut down prior to the release of the Mk.4-II Quattroporte.
Body and dimensions
Designed by Marcello Gandini, the Mk.4 Quattroporte featured angular rear wheel arches and had a drag coefficient of 0.31 Cd. The Quattroporte chassis was derived from the four-door Biturbo 430, though the wheelbase was extended by 50 mm. As such, the Mk.4 Quattroporte was 4550 mm long, 1810 mm wide, 1380 mm tall and had a 2650 mm long wheelbase.
Suspension
The Quattroporte had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8i V6 | 1995-97 | 2.8-litre twin turbo petrol V6 | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
206 kW at 6000 rpm | 413 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| 3.2i V8 | 1996-97 | 3.2-litre twin turbo petrol V8 | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
247 kW at 6400 rpm | 450 Nm at 4400 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Quattroporte included a driver’s airbag and ABS.
Features
Standard features for the Mk.4 Quattroporte included 17-inch alloy wheels, six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, Connolly leather seats, leather trim, front fog lights, central locking, power mirrors, power windows and a height adjustable steering wheel.
Review: Maserati Mk.4-II Quattroporte (1998-01)
Overview
Released in May 1998, the Mk.4 Series II (Mk.4-II) or Quattroporte Evoluzione introduced a range of improvements following Ferrari’s acquisition of Maserati. The Mk.4-II Quattroporte introduced over 400 redesigned parts and benefited from improved manufacturing techniques.
Visually, the Mk.4-II Quattroporte could be identified by its new door mirrors, wheel rims and ‘Evoluzione’ badges. Inside, there were new seats, a new dashboard, steering wheel, audio and climate control systems, switchgear, glovebox and carpets, darker briarwood and the analogue clock was replaced by a Maserati trident.
Mechanical changes included the introduction of a new Bosch ABS, BTR automatic transmissions (previously ZF) and ancillary belt drives; the V8 engine was also fitted with redesigned cylinder heads for quieter high-speed running.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8i V6 | 1998-01 | 2.8-litre twin turbo petrol V6 | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
206 kW at 6000 rpm | 413 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| 3.2i V8 | 1998-01 | 3.2-litre twin turbo petrol V8 | 6sp man., 4sp auto |
247 kW at 6400 rpm | 450 Nm at 4400 rpm |
Safety equipment and features
Compared to its Mk.4-I predecessor, standard safety equipment was extended to include dual front airbags. Standard features, however, were largely unchanged.
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