Maserati Quattroporte 4.2 Review: Maserati Fantastici!

I think they would be excited to that effect at the very least, especially for what some might consider dangerous territory for a company like Maserati to create a car with a ZF 6-speed, fully automatic tranny with a torque converter.

But whatever magic Maserati has cast on it has worked. Despite the very short ride, which rather left us unsatisfied, it felt way too nimble to be a 1,900 kg car; turn-ins are precise and quick, and its acceleration barely lets off even at higher speeds.

We took it as way past the usual speeds on a certain expressway, and even then, it held its ground extremely well, despite its weight and size, without so much as a roll that could have sent the driver sliding into the front passenger's seat.

The gearshifts were far from violent, and would probably be instantaneous enough to leave the average uninitiated driver wondering what the slight jerk was and whether the car had shifted. Yes, it is that comfortable. Which brings me to another point – what is this car really for?

Its quick and very comfortable, and it leaves the drivers craving for more. But people who normally buy large executive saloons wouldn't spend so much time driving it as they would sitting in the back reading newspapers and sipping their coffee. So, presumably, those who would buy this car, for what it is, enjoy driving it, as well as being a passenger in the back.

And that would probably translate to chauffeurs or wives for the weekdays and exciting weekends for themselves.

Credits: Andy Hum