Maserati Quattroporte 4.2 Review: “Maserati Quattroporte Automatica”, for lack of better words

So, after a couple of minutes cruising on the very long sixth gear, which, despite the 20 kg weight-gain, aids this model in being 10 percent less thirsty than the DuoSelect, you feel a little excitable and realise once again the car you’re in.

You hit the “Sport” button and slowly step a little harder on the throttle. The engine responds with every tiny change in your foot’s pressure. Its glorious soundtrack harmonises after 3,000 rpm from a low, bassy grunt to an ear and spine-tingling tenor.

The Skyhook anti-dive and anti-squat suspension system saves you from getting pulled back into your seat harder than a mistress in heat. Flicking the shifter paddle at almost 7,000 rpm, the gears changes milliseconds short of an instant; you don’t feel a jerk forward.

The speedometer needle darts round the dial, as if indicating your heart-rate and adrenaline levels. You see the turn-off and hit the brakes, and as they gain temperature rapidly, the seat belts hold up tightly around your chest till it almost hurts.

While downshifting, the cabin rings sonorously with euphonic, clarion cries of delight from under the bonnet and as the steering wheel turns, the burly, yet slender, body sweeps through the bend with ease and grace

And then, you finally comprehend how passion has lead to excellence.

Credits: Text by Andy Hum, Photos by Amery Reuben, Xiao Chong and Andy Hum