03 Jan 08
6. Maserati Quattroporte (1995-2001)
The Marcello Gandini-designed Quattroporte IV was smaller, lighter and more aerodynamic and athletic than its predecessors and, after Maserati's takeover by Ferrari, better-built as well. It's still a temperamental piece of Italian exotica, but that's the price to pay for such a unique proposition. Think of it as a four-door supercar - even the 2.8 V6 was capable of over 150mph, and the V8 170mph and 0-60 in 5.7 seconds.
Maserati Quattroporte
The Quattroporte IV ownership experience is not for the faint-hearted, nor is it one for nervous drivers: the powerful twin-turbo engines channel all their power through the rear wheels with only an old-school limited-slip differential to help out - no modern-day electronic aids such as traction control here. It's not exactly a docile drive - but that's its appeal. Evoluzione models, from the relaunch in 1998, are the most desirable.
Road Test: Maserati Quattroporte
Retrospective: Maserati Quattroporte
