Following the project initiated in 2001 to design and manufacture the Maserati MC12, Maserati engineers went back to the Ferrari-Maserati group catalogue. And they selected the best. The Ferrari Enzo proved to be an excellent starting point. But don’t be fooled into thinking that Maserati simply dressed up an Enzo chassis. It’s much more complex than that. Since the Maserati MC12 was primarily designed for competition, aerodynamics were one of the key factors in its conception and design. To provide optimum roadholding, the bodywork must generate maximum downforce. The Maserati MC12’s focus on aerodynamic downforce meant that it had to be larger than the Ferrari Enzo. Taking the V12 engine from the Ferrari Enzo, Maserati could hardly have done better to power its MC12. However, in order to maintain some sort of hierarchy within the group, the road version of the Maserati MC12 is slightly less powerful than the Ferrari Enzo, with 630 bhp instead of 660 bhp.

The S Q4 is currently at the top of the range. Power is distributed 65% to the rear by default, then as speed increases, it is channelled more and more to the rear, up to 100% from 130 km/h onwards. On the road, however, you can feel that it weighs 70 kg more than the base V6, especially when cornering, an excess weight that also cancels out its extra power. The steering is less responsive than on the other versions: all shortcomings that are disappointing on what is theoretically the sportiest version in the range. The S also gets bigger brakes, but these too are not that much more effective.

With the Sport button pressed and the exhaust valves wide open, the rumble of the V6 under acceleration fills the air, echoing from one hillside to the next. The ‘little’ Maserati is in its element on winding roads, displaying a delightful Italianness. More compact than the Quattroporte – 4.97 m as opposed to 5.26 m – the Ghibli reveals its confident lines, skilfully blending references to the brand’s past with contemporary presence. The long wheelbase and short overhangs, not to mention the three small gills on the front wings in the style of the Granturismo coupé, give it a dynamism worthy of a Mercedes CLS . That’s what makes this Italian stand out, coming up against the most highly-rated saloons, such as the Audi A6 and A7, BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XF. The newcomer is looking straight at the big boys.

The Maserati Ghibli III Hybrid GranSport is powered by a 330 bhp 4-cylinder engine coupled to an electric motor. The Ghibli Hybrid is equipped with a 48V belt-driven starter generator that supports the combustion engine when more power is needed, while recovering energy when you ease off the pedal. The electric boost to your driving when you need extra torque. The system ensures a smooth transition between the electric compressor and the mechanical compressor, for faster starting and a dynamic, comfortable drive. The DC converter and 48V battery are positioned at the rear to allow better weight distribution, due to the front-mounted engine. All this is designed to make the Ghibli Hybrid even more agile and enjoyable to drive.

Ghibli DIESEL !!! Maserati claims to have done a lot of work to make it worthy of its trident logo, but on start-up it can’t hide the fact that it burns oil. Another disturbing sign is the red zone at 4,500 rpm. Fortunately, as soon as you start driving, everything falls into place: as soon as the turbos kick in, the Ghibli diesel packs a very pleasant punch, despite weighing in at around 1,830 kg, which is high even by the standards of the competition, and 20 kg more than the petrol versions. This extra weight is housed in the snout of the car, as the diesel uses a cast-iron block while the others prefer alloy. The result is a lack of bite when cornering. If you press the ‘Sport’ button located near the gear lever, the gearbox becomes more responsive and the exhaust note changes thanks to the activators fitted. However, this is hardly noticeable in the passenger compartment: the engine still sounds ordinary, even at high revs. A 245 bhp diesel is available on the Italian market.

This Quattroporte by Zegna could be destined for mass production, according to its manufacturer. This artistic vagueness in no way detracts from what makes this Quattroporte unique, with its choice of exclusive colours, its polished wheels and its interior trimmed in fabrics made by the famous Italian fashion house. Seats, door panels and headlining are made from supple genuine leather, combined with a soft, shiny fabric. According to the press release, the most interesting challenge of the project was to create a Zegna fabric suitable for automotive applications, combining a classic masculine herringbone pattern with a traditional weave. It also needed to have the soft feel and prestige for which Zegna fabrics are renowned. Hidden behind the sun visor, a real fabric label is a perfect replica of those sewn into the lining of Zegna suits. It provides the customer with an additional discreet yet recognisable reminder of the level of attention paid to the design and finish of every aspect of this car.

To say that this sixth Quattroporte has fallen into line would be unfair. To the eye, its predecessor’s sense of style is almost intact. All the Maserati hallmarks are there, from the oval grille to the trident on the C-pillar and the side vents. At 5.26 metres long, the Italian is now more imposing than the long versions of the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series! The stern has been given a more classic treatment. From ¾ rear, the Maserati identity is less obvious… Behind this facade, everything is new. Presentation has definitely moved up a notch. Gone is the monolithic block that served as the centre console on the previous generation. The design of the furniture has become more refined but… remains just as flashy. Our GTS version, the top of the range (the Quattroporte family starts with a 410bhp V6), gets an all-new downsized engine. Like its predecessor, it too was (partly) bred at Ferrari. A good omen, despite the presence of two turbos… The move upmarket is accompanied by an additional 90 bhp, giving a total of 530 bhp extracted from the new ‘small’ 3.8-litre engine.

Last week, Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne announced some very ambitious targets for Maserati: to go from selling 6,200 units in 2011 to 50,000 by 2015. A small revolution that must of course be backed up by action and new models. This was not long in coming with the announcement of the new Quattroporte, which is set to take over from the fifth generation, launched in 2004. A renewal that was long overdue, because since then the segment has evolved considerably, and a certain Porsche Panamera has come to take a serious slice of the cake. To stand up to it, the Quattroporte now has a more classic design. Certain curves have been replaced by taut lines, giving it a new-found elegance. Sobriety is also the order of the day inside, with a console that has got rid of its many control buttons. It should be noted that it was designed in-house rather than by Pininfarina. At the end of 2013, only the all-wheel version was sold in France, although the 2-wheel version was also available on other markets.

Last week, Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne announced some very ambitious targets for Maserati: to go from selling 6,200 units in 2011 to 50,000 by 2015. A small revolution that must of course be backed up by action and new models. This was not long in coming with the announcement of the new Quattroporte, which is set to take over from the fifth generation, launched in 2004. A renewal that was long overdue, because since then the segment has evolved considerably, and a certain Porsche Panamera has come to take a serious slice of the cake. To stand up to it, the Quattroporte now has a more classic design. Certain curves have been replaced by taut lines, giving it a new-found elegance. Sobriety is also the order of the day inside, with a console that has got rid of its many control buttons. It should be noted that it was designed in-house rather than by Pininfarina. At the end of 2013, only the all-wheel drive version was sold in France. Although the 2-wheel version is sold in other markets, it will not arrive in France until 2014.