The 2011 Quatroporte S Sedan is in the same category as the Audi A8 and Porsche Panamera 4. Maserati is going to have to stay at the top of the performance charts in order to remain competitive with them. With the Audi A8 and Porsche Panamera 4 showing an increase in size compared to its last few models, the Quatroportes designer Lorenzo Ramaciotti states that the vehicle will not be getting any longer as this would take the sports car feel away from it. The Quatroporte S comes equipped with the most up to date Maserati technology that proves the car falls into the luxury and performance category.
Maserati has attempted to improve interior specifications in the Quatroporte S and the 2011 model is able to meet expectations. The car features an electronically adjustable seating which has been designed to increase visibility and comfort. There are 14 different positions the seat can be adjusted to and it has three memory settings. The Quatroporte S also has an improved interior in the back seats as it is more spacious and well insulated. Trunk space has also been increased compared to previous models.
The Quatroporte S Sedan also features a hydraulic torque converter gearbox. With a co-design from Maserati and ZF, the gearbox is able to get maximum performance. The gearbox can be set to two modes, a low grip and a sports grip model. The low grip model is designed with safety in mind and increases traction control for improved handling and traction in hazardous driving conditions. The sports grip mode is designed around performance and increases acceleration for when you have the urge to step it up a notch. The gearbox boosts at low-mid revs and allows rpm to reach a maximum of 7000.
The Quatroporte S also features the wet sump lubrication system. With an improved oil filtration system and oil usage rate the wet sump lubrication system enables the engine to operate much quieter and has the benefit of reducing exhaust emissions. This is a significant upgrade from the old dry sump system that was featured in some of the previous Quatroporte models.
The Quatroporte S also features the updated skyhook suspension system that is found on almost all Maserati models today. The system works by picking up signals from six sensors around the body of the car and processing data in the cars computer to determine how suspension should be altered to improve driving on the current surface. The car can change from a normal mode that is used in casual driving environments to a sports mode for increased performance.
Maserati also offers the option to personalize this vehicle. Options that are available for the extra fee include colors, electronics, heated seats, climate control, roof lining and wooden pulldown tables.
The Quatroporte S handling is one of the best in the market and features the Maserati Stability Programme. This was designed around safety and allows for a quicker response time in emergency or panic break situations. The Quatroporte S comes fully equipped with driver airbags, passenger airbags, front side airbags, side head curtain airbags and side track door beams. There has been no reports released from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety about the 2011 Quatroporte S Sedan. With Maserati priding itself on having some of the most innovative technology for automobiles in its class, it is unlikely they will compromise any of their safety features if they are looking to stay competitive with Audi and Porsche.