Retro Test – Maserati Quattroporte (1998): under the tide?

We try to avoid the chaos of the Paris region. The Quattroporte is best enjoyed at high speeds, with space in front possibly measuring the incredible speed of its twin-turbo V8. Did I expect such enthusiasm?
Not at all. He, who has spent half an hour cruising comfortably in the traffic of the A4, quiet clutch and cooperative gear lever in support, gives me a good beating.
Already available at moderate speeds thanks to its first turbo, the Italian takes off like a roof as soon as the second turbine is activated. He punches hard into his bronchi, with a good kick to the back.
Let the ayatollahs of the sky not throw any stones at me: yes, the increase in speed is unstoppable, and no, the sounds are not worthy of the 4.7 volume boom of the next generation. But the acceleration is amazing and the recovery is not handled.

Luxury car, racing engine

This grand tourer sedan has already fulfilled all its promises, including the mechanical character. His heart has been returned from the fierce Shamal. Along the way, the crankshaft is replaced and takes a cross structure.
More inertia, less radical, but with more balance and lower character, and therefore more in line with the position of the Quattroporte. Its small turbos benefit from the action of the converter to cool the air sent and thus increase their supply.
Armed in this way, the Quattroporte seems to have matured, without denying its origins or the expression of the original concept: a luxury car with a racing engine. But the Quattroporte lineage has not changed peacefully. The history of Maserati was marked by hiccups that often endangered the Trident of Modena.
In the late 80s, De Tomaso hoped to take advantage of the brand’s industrial tools. If the DNA of the Italian mechanic is preserved, financial problems force him to abandon his toys (Maserati, Innocenti). Errors continue as Citroën takes over: modest reliability, questionable quality. The garment is then too big for Chevrons.
This is when Fiat enters the fray, with a more industrially appropriate approach, to the detriment of the Quattroporte’s personality. To develop its new grand tourer, Maserati needed to adopt economies of scale and therefore had to resort to elements borrowed from the Ghibli II.
Although stretched, this technical base prevents the great Italian from showing the size of his famous ancestors. But Fiat has a plan for the future: to restore its image, the company will gradually put the brand under the supervision of Ferrari.
The goal is simple: restore the Trident with better mechanics (this will be the return of the V8 of the air), and above all get a big profit in terms of quality. At that time, the Quattroporte IV already had a few years of experience behind it.
Ferrari, however, is seriously looking at the model to check its interior and improve reliability and finish (we are talking about 400 points). Thus the Evoluzione versions are born, available with this 3.2 V8 and 2.0 and 2.8 V6. These upheavals therefore led to a flare-up in the Quattroporte saga.
A step of different heights, the one that keeps us traveling all the time. In this case, small steps. With a length of only 4.55 meters, this Mk IV is more complex than its predecessors, and its sequence will acquire the baroque grandeur specific to the Italian limousine. Does this make it a very interesting opus to explore? The debate is open.

Du Gandini’s pure style

Indeed, the neophyte probably won’t look back at this classic three-box sedan, especially in this more discreet silver outfit. As for those who like… a hundred mothers! I’m not a huge fan of the Quattroporte, regardless of generation. But what some would call “the ugly duckling” really intrigues me.
Her face, elegantly composed, elegant and almost celestial, contrasts with the charm of her buttocks, standing tall with her shoulders braced. Then come the details, subtly hidden here and there.
The clever quad exhaust system, the unique rear wing cutout that seems to extend into the trunk lid … pure Gandini style! The father of the Countach again uses tricks here that give the Quattroporte a crazy look.
A true connoisseur’s piece. And this version of Evoluzione also boasts a chic presentation. The famous improvements carried out under the supervision of the Prancing Horse give us a beautifully finished interior, with generously inlaid wood on the steering wheel and center console, leather everywhere, from the bottom of the door to the surrounds of the side panels of the air vents. and Alcantara to cover both the roof and the dashboard (to avoid reflection in the windshield, apparently).
In short, this Quattroporte boasts luxury that doesn’t overdo it. Its small size does not prevent, moreover, real convenience in the rear seats (special mention of seating comfort), and its callipyge line has a generous trunk. Any ideas for the perfect family car? For those who want to hit the road differently and without hanging around, probably.

Breath everywhere

This Quattroporte is a bit like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The last sleeper. This is demonstrated by drivers whose vision quickly fades in the rearview mirror. Very responsive and smooth to handle, the Quattroporte IV doesn’t give the immediate feeling of being in control of an exceptional car.
His reduced weight and footprints probably have something to do with it. The torquey V8 shows good elasticity, and the manual gearbox lever goes smoothly. Good peace of mind, then, until the 336 hp 3.2 biturbo comes to shake things up.
The ubiquitous breath of turbos drowns out the din, but the mechanical behavior changes what was until then a sensible sedan. Horrible performances and some inconsistency in behavior. Healthy and well-placed on the highways, the Quattroporte enjoys a quick and counterintuitive low order.
At that time, it was already equipped with a controlled level suspension, adjustable in three levels (Normal, Sports and Soft). Equipment that is more than equipment, controls that do not produce a different rate of wear and tear.
The 45.9 mkg of torque arrives powerfully, giving the rear end a hard time even though it has a limited-slip differential fitted as standard. Some see it as quite harsh on the borders, others see in it the charm of a good Italian character. I choose the second option.
Differentiating and more exotic than its German rivals at the time, the Quattroporte IV has an irresistible charm, driven by impressive performance for its contemporaries. The one that would never see the light of day finally made it to the end of the assembly lines, despite a start hampered by the financial challenges of the time.
A challenging context but one that ultimately created an “accessible”, less elite, more compact and very fast Quattroporte. All surrounded in a less magnificent setting than what has been done before, and than what will follow.
Regardless of its minor power weaknesses, the Quattroporte IV will be important to the history of the brand. He took on the challenge to end a dynasty that is still alive today and knew, against all odds, to produce a combination that was ultimately convincing to enthusiasts.

Maserati Quattroporte IV Evoluzione 3.2 (1998): what he said about it Competition car in 1997

Its square and compact V8 comes from the flooded Shamal coupe from 1990. Displacement of 3.2 liters, 32 valves, two turbos each with its own heat mixture: everything is there! The modern Maserati is an absolute poem.
A fun way to own a unique car and share it. The dress, signed by Gandini, is discreet, yet original. Let’s look inside and it’s fireworks!
Elm, a very light wood, spreads to every corner. Leather and Alcantara adorn this artisan-fitted interior. But the Quattroporte’s problem lies in its traction, despite the good work of the Michelin Pilot SX. To launch it effectively, you must limit yourself to a very light gas path.
If one is too kind, this is the punishment: the Italian waxes with pleasure and pays for leaving this job for a few tenths. But when it comes to covers, it’s a common thing. Take for example 100 to 140 km/h in 5th gear: the Maserati needs only 5”4 in this range. Our database has only found one that matches it: the Ferrari 550 Maranello!
Nothing compares to the restoration of the Quattroporte: “hub” everything that drives. But all is not a smooth ride. Its extreme behavior makes it fun but it takes some practice because its reactions, without being bad, are very exciting. Added to this is moderate stiffness and ineffectively controlled moisture. »

Maserati Quattroporte IV Evoluzione 3.2 (1998): how about it Competition car in 2024

Unexpected performance road cars today have reached an unprecedented level of efficiency, often driven by advanced engineering and artificial inputs, both mechanical and electronic.
That this Quattroporte is capable, even by today’s standards, of such fast racing while maintaining direct and instinctive driving, all dressed up in Haute Couture style, is beyond amazing. For those who are dominated by harshness, go ahead, charm will work better among Germans.

Maserati Quattroporte IV Evoluzione 3.2 (1998): stealth approach

• Years of production: 1994-2006
• Articles offered: 755
• Engine: V8, biturbo, 32 S
• Displacement: 3,217 cm3
• Maximum power: 336 hp at 6,400 rpm
• Maximum torque: 445.9 mkg at 4,400 rpm
• Transmission: rear wheels, 6 manual gears
• Front/rear suspension: pseudo-MacPherson, stabilizer bar, controlled shock absorbers/curved arms, stabilizer bar, controlled shock absorbers.
• Brakes: ventilated discs
• Checked weight: 1,695 kg
• L – l – h : 4 550 – 1 810 – 1 380 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,650 mm
• Tires AV & AR : 205/55 & 225/50 R 16
• Tank: 100 l
• Price at the time: 480,000 F
• Current estimate: around €25,000
• V. max. : 263 km/h
• 0 to 100 km/h: 6”5
• 400 meters DA : 14”4
• 1 000 meters DA : 25”4

Find our retro article on the Maserati Quattroporte IV Evoluzione 3.2 (1998) at Competition car n°746 you 29/02/2024.