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2011 Maserati Quattroporte

2011 Maserati Quattroporte

When most companies go about creating their flagship sedan conservative feelings can prevail. Most of these companies (i.e. Mercedes, BMW, and Audi) have been building a large four-door sedan for decades. They tend to go with a don’t fix what’s not broken mantra when updating the look, design, and feel of the car lending to a sense of evolution rather than revolution when a new model appears.

Maserati had the luxury of not really having to please anyone when they decided to build their 4-door sedan, the Quattroporte. Designers and engineers wanted the sedan to evoke more emotion than others in its class and have accomplished just that. Looking at today’s 2011 Quattroporte, it’s hard to believe that essentially the same model has been in production for six years now. It is still stunning to look at and cannot really be compared to anything in terms of design except perhaps the new Aston Martin Rapide.

After winning a slough of awards throughout its production, the Quattroporte will enter 2011 with some updates, a baby brother, and the same Ferrari sourced V8 that we all enjoy so much.

Hit the jump for more details on the 2011 Maserati Quattroporte.

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Wallpaper

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Picture and Wallpaper

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Pictures

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Interior And Exterior

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The Maserati GranTurismo design: elegance enveloping room for four

The grand touring coupé reinvented with a balance of grace and aggression

However you look at it, the Maserati GranTurismo expresses dynamic tension and a sporty edge: the large oval grille, the bodywork that seems to be drawn tight over the frame like a figure hugging dress, right down to the rear flanks. Pininfarina has created an elegant and sensual look around the idea that is the GranTurismo project. Sportiness is combined with true space for four. This sleek appearance, combined with solidity and grace, provokes a fascinating mix of sensations.

Unique and unmistakably Maserati, the GranTurismo’s grille features concave vertical slats. A chrome Trident logo is suspended in its center. The front headlights are an aggressive addition to the radically sloping front bumper, a stylistic element that has long distinguished Maserati coupés. In the space between the crests of the front fenders is the traditional long, low hood. The bonnet’s classic ‘V’ shape is a feature that is echoed throughout the car.

The traditional Maserati design element of three chrome-ringed air vents set behind the front wheels lend the GranTurismo an even more vibrant feel. The car’s lines were designed to lead the eye fluidly over its curves, from the stunning front end to the sweeping rear.

Moving further down the side of the GranTurismo, the oval version of the Maserati logo (known as ‘Saetta’) stands out on the rear pillars. The elegant shape concludes at the rear light cluster, featuring LED lights, in a daring triangle. Wide aerodynamic diffusers sit under the sculpted bumper.

The styling themes continue inside the cabin, as can only be done when a car is designed as a singular piece by a talent such as Pininfarina. Inside the V design element can be seen in the dashboard below the Maserati clock, and is also picked up in the seat design, uniting the interior and exterior.

The GranTurismo transcends style and instead enters into the rarefied world of true beauty.

2011 Maserati GranTurismo

The new Maserati GranTurismo, styled by Pininfarina, made its worldwide debut first as a 2008 model. The new coupe is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 engine and delivers a nimble weight distribution of 49 percent at the front and 51 percent at the rear.

The engine delivers 405 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 339 pound-feet of torque at 4,750 rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters for the manual control mode.

All of this power helps this luxury sports car get up to 60 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph.

Described as a "muscular and sporty car that can be enjoyed every day," the GranTurismo is fitted with an automatic gearbox and equipped with an adaptive control system which adjusts the gear-shifting mode to the driving style and the driving conditions. It is designed with "particular attention to comfort" and enough room for four people.

Maserati's tradition of the Gran Turismo concept dates back to 1947 when the Trident Company, following its clients' demand, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show its first Gran Turismo, the A6, designed by the great Pininfarina. It was the first Maserati road car and was produced in 58 units.

The interior is truly built with luxury in mind, and comes in an unbelievable 8 million different possible color and trim configurations. The electronically controlled front seats strike a balance between comfort and support needed for spirited driving, and are covered in Poltrona Frau leather upholstery.

The Easy Entry system powers the front seats forward to allow ample space for rear passengers to climb on board and share in the roomy and refined atmosphere.

The cabin has been handcrafted and the care taken in its construction is clear. The finish is clean but exquisitely refined, from the subtle chrome rings that surround the dashboard and steering wheel switches to the Trident logo on the headrests and the Alcantara used on the back of the gearshift paddles.

The standard Bose Surround Sound audio system further improves on-board enjoyment for those looking to take a break from cell phone discussions and city noises. The placement of the eleven speakers was studied intensively in order to adapt them to the cabin's acoustics.

Open the trunk and equal care can be seen in the luggage space that can hold up to two regular-sized golf bags or the exclusive five-piece luggage set created especially for the Maserati GranTurismo by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Pricing starts at $118,000, making the GranTurismo a rival to the BMW M6, Aston Martin Vantage, Mercedes CL-Class, and even more expensive models like the Bentley Continental.

2011 Maserati Quattroporte Review

Aside from some minor cosmetic tweaks to the mid-level model, the Maserati Quattroporte returns for the 2011 model year as stunning as it’s ever been over its six years in production.