You can roughly gauge someone's personality from the choice of clothes, shoes, bags and accessories. Likewise, the car can also hint at a person's character.
We're not talking about spotting the baddies among the good people just by the choice of ride. But certainly, it takes someone who ain't looking among the usual herd to go for a Maserati.
You will have to agree with us that the Italian automaker has done well in establishing a sound image (no pun intended) - judging by the increasing popularity of these cars and their distinctive soundtracks roaring down our busy streets. Up close and Personal
While its predecessor was known for its V8, Maserati now offers a V6 for the 'junior' S variant of the sixth generation Quattroporte. And despite being second-in-line, the V6 keeps most of the luxuries found on the flagship variant.
We're not talking about spotting the baddies among the good people just by the choice of ride. But certainly, it takes someone who ain't looking among the usual herd to go for a Maserati.
You will have to agree with us that the Italian automaker has done well in establishing a sound image (no pun intended) - judging by the increasing popularity of these cars and their distinctive soundtracks roaring down our busy streets. Up close and Personal
While its predecessor was known for its V8, Maserati now offers a V6 for the 'junior' S variant of the sixth generation Quattroporte. And despite being second-in-line, the V6 keeps most of the luxuries found on the flagship variant.
On the outside, only the keen-eyed will be able to pick up the quad round-tip pipes and the slightly smaller alloy wheels. Otherwise, the V6 looks identical to its V8 twin.
Both interiors look pretty much the same too, other than a change in trim finishing. You still get the generous space and opulence from the beautifully crafted upholstery.
That said, having sampled the V8 a couple of months ago, we find the twins quite different in character.
Both interiors look pretty much the same too, other than a change in trim finishing. You still get the generous space and opulence from the beautifully crafted upholstery.
That said, having sampled the V8 a couple of months ago, we find the twins quite different in character.
The Drive
Like the V8, the Quattroporte V6 is driven via the rear wheels. The 3.0-litre turbocharged unit churns out 410bhp and 550Nm of torque - some 120 horses and 160Nm short of the V8.
Surely, the drop in power figures will mean less potent performance. And while the V8 effortlessly hands you a chunk of its nut-wrenching talent, the V6 requires you to work for it.
On the bright side, any tugs at the accelerator will be accompanied by a deep, sonorous howl. Thus, this makes the V6 more engaging to drive, turning any journey in the flagship sedan into an eventful one.
Of course, not forgetting the Quattroporte's main role of being a people carrier, there are switches on the centre console that allows the driver to adjust the level of 'drama'.
Like the V8, the Quattroporte V6 is driven via the rear wheels. The 3.0-litre turbocharged unit churns out 410bhp and 550Nm of torque - some 120 horses and 160Nm short of the V8.
Surely, the drop in power figures will mean less potent performance. And while the V8 effortlessly hands you a chunk of its nut-wrenching talent, the V6 requires you to work for it.
On the bright side, any tugs at the accelerator will be accompanied by a deep, sonorous howl. Thus, this makes the V6 more engaging to drive, turning any journey in the flagship sedan into an eventful one.
Of course, not forgetting the Quattroporte's main role of being a people carrier, there are switches on the centre console that allows the driver to adjust the level of 'drama'.
Throttle response, transmission shift points and suspension setup can be altered for a softer, smoother journey - or tuned up to a tighter, sportier setting to be driven hard.
Conclusion
The Quattroporte V6 has once again proven that power isn't everything in a fun-to-drive car. And for a car of its size and status, it surprises with its agility and driving involvement.
Compared to the V8, the V6 is easily the pick for anyone looking to self-drive their limousines. And we reckon that costing $100,000 less than its bigger brother should help too.
Conclusion
The Quattroporte V6 has once again proven that power isn't everything in a fun-to-drive car. And for a car of its size and status, it surprises with its agility and driving involvement.
Compared to the V8, the V6 is easily the pick for anyone looking to self-drive their limousines. And we reckon that costing $100,000 less than its bigger brother should help too.
