Fifth Gear

[BennyD]

Quite possibly. If/when you drive one, you might see some of its merits. I was suitably impressed.

 

[Contigo]

I did too, but the comment 'it sounds like a V8, I wish it would go like one' makes me think otherwise.

To be fair the exhaust note does sound like a auto V8 engine!

 

[BJL]

I have driven it for a good couple of hours about a month ago when Meridien had one in. I thought in dark grey it looked quite good from the front and side but needed the larger wheels. The interior felt noticably more snug than my QP and slightly more mass produced which of course it is. The performance, as you say, was within what you would expect from a single turbo 3 ltr but I too was underwhelmed generally when I sincerely wanted to be overwhelmed. The grin factor was at the low end of the scale.

I do think Maserati have missed a golden oportunity here because for a little extra they could have put the second turbo on, boosted the pressures, raised the rev limit and sharpened up the handling boasting of it not only being their first diesel but the best in class.

Then the mass market for this kind of car would have been drooling rather than the resultant cautious acceptance it may get better.

When I borrowed the new V8 QP I was impressed with performance. It is bl00dy quick and stable for such a big car. Beautifully fitted if a tad blingy but the overwhelming impression was one of size. It is and feels a big car. Lovely motor but not on my radar.

 

[hodroyd]

Maserati's first priority should have been to get the launch model absolutely spot on, if it falls short of the competition for around the same money, then it's a wasted opportunity..!!

 

[sjc]

Agree entirely with that.
It doesn't appear to be class leading in any important area, and for a brand new car from a prestigious brand in a congested market that's quite an oversight.