As Maserati’s number-one market, the United States receives priority treatment from the Italian brand—which is why Americans were already taking delivery of their $138,100 Quattroporte Sport GT S sedans in February 2010, while Maserati was introducing the car to members of the media in Modena, Italy. The mutual affection between Maserati and American auto enthusiasts, which has ebbed and flowed over the decades, began 70 years ago, when Maserati’s 8CTF “Boyle Special” open-top race car finished first in the 1939 Indianapolis 500. With that victory, Maserati became the first—and is still the only—Italian manufacturer ever to take top honors at Indy. As the latest Maserati winner to arrive stateside, the Quattroporte Sport GT S should only strengthen the brand’s appeal in America. Enhancements in the Sport GT S appear marginal on paper—its 434 horsepower rating is only a 7 hp improvement over the Quattroporte S model—but the new car’s superior steering and stiffer suspension demonstrate their value in the curves and bends. Best of all, when you press the dash-mounted Sport button, the new system emits a baritone bray louder than any prancing horse in Ferrari’s stable.
Pros: Still the only four-door tailored in Italy.
Cons: Maserati now has strong competition from Germany and Great Britain.
