Chinese lanterns lit my approaching footsteps, and champagne was placed in my hand, as I arrived at the launch of the new Maserati Quattroporte (affectionately known as the QP), held at the Kyalami Castle, last Thursday night.
Hosted by Viglietti Motors Jhb, a wide array of individuals, all with one common interest – Maserati – gathered in anticipation to witness the unveiling of the fastest Maserati sedan ever built.
The glamorous setting was a fair reflection of the absolute luxury and finesse of the Maserati brand, with crisp white and royal blue the colours of the evening, complemented by white roses as simple yet elegant décor.
Viglietti CEO, Mervyn Eagles, welcomed guests and spoke about Maserati past and present, driving anticipation higher as the east and west wings of the stage, veiled with draping royal blue curtains, fluttered suggestively.
A magnificent meal followed, quintessentially Italian, before the moment finally arrived. A true journalist, I flitted through the crowd to get an upfront view of the reveal, with my Galaxy S4 at the ready. A growl to the left was answered by a growl to the right; a roar on the left echoed a roar on the right…and then they emerged – two QPs in satin black and glorious champagne, gliding across the stage. Beautiful. Dramatic. Striking.
Finally, after the Big Entrance, we were given the floor to explore the new Quattroporte. Leather, wood and metal synergised in the exquisite interiors, Poltrona Frau-designed, wrapping around the cabin in a passenger embrace. A magnificent dashboard and instrument cluster promised function to form, with highlights such as Maserati TouchControl (MTC), media plugins for full visual and audio entertainment, optional WLAN technology that transforms the QP into a Wi-Fi HotSpot, SIM card engagement for internet connection…even a heated steering wheel. 15 speakers carry the 360° Bowers & Wilkins sound throughout the vehicle, beautifully contained by the double laminated acoustic windows.
“Under the hood”, a 3.8-litre, twin turbo V8 engine takes the QP from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds (incredibly impressive for a sedan), and with some foot power (and courage!) can reach a top speed of 307km/h – as fast as most two-doors.
Fuel consumption is 20% lower than the QPs predecessor; and an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive configuration make it the most secure all-weather performance car in Maserati’s history.
There is so much more to the Maserati QP than I have space to write, so find more info and details at www.maserati.com or contact Viglietti Motors, Bryanston.
Thanks to Viglietti Motors and Maserati for the invitation and images.
[signature:kerry]
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