Words: Calvin Chan

Published: August 10, 2020

 

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The Quattroporte lineup currently consists of the S Q4 that utilizes a V6 engine, and the GTS that harbours a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 built by Ferrari. There's now a faster performance variant to sit on top of that foodchain, aptly named the Quattroporte Trofeo. It uses the same V8 as the GTS but has been tuned via software to run more boost and produce 50 more horsepower, for a grand total of 580 hp and 538 lb-ft. It routes all that power through a ZF 8-speed automatic, but unlike other full-size performance sedans like the BMW M760Li or Mercedes-AMG S 63, this Quattroporte is rear-wheel drive only, meaning it should know how to dance around corners like a true sports sedan.

 

 

Though the V8 is shared with the GTS, we should mention that this Trofeo powerplant is unique as it starts its life with Ferrari architecture and is finished off and assembled by Ferrari themselves in Maranello. The V8 even shares the same internal code name, F154, but that’s just about where the similarities end. Maserati’s V8 uses a crossplane crankshaft with wet sump lubrication, while Ferraris use a flat-plane crank with dry sump lubrication, hence the difference in RPM limits and the stallion’s more exotic exhaust note. 

 

 

The Quattroporte Trofeo comes equipped with a new Corsa button that spices up the car's dynamics with faster shift times and quicker engine response. There is no air suspension like on the Levante, but Launch Control does come standard, allowing the Quattroporte Trofeo to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, two-tenths slower than the Ghibli Trofeo. Of note, that acceleration figure is considerably slower than the BMW M5 and Audi RS7, likely due to the Maserati's heavier curb weight and lack of all-wheel drive punching it off the line, but we have no doubt that the Italian will reach the finish line with more flair and character.

 

 

To distinguish the Trofeo model from the S Q4 and GTS, the Quattroporte receives black piano finishes on the front grill and its twin vertical bars, red details on the side fender air vents and Trident badge on the C-pillars, as well as re-styled taillights and unique 21-inch wheels. There is also a 'Trofeo' script embedded onto the side fenders, so people know that you spent the extra coin. The Quattroporte Trofeo should have an scintillating exhaust note to match its wondrous and exotic sheetmetal, as proven by the Levante we tested a few months prior.

 

 

Inside is mainly carried over from previous models, which isn't a bad thing in the slightest. Maserati knows how to dress up a cabin with leather, and in this case, full-grain Pieno Fiore natural leather upholstery. You will find Trofeo badges on the headrest, as well as in the infotainment unit which has been upgraded with a faster and larger 10.1-inch touchscreen.

 

 

Pricing for the 2021 Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo has yet to be announced, but seeing how the Levante Trofeo carries a $25,000 premium over the GTS, we estimate this performance sedan to run around $183,000 CAD. Stay tuned for our full review when we get behind the wheel later this year.

 

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