Maserati Quattroporte (M139). 2003–12 (prod. 25,256). 4-door saloon. F/R, 4244, 4691 cm³ (V8 DOHC). A more graceful Quattroporte, no longer a compact sports’ saloon, but back in the upper-medium luxury segment. Styled by Ken Okuyama at Pininfarina. Launched with Duoselect semi-automatic transmission first, to unfavourable reviews; it was always better when treated as a coupé. Very good handling at the expense of ride, feeling unsettled at low speeds. Beautiful interior. A challenger to the likes of the BMW 5er-Reihe (E60) but the established players held their own.

Manufacturing location: Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Marque: Maserati | Model: Maserati Quattroporte | Predecessor: Maserati Quattroporte IV | Successor: Maserati Quattroporte VI