Big, Bold and Beautiful

To most people, the name Maserati might only be recognizable because of rocker Joe Walshs reference of the brand in his song, "Lifes Been Good." Yet back when Lamborghini was still making tractors, Maserati was a fierce rival to Ferrari on the race track and in dealer showrooms.

Since then the legendary Italian sports car marque has gone through a host of owners, including French automaker Citroen, charismatic Italian Alessandro de Tomaso, also renowned for his Ford-powered Pantera supercar, among others, Italian conglomerate Fiat Auto and up until last month, once-competitor Ferrari. In a surprise

After a number of owners over the years, Fiat has recently purchased Maserati back from Ferrari. (Photo: Maserati)

Currently, the marques newest entry is its best ever four-door, or Quattroporte. The first Maserati designed

The first Maserati designed by Pininfarina since the 60s, the Quattroporte is breathtaking. (Photo: Maserati)

The hood is long,

A trio of engine vents allows trapped air to escape the engine bay while simultaneously offering a distinctive styling detail. (Photo: Maserati)

The greenhouse is long and narrow, adding to the Quattroportes sporting demeanor, finalizing in a trademark Maserati C-pillar, complete with chromed Trident badge at its center

The Quattroporte is unique in its elegantly simple angles and curves. (Photo: Maserati)

From the rear, the Quattroporte is unique in its elegantly simple angles and curves, with smallish taillight clusters and a tapered decklid; the Italians at least realizing that petit derrieres are preferable by most standards.

So does it drive as elegantly as it looks, or does the new Maserati pay tribute to its rich racing heritage? The answer is reportedly both. After all, the Trident brand has a forty+ year history of producing luxury 4-doors with supercar performance, and this latest version is quite capable of carrying the torch forward.

Under that long hood lies nothing less than the same Ferrari derived V8 that motivates Maseratis 4200 GT Coupe and Spider

Those who appreciate luxury over sport have criticized the Quattroporte for the transmissions edgy behavior. (Photo: Maserati)

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