SimplyAbuDhabi IX

the standard wheelbase class, while there is also the option of two individual rear seats just as adjustable as those in the front. From here, passengers can sit back in style and enjoy an entertainment system unlike any other. 10.2” crystal clear LCD tiltable screens fitted to the back of the front seats allow occupants to watch a movie together or pick a different one each and enjoy their choice via the wireless headphones and battery powered remote controls supplied as standard. In those countries where the laws allow, you could even watch your favourite television programmes. What really appealed to me, though, is that you can treat the space as your very own office on wheels (as you may well have guessed, there's nowhere I'd rather be than in a beautifully equipped, fast, top quality automobile.). What at first glance is practically a home cinema can be connected to your laptop, video camera, games console or a whole range of high-tech Apple products - so you can combine doing business with the pleasure of being on the open road. What's more, this new Quattroporte contains optional WLAN technology that effectively turns the car into a rolling Wi-Fi HotSpot. Pop a sim card into its WLAN router and you'll receive internet signals, which can be resent around the car wirelessly so you can connect up to three devices, such as laptops, cellular phones or tablets, simultaneously. There are even USB sockets in the central armrest to charge up your appliances! Impressive, isn't it? I loved it and have to admit that it's a lot more luxurious than my own office! Mechanically, the Quattroporte ticks all my boxes too. The 3.8 litre bi-turbo V8 powerplant fitted to the flagship model I was fortunate enough to drive is nothing less than superb. Smooth, potent and supremely flexible, it powers the car from 0 to 62mph in just 4.7 seconds and will keep on giving till it reaches the blistering top speed of a best-in-class 191mph. Even more impressively, it does all this while still returning an admirable combined economy figure of 23.9 mpg. No doubt Maserati's highly advanced aerodynamics (including a revolutionary flatter underside to the car) and the use of lightweight aluminium panels throughout help considerably. Handling is precise and effortless with perfectly weighted, classic hydraulic power steering belying the Quattroporte's size in the bends, while Brembo fixed- calliper braking technology on all four corners inspires real confidence and brings the car back to standstill when you need to slow down. So, how does one sum up the newQuattroporte? Is it a true driver's car? A high-performance cruiser? A luxury limousine? Put simply, it's all of these things and more. And to my mind, that's what makes this very special Maserati truly unique. 2 7 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I