Poetry and mechanics

Recently, the market was superb Audi S8, and the choices seem almost obvious. This car is destined role of representative sports bestseller. However, an interesting alternative to the German sedan is found in the person of Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT. Similar in price and dynamic characteristics of cars in fact turned out to be very raznymi.Pervym at our disposal was effective and unflappable rock-S8, which we have already written on the eve of the official premiere. Some believe that in the context of its German rivals family A8 looks rather dry and conservative. Perhaps it is true, but I personally impressed by this style. And then, how to decorate S8, too. 20-inch wheels, some elements of decoration, chrome fittings and registration will not confuse this sedan, with its "civilian" families. The machine draws the eye, the power is concentrated in the 10-cylinder engine giant, is clearly reflected in the stands next to appear vneshnosti.Odnako Maserati Quattroporte, all in unison shunned by Germans, it becomes uninteresting. All recklessly consider and discuss the implementation of the laws of automotive high-fashion Italian. This car - a graphic illustration of the emotional, if not poetic, approach to dizaynu.Sportivnaya version Quattroporte, as well as her German opponent, has the external differences from the normal models. True, there is much less here. The first and perhaps the major - 20-inch wheels with seven spokes. This option is only available on Sport grille GT.Falshradiatornaya withdrawn dark mesh, and at middle pillar adorns the little red inscription "Sport GT". The rest of the form is quite common Quattroporte, which we admired during the first meeting (see the "MOTOR", № 105, February 2005). Sleek, lightweight design visually hides the size of the car. A rear wing bending concerned as well as for the first time. - Timeless classic! Caught in the S8, the first thing I have admired the usual quality materials and workmanship. Yes, Audi intererschiki today, perhaps, ahead of the rest. As for S6, is generously applied to the polished metal and lacquered carbon. Three-spoke steering wheel seems a little perfect, paddle switches automatic transmission like ourselves are at our fingertips. The chair is not like in the S6, - a representative of the genre laws still prohibit the use of psevdogonochnye buckets. However, despite the abundance of elektroregulirovok seats, like less than a younger "eske." But let's look at the sun spots - the ergonomics of a large sporting Audi is traditionally the "four rings" made at the highest level. Special mention deserves upscale Bang & Olufsen sound with 14 speakers, including two vysokochastotnika, automatically extendable from the front panel when the ignition. At the same time from the central console monitor system leaves MMI. The parade of high tehnologiy.Sazhus in Maserati and find myself in a completely different world. If the interior of the S8 is executed with all the standards of modern mass automotive industry, there is much more pronounced personal style. This applies to the design and ergonomics. Planting a little higher than in the Audi. Adjustment range of seat and steering wheel faster. But what a wheel! It is at once elegant, functional and sporty. A nice perforated leather, more comfortable grip tides in places. Behind the wheel are large blade switches manual gearbox with electronic control. Unlike Audi, they have one drawback - does not rotate with the wheel. However, if you go by the rules of racing circuit, the switch during operation, "the wheel" should be isklyuchit.Kresla Sport GT got from the "civilian" version. They are quite comfortable, but hot on the nature of this car look like bas relief grooves, fixing bad lower back and hip area. And yet, in such a car would like to see more "racing" sidenya.Lyubopytny some ergonomic techniques designers Maserati. For example, displayed on the console, control central lock - one key opens, another closes. Such respect for the secondary, in general, function, probably dictated by aesthetic considerations. On the console, for beauty, it must be so many buttons, and so what features will be navesheny on them - it vtoroe.Uvy, on the same principle is designed multimedia system control block: beautifully Composed rombikami keys are not "intuitive" and not very convenient - require adaptation. Yes, and menus on a color display and confusing. But what texture the surface of the aluminum pedals, a lot of great skin in trim! Trident himself what in the end! In terms of cabin-to-one lead over S8. Shire, and reserve space (for the feet as well) more on both the front and rear. But at the Quattroporte has a few additional items dolce vita, such as a powered second-row seats, remote function turns the massage cushions and seat backs, ventilation (front and rear). In S8 rear separate climate control (as an opponent), and the seats are equipped with a heater. In both machines, rear passengers can escape the prying eyes of trailers in the amount of three pieces (on the rear window - electric). I'm more of the heart style salon Maserati. There is then something of a supercar, dear me zest. While the interior S8 refers to an entire line of advanced Audi, made in a single corporate key. Audi wins at this as an assembly. Handmade Italian sedan can "boast", for example, crooked threads tightened the skin on the hand brake lever. The Audi is literally nothing to find fault. Is that from time to time to wake up in the area of ??the sliding screen "cricket." However, the cabin is also ear catches Maserati extraneous sounds - when driving through bumps. However, they do not annoy. Time Shift into gear! In the S8 you can do this as a key, and click (with fingerprint recognition). In the Maserati this feature is implemented traditionally. Both machines have a flaming heart-motor superkarovskoy pedigree. On the S8 engine has been described in detail in the last issue on the example of S6. Just recall that for the leader of the lineup have prepared a forced engine Audi versiyu.Esli very different from what is in the Lamborghini Gallardo, Maserati has inherited a Ferrari powerplant with only some cosmetic changes - under the hood of a masterpiece of engine development Scuderia! The difference is noticeable. Motor V10 - more groomed, calm, one can say in German, even-tempered. This is especially good sense against the background of an explosive temperament engine Maserati. Incidentally, for the Sport GT version of the acoustics of the exhaust system retuned. And as rampaging engine at high revs! Bitingly unwinding before the limiter, it fascinates metallic tinkling notes. Audi sound much more dull, low-frequency. However, this engine is, of course, ready pogorlanit at high speeds. And yet it is relatively quiet. By the way, sound was brighter than the S6. Apparently, the song motor S8 strangled intentionally, with an eye to the representative genre. And then say, the constant roar of the exhaust to S6 on the highway back molested passazhiram.Quttroporte was originally endowed with a more sporty character. Weight distribution of the axes at Maserati 47/53 in favor of the back. Longitudinally placed motor is located in the base behind the front axle. Six-speed gearbox with automatic switching mechanism Dual Select interlocked with the rear axle. The machine is equipped with limited slip differential (30%). The Audi a different picture. Designed as a vehicle to transport VIP, he can not offer a racing layout. Here, the traditional four-wheel drive with center differential Torsen, and the motor, as in S6, in front of the wheels. But at another trump card in store S8 - body made of aluminum, hence the best torsional stiffness and a lower suspension S8 massa.Pnevmaticheskaya not only alters the stiffness at the request of the driver, but also allows you to vary the height of the body, this is an obvious advantage in urban use. Patented circuit Maserati (Skyhook) has only the possibility of changing damping. Suspension for Sport GT version of the retuned for more sporting fashion. A sophisticated control algorithm allows the switch gear stage is 35% faster than the normal course of versii.Na S8 clearly perceived as a representative vehicle, even if you select a sport mode suspension. Superb noise isolation, excellent isolation from vibrations - S8 does not notice small joints, potholes and kochek.Drugoe case Quattroporte. In the setting of the chassis can be traced truly Italian racing character. Even when the Skyhook is relaxed, sitting inside the "four-door" shaking badly. The machine is meticulously tracks the relief road. But what if you press the button cherished Sport? In terms of comfort turns Shaped mockery of the foundations of the class - a five-meter Quattroporte so much bother suspensorial muscle, which is similar to a loaded sports coupe! This is what causes the difference in the behavior of machines to the limit. Rather, the difference in the sensations the driver. Even if the execution speed of an exercise in handling the competition will be the same, the pleasure of driving a Maserati will be much bolshim.S8 behaves reliably and safely in any situation. Banks are small, it should be behind the wheel without question. However, this car is much stronger than that of Quattroporte, pronounced understeer. To effectively turn sideways to pass, it is necessary, as in the S6, the entrance to "break" the trajectory kontrsmescheniem then, playing with gas and driving, you can pull the car sliding along the arc of your heart ugodno.I still a favorite topic S8 - no lingering drifts, and the movement at high speed on the highway. Autobahn setting. Great car devours miles, passing sitting behind the wheel of distorted information about the speed. And with its growing sense of unity with the S8 is only strengthened. Rudder heavy, sharp zero, no yaw and trajectory deviations are observed even on a bad road, suspension perfectly fulfills the broken profile. There is no hint of the buildup. In the shallow high-speed cornering at speeds under 200 can hold the wheel with one hand - honed chassis settings and a permanent four-wheel drive work sverhdobrosovestno. However, S8, for all its outstanding dynamic driving performance and can not charge the emotions as it does Quattroporte.V Italian sedan driver feels like inside the car. Noise isolation is weaker, the duo performs engine and exhaust is very persuasive. And how pleasant the sounds! "Automatic" in the Audi shifts gears quickly and smoothly, it is good for everyday driving. But if you want peppers, the six-speed gearbox Maserati - exactly what you need. With the dramatic acceleration is faster tuck increased transmission and completely lost in braking, shift down each accompanied by short peregazovkami verified. Specifically, the time elapsed since our first acquaintance with this car, engineers have used wisely. In terms of switching Quattroporte sample in 2004 was raw. In automatic mode the gearbox appeared uncomfortable pause. But now all is well in automatic and manual. By the way, choose a way to manage PPC by pressing the button located on the central ... konsoli.Reaktsii Sport GT is sharper than the competitor. If you feel behind the wheel of Audi that governs well-minded, very powerful, yet very large and massive car, Maserati rides like a nimble machine for a couple of sizes smaller. It is clear that such data Quattroporte quite differently behaves in cornering, causing the driver to the pranks and even vandalism. It is much more than for S8, is screwed into the turns. Understeer is less pronounced. And if the confidence to put pressure on the accelerator pedal, the Quattroporte, not thinking a thing of the slip rear axle. And here we must be very careful. Loaded back, if not quickly take corrective action short of accurate driving, will overtake the front, and the machine to exhibit across the road. However, practice and learn to feel, "border states", the Italian sedan can conquer any road squiggles. This spectacular and cocky style cornering German competitor, alas, nedostupen.S other hand, the hard-line configuration chassis turn outs, Maserati is to get on the bumpy road. Passengers mercilessly shakes, bumps on the car jumps off the trajectory. When driving in a straight Quattroporte sensitive to rutting and broken terrain of the route - to exchange rate stability and calmness S8 him away. On the brakes parity, but the potential is great Audi, at least based on the size of disks and calipers. With regard to the brake pedal, then the Quattroporte, it seemed, she a little more sensitive and with a little better feedback. In this test, we give primacy Quattroporte Sport GT, and S8 is satisfied with the second step of the podium. The choice is largely emotional and subjective because. In all right, flawless German rival loses a charisma and personality. In our view, these properties Quattroporte in this life just precious, no exaggeration. Prices and equipment Maserati Quattroporte Sport GTV standard on Sport GT include electronic traction control and stability control, six-speed transmission Maserati DuoSelect, dual front and side airbags, bi-xenon headlights, separate climate control, cruise control, sound Hi-Fi system with subwoofer, multimedia system Bosch-Blaupunkt (navigation system, trip computer, radio, CD), light sensor, rain and tire pressure, multi-function sport steering wheel with electric windows, powered front seats with memory function, mini-bar with the cooling system in the front armrest, carbon inserts in the cabin, 20-inch alloy wheels, brake discs with perforations, sport exhaust system. The car as standard equipment is estimated at € 148 600. Prices and equipment Audi S8 S8V basic package includes: Stability ESP (integrates ABS, EBV, ASR, EDS), Brake Assist Brems Assistent, side and front airbags for driver and front passenger, seat upholstery leather Valcona, climate control, cruise control, sports front seats with electrically adjustable and memory function, onboard computer, adaptive xenon headlights, avtodovodchik doors, rain sensor, tire pressure sensor, the system Keyless-Entry, Adaptive air suspension coupe. For car dealers in the basic version, asking $ 152 400.