The Super V8 is still super, working through the figure-eight in 26.6 seconds and posting 0.84 g on the skidpad. Test-driver Chris Walton commented on how predictable the Jag was through the slalom test, handling transitions with relative ease and clearing the cones at 64.8 mph. Although Audi runs less aggressive 18-inch rolling stock (the others were equipped with 19-inch Pirelli PZeros), it still managed to nip the Jag through the slalom (65.3 mph) even though its overall grip level was lower (0.82 g on the pad). The Audi's V-8 is positioned almost entirely ahead of the axle line, but its all-wheel drive helps compensate for what may otherwise be a nose-heavy attitude. The Quattroporte also led the way in braking, halting from 60 in just 112 feet, as opposed to 119 for the Audi and a less-than-average for the category 126 feet for the Jaguar.
Track test results don't always give much indication as to how a car performs in real life. In this case, however, the real-world experience paralleled all the numbers crunching. The Quattroporte is the thriller, no doubt. As its suspension is biased most toward handling, it's not as supple as the Audi or Jag. You'll find yourself driving faster in it, as the grip, cornering abilities, and brakes are so good.
The DuoSelect transmission is far and away this car's most controversial aspect. Drivers who enjoy a manual trans will love orchestrating the Maser's performance using the steering-column-mounted paddles in the manual setting, even though fully automatic Drive is the default mode. The benefit to this setup is that there's none of the power loss experienced with a conventional torque converter-style automatic. The Sport mode brings quicker, firmer shifts in the automatic or manual setting. But it's too easy to fool the tranny elves into slow or jerky shifts. The mode settings are on the dash, the paddles on the wheel, the Drive/Reverse shifter on the console, which is cumbersome. In summary, the right customer will love this aspect of the Quattroporte. The average luxury-car buyer will simply hate it.
Suppleness has always been a Jaguar trait, another aspect to differentiate the marque from the pack of German sedans. This model's longer wheelbase further smoothes an already plush ride. The Super V8 tracks straight as a string on the freeway, is plenty plush without becoming mushy, and the stiff chassis structure doesn't lose its cool, even over lousy pavement. And all that horsepower is easily accessible; just bury the pedal, let the six-speed automatic find the right gear--and whoosh.
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