2006 Maserati Quattroporte

This is Maserati's flagship four-door, the car that proved the brand could build a proper luxury sedan. It's a big sedan that shrinks around you on a good road, with sharp steering and a chassis that loves to be pushed. The cabin is a proper Italian grand tourer inside, all hand-stitched leather and rich wood, though the rear seat is snug for the size. Running one takes commitment, since Italian exotic parts and service don't come cheap. The DuoSelect automated manual and a sportier suspension set the Quattroporte apart from the standard car, but most 2006 examples have the regular automatic. Its 4.2L V8 makes 396 horsepower and drives the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic, which suits the car's grand-touring character better than the optional automated manual. The optional Skyhook adaptive dampers give you a noticeably more comfortable ride without giving up the handling that makes this sedan special.