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Master Maserati Driving School: Only Kings and Queens Wear the Crown Kimatni D. Rawlins, 06.07.06 Like the Four Seasons Hotels, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, Gulfstream jets and Armani Suits, Maserati is a brand which appeals mightily to the elite. And not only does the name represent a storied marque, but to drive a Quattroporte Sport GT on tranquilizing roads can be equated to sipping a chilled glass of fine Pinot Grigio on a relaxing summer evening. This same vehicle will counter every aggressive tendency in your body, because it’s “smooth like that.” So dare to drive like an animal and the luxury performance sedan becomes your personal Roadrunner. The Master Maserati Driving School To experience the performance, handling, craftsmanship and style of Maserati’s two and four door whips, as well as their new driving school, it was only logical to head to Road Atlanta for a day of racing on the well-known track. The Master Maserati Driving School, which opened in May, is designed to offer Maserati owners and enthusiasts alike the opportunity to experience Italian excellence. The vehicles of choice are the 400-horspower GranSport, Quattroporte and Coupe. A one-day session will run you $1,800, and $3,400 for two-day sessions. “Each Maserati is designed and carefully crafted to provide a spectacular driving experience,” said James Selwa, president of Maserati North America. “We sought a teaching staff that could provide expert training and a world class racetrack on which to run on.” By attending the school, participants walk away with a better understanding of driving dynamics such as visualization, vehicle control, high-speed lane changes, controlled braking, accident avoidance and much more. For more info visit www.masteramerica.com/master. Quattroporte Sport GT One year ago, Maserati held title to four vehicle models, today they have eight. The Modena-built cars have engines and engineering which come from Ferrari. To begin our morning experience, we first drove the Quattroportes on public roads. I chose a burgundy Sport GT with a light two-toned camel and black leather interior. It was classically beautiful. Like in a Ferrari, the race-inspired steering wheel has imprints for your thumb which provide more steering input and control; the 20” Pirelli tires wrapped luxury alloy wheels; the stopping power came from Brembo cross-drilled disc brakes and the 4.2-liter 400-horsepower V8 was impressive. Over 75% of its maximum torque is offered at only 2,500 rpm, allowing the vehicle to scoot from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds and top out at 165 mph. Its transmission -- though very sophisticated, probably too much so for your average luxury sedan owner -- is a wonder. The 6-speed electro-hydraulic Maserati Duoselect transmission allows you to drive in auto mode or manually (clutchless) using the large paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Every shift was a delight. Still as classic as the first model in 1963, the current Quattroporte was sculpted by the great designer Sergio Pininfarina. Its shark-like snout (Hammerhead to be exact) is aggressive enough to face off with the likes of the Benz AMG and BMW M packages while simultaneously inducing viewers with the seduction of fine Italian styling. Maserati Coupe After a delightful morning drive in the sport sedans and a satisfying lunch, we were ready for Road Atlanta in Maserati’s line of Gran Turismos. Before the actual lap sessions, Maserati had the drivers work on our individual skills including reaction, response and timing. Demonstrations included evasive lane changes, autocross and slalom. For example, with the high speed lane change, I was able to turn either hard right or left to avoid an approaching object then, brake abruptly to keep from rear ending the object in the next lane. This must be done with an awareness of where you are on the road, smooth steering inputs, and faith that your vehicle is capable. The Coupe is bred with racing-derived technology so they are very capable. A light alloy V8 with 390 horses sets the stage for the Coupe performance mannerisms. Wed that with either a 6-speed manual (Coupe GT) or an F1 based Cambiocorsa 6-speed which operates in both manual and fully automatic modes. The driver may also select “Normal” mode for a more comforting drive and “Sport” for an exciting drive. Of course I left it in “Sport” for my hot laps on the track. Add the patented “Skyhook” suspension, and your race experience will always be remembered. Exceeding speeds of 120 mph, the vehicle felt perfectly at home on the track. With a set of vehicles chasing each other around bends and in and out of dips like squirrels in trees, the Master Maserati Driving School really made me feel like a racer, and certainly a better driver.