Maserati Quattroporte GTS - Gentleman mit 530 PS

Italian History

Great historical personalities crossed the pass at the Great Saint Bernard at an altitude of almost 2500 metres. Up here is the border between the Aosta Valley in Italy and the Valais in Switzerland. Napoléon Bonaparte had his historical crossing immortalized in 1800 in a famous painting. He sits lofty on his upright horse, looking at the observer, while he rides to Italy. According to legend, Hannibal also took this pass when he crossed the Alps with his elephants in the deepest winter to conquer Rome. How difficult this way must have been becomes clear when you visit the hospice during the summer months. One is welcomed at about three degrees Celsius by the icy wind blowing over the high lake and the snow-covered rocks.

Maserati Quattroporte GTS – Italian Tradition

Now it is an Italian who takes this path in the opposite direction in order to conquer the world in peaceful mission. He was born in the northern Italian town of Modena in the house of Avoccato Giovanni Agnelli Plant. It has been built here since 1963 – the legendary Maserati Quattroporte.

On the Road to Southern England

With the Maserati Quattroporte GTS, the journey starts from the Italian headquarters to Chichester in southern England to visit the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It stands there royally, in the colour rebel black with 530 horsepower and eight cylinders under the stylishly shaped hood. The logo in the form of a trident of the god Neptune adorns the radiator grille. Its design reflects Italy’s attitude to life: speed and sportiness combined with luxury and comfort.

Fast Cars and Conscious Eating

It is understandable that the quote “We have fast cars and slow food” comes from Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy. “Slow Food” stands for delicious and conscious food that comes from the region: Aceto Balsamico di Modena, Lambrusco Modenese, Parmiggiano Reggiano … One could continue the culinary list endlessly. Before the journey starts, the guest is spoiled with Italian food culture.

Top Class Italian Design – Maserati Quattroporte

Just as an Italian attaches importance to good food, comfort with style is important to him. The interior of the Quattroporte GTS is available in three colour combinations. The red leather is extravagant, combined with anthracite-coloured elements woven from silk fibres, created by luxury designer Ermenegildo Zegna. The driver is literally bedded on the finest silk as he drives along the road in comfort mode at speeds of up to 308 kilometers per hour. Or in sports mode to enjoy the typical engine sound.

Swiss Vineyards and French Champagne

From Modena to Chichester it is about 1500 km drive. The first stop on the journey is in idyllic Montreux on Lake Geneva in Switzerland, before continuing on to France. The overnight stay is in the legendary luxury resort Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, which lies directly on the lake, surrounded by vineyards and mountain ranges. The hotel is a storyteller of the Golden Art Nouveau Age, in which the rich and beautiful met for sumptuous celebrations. Walking through the magnificent portico and the corridors leading to the traditionally furnished rooms and suites, one respects the spirit of the past to this day.

Delicatessen All Around You

One could call Reims the Mecca of France for history and cuisine. Or just as the place where God likes to go to eat. This is where the grapes for the champagne grow and where the best gourmet temple in the world is located. You’ll be staying at five-star château L’Assiette Champenoise. The house combines bourgeois with contemporary style, which is reflected in the modernly furnished spacious rooms. You dine in the hotel’s own restaurant, where Arnaud Lallement, the master of the house, cooks himself. He is one of the best chefs in the world. His culinary skills were rewarded with three stars from the Guide Michelin and five hoods from Gault & Millau. The chef’s creations are rounded off with champagne and cheese variations from the region.

Circuit de Reims-Geux

On the way to the Eurotunnel you pass Circuit de Reims-Geux, the most famous racetrack in France. It was shut down in 1970. Too dangerous were the bends in which many racers had to give their lives. Today you can only hear the chirping of crickets in the fields surrounding the skeletons of the pits and spectator stands. Nevertheless, the legendary track is worth a short stop.

In the Best Company

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the catwalk for the most beautiful and fastest cars from all eras worldwide. It will be held on the grounds of the Goodwood House of the racing enthusiast Lord March. The 1.86 kilometre mountain race is well known. Nine curves have to be overcome, partly bordered by a high stone wall. Three days you have time to see car treasures in the pits as well as during a rally. It is the largest open-air car museum. Maserati is also present with its models. With a little luck you can join the race as a pillion rider in the Gran Turismo and feel the power of the engine. Goodwood is an adrenaline-rich conclusion to a stylish journey. “Neptune’s trident is the sceptre of the world” is an 18th century quote – the Maserati logo seems to be a very good choice.