Skis, slopes, and Quattroportes: Maserati’s Winter Drive Experience comes to Aspen

By Andrew Hard Published February 10, 2015

Maserati Aspen Winter Drive Experience — Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are few places in the world where if you said, “Maserati is taking over the town for a month, handing out test drives, and buying everyone drinks,” you wouldn’t be that surprised. Aspen, Colorado is one of those places.

The snow-capped city, which boasts some of the highest real estate prices in the United States, will again host Maserati’s ‘Aspen Winter Drive Experience’ this year. The event will include test drives, hospitality, and education about the brand’s “on demand” Q4 all-wheel drive system.

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Running from February 12^th to March 8^th, the Italian automaker will provide a fleet of Ghibli S Q4s and Quattroporte S Q4s for the townsfolk to test in wintery conditions, as well as hosting events at several luxury resorts in the area.

“After a drive, or a long day on the slopes, Aspenites will be able to drop by the Maserati lounge at The Sky Hotel’s 39 Degrees, where they can enjoy an après-ski aperitif throughout the February-March activation,” the automaker says.

Maserati Aspen Winter Drive Experience — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Maserati calls its AWD Q4 system “on demand” because it’s only there when you need it.

During regular driving, the range-topping Ghibli and Quattroporte function as rear-wheel drive vehicles. If the computer senses slip, however, it can send up to 50 percent of the engine’s power to the front.

In S Q4 guise, both cars equip a Ferrari-built, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6. The engine produces 410 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque and is linked to an eight-speed ‘ZF’ automatic.

On a dry road, both cars can travel from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.9 seconds, give or take a tenth. On the snowy roads of Aspen? Well, let’s hope everybody’s careful up there.

Guests can register at the link here.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

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