Quattroporte and Phaeton - Top Speed on the Salt Flats! - Big Sedan Challenge #6 | Everyday Driver

In our on-going adventure with our cheap old luxury sedans, we drove the Quattroporte and Phaeton to the Bonneville Salt Flats to see just how fast they'll go.
00:00 - 1:58 Intro
1:58 - 6:26 New Problems
6:26 - 8:28 Onto the Salt
8:28 - 24:48 Top Speed Runs
24:48 - Limping Home
#phaeton #quattroporte #bigsedanchallenge
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[@DanielHrivnak]

Please post a video of washing these off. That could be quite satisfying and/or funny.

[@functionalist]

You'll literally need to go over the same spots multiple times with a pressure washer. Also, the salt falls off from underneath the car in chunks at gas stations and parking lots when you're driving back. It looks like snow, but it's 110 degrees outside and there's all this white stuff around your car. It's surreal.

[@anzew88]

I do 150 mph regularly on the autobahn with my V10 Phaeton, but it needs to be empty, that speed between two guardrails is crazy fast, stopping this weight even with the 8 piston Brembos is a challenge, bigger than getting there.

[@burackbb]

I got v10 too. It can easily do 180mph

[@Guerilla333]

V6 I can do 155

[@YouCallum]

North American Phaetons are all limited to 130mph - in Europe they’re limited to 155mph

[@captainvector]

I wonder if that's at least partly due to the tires that the factory put on them. I've seen the same thing for BMWs - the standard speed limiter for the US market is set at 155, but if you order it with all season tires in place of the high performance tires that are normally fitted, the speed limiter is set at 130.

[@HellzHonour]

He went 135 in the video

[@YouCallum]

CaptainVector That’s a good point - I’d never thought of that I live in England and have a 3.2 V6 Phaeton (not sold outside Europe) and I’ve had 140mph out of it so a 4.2 V8 should be able to beat that without any issues

[@YouCallum]

HellzHonour Speedometers almost always over read speed by an increasing percentage the faster you go - that Maserati was probably travelling about 10mph slower than indicated

[@captainvector]

@@YouCallum I think this is required by some governments -- that factory speedometers must not under-report the speed (read slower than the car is actually going), so that an inaccurate speedometer is not a viable defense against a speeding citation. If the guys had really wanted to know their speeds accurately, they should have used GPS-derived groundspeed. But that wasn't really the point; they didn't even put a camera on the cars' speedometers.

[@anthonyb8979]

watching the rear wheels and exhaust vibrate on the Phaeton on the way home was priceless! Please post pictures of the salt cake after you washed it all off.

[@MathsYknow]

My Maserati does one sixty five.. I lost my headlights, now I don't drive.

[@richards1816]

Great play on lyrics of a certain song... like if you get it ;-)

[@justanotherdrunk]

its 185 but yea great!

[@richards1816]

@@justanotherdrunk I knew it was 185 in the song, but Paul hit 165 in this Mazer ;-)

[@justanotherdrunk]

@@richards1816 got it thanks

[@stek1961]

@@justanotherdrunk Joe Walsh had a Maserati 5000GT, top speed 168mph, so he was over-egging it a bit! I have the QP5 top speed is 171mph

[@daryl252000ify]

I believe the VW is electronically limited to 135MPH.

[@rajderspl4126]

Confirmed

[@ToolDeals]

It is

[@kevinhabener1279]

That's good, compared to my 2004 base Jaguar XJ8 being restricted to, 121MPH when it has a lot left (I found out they were that much restricted for North America, 155 if supercharged). And the worst thing about it is the fact that since it's as old as it is, nothing can be done to change that, so its potential stays locked. And now I've just added an '83 Mercedes 240D Diesel (with a stick-shift) to my car collection, no power, no disappointments. Plus I am debating whether or not I want to upgrade on my Jag from my base to a 2004 XJR, the supercharged version of the XJ8, which will probably be more sought after in a collector market.

[@Sqeezerful]

I commute in my Phaeton >130mph (in Germany). Probably an US feature? Some winter tires demand reduced top speed, that limit can be set in the cluster.

[@j.g.hermanson3943]

VAG com software will fix some of the limiters, but because the brakes and brake module are smaller on USA car than the ROW (rest of the world )since the speed limits are slower in the USA

[@brianhuggins7951]

Kudos to both of you and the BIG SEDAN CHALLENGE!! A 1000 road trip and the Bonneville Salt Flats!! I really enjoy this series because I have a 2013 Chrysler 300C. To see y'all flog these two big sedans has been entertaining. Keep it up.

[@k.l.barrett4661]

Ah, the salt flats - the perfect way to give your warm climate car an authentic "Rust Belt" look

[@BradLancaster86]

the proving grounds of rental cars

[@BradLancaster86]

@Unkwon Malaysian Guy could dissolve, but it did get rain this morning. More data needed

[@zulqarnain401]

Love the Maserati!

[@MrSlash00r]

"160. 160? Holy sh##". lol. Priceless.

[@ziobonfa96]

but maserati 4.2 can reach 171 mph and 4.7 can reach 177 mph

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

Cars with a soul seduce their drivers over time....resistance is futile! ;) Don't tell me cars don't have a soul! Great review guys - love it!

[@GenerationsLodge]

Well, the Salt Flats is a new one for me! Great show! I’ve watched all 6 episodes in one sitting!

[@EverydayDriver]

We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed this series. Thank you for watching!

[@dlloydgriffin1]

I think this was my favorite big sedan piece, very fun! Pretty impressive that the Mas hit 165!

[@forrestjenkins5793]

Great video. So much fun watching y’all do that with those cars. Keep up the great work.

[@aroundomaha]

Epic! Loved it. That was a great adventure and I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@chrisluecke3341]

That. Was. Epic! Loved the new intro too.

[@CAR_NL]

The Maserati needs a new battery. All these problems are typpicaly for a low battery voltage.

[@Guerilla333]

Phaeton had two batteries:)

[@davidgoris1]

You guys just have way too much fun !!!! Great to watch ---keep up the good work !!!

[@yeahno....]

You need to disconnect the Maserati battery and leave for 15min then reconnect, put key in but don’t start, give it another few mins , then start it, and while key in ignition press the lock and unlock buttons, this will correctly reset all the various computer modules and hopefully you will lose the warnings

[@collincutler2278]

Nice job! Looks like an amazing time, with some consequences though, haha. Keep up the great work!

[@Epitaph11]

Think I’m going to be sad to see these cars and this content go

[@TMJK22]

I haven’t watched the whole video yet, but I’m so excited! I’ve always wanted a Maserati QPV and I own a Phaeton V8 right now!!! This is gonna be an awesome 26 minutes to watch!!

[@TMJK22]

This was a great watch hahaha! I read a comment saying the US Phaeton’s are limited to 130mph, which is a shame! I had my Phaeton going 255km/h (158mph) on GPS on the Autobahn. Remarkably stable and tough! Very surprising though, to see the Maserati hit that speeds on slushy, rough salt! A car full of surprising and a little bit special character. Awesome watch, I really enjoyed it!!

[@EverydayDriver]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed!

[@diestar1]

Very much enjoyed this series and hope you do it again.

[@ivanp6608]

Great job gentlemen. On the Maserati you're probably going to need to disconnect that battery and fully charged it or replace it. If there is not enough amperage or voltage in that battery it can cause the problems you are having. Immensely enjoyed the episode.

[@242HP]

I actually just learned that from watching one of Scotty Kilmer's videos, lol.

[@josephflynn8158]

Another excellent one, thank you!

[@garyonnen7634]

Just good dum fun. Thanks

[@BlackhawkTDI]

I have an ‘04 Phaeton V8. Yes the car is limited to 130mph. With that being said, I’d love to win this Phaeton to add to the collection and give it a good home.

[@tomfurie2996]

That was awesome! Something all enthusiasts dream of doing. I’m sure if you went during a local event you could get a few pointers to push the Maserati past 170 and unlock the VW limiter to get up there as well.

[@joespittle1]

Another positive from taking your car to Bonneville, you will soon find any spots where the paint may be chipping and bare metal has been exposed

[@joespittle1]

18:17, when you realise you really are going 160

[@moereefer]

That’s so cool sweet thank you guys. Best ever

[@Maybe1Someday]

A salt encrusted electronically failed Maseratti, I want it.

[@matthewrosado8585]

Love it!!! I have a 2009 Maserati Quattroporte S with the 4.7L ZF. I would give your Maserati a good home.

[@bobf5711]

That would a good idea. Especially since you will need a parts donor car to keep your pos on the road. Yup, on on cinder blocks in the front yard. I can see it now. Ciao

[@matthewrosado8585]

@@bobf5711 oh brother. You know nothing of these cars and it shows. Keep that hate building in you. Watch it grow into nothing. Waste of your time. BTW, it's a Ferrari f136 engine with a ZF 6hp26 trans. Yep, some of the best engines and trans series ever created. Pure trash. 😆 Clown.

[@jackiejorpjomp]

Awesome. Im mad im only just now finding this channel.

[@ernieterrell2104]

I have been looking for a phaeton I will be saving money to get me. One. Thanks for your show

[@85drum]

Best video EVER ! Love it!

[@TheAdventuresofMistyandMike]

This was awesome! Seems like lot of fun. Not so much fun for the next person that owns those cars!

[@JBsC6]

I throughly enjoyed these two vehicles over the past few months and in this video. Always wondered what the ownership experience would be on these two vehicles I prefer the exotic italian over the teutonic german machine...thank you for your reports on these two luxury sedans

[@KanoValentine]

18:15 When reality kicks in

[@61percentodicarica]

"160!! 160?! Holy shit!" ahahaha

[@nathanwabre]

Guys that’s rad!! Fucking amazing to see these euro sedans flying on salt 💪 thanks Paul and Todd 😊

[@lbeats442]

This was awesome!!!

[@4HorsemanRacing]

That was badass! I'd love to have either of those cars. I drive a 427k mile VW passat at the moment and either of them would look good in my driveway beside it haha. Crazy how much that salt cakes on the cars. Going to need a hell of a power wash to get it all off.

[@lenwoodcruze3594]

Have you guys tried doing the "Service Reset" on both cars? I ask because I currently own 2 VWs and when the service countdown starts I tend to get CELs and transmission errors on both cars.... Once I do the reset the warning lights go away.

[@2philly7venz]

AMAZING STUFF!!!! ESPECIALLY THE MAAS!!! #WOOOHOOO!!!

[@davidfulginiti5985]

Cool, imagine going 150 in the early 50s with a 32 Ford! Thanks

[@JJC991]

165mph in the maserati on salt!? Holy crap man. I had my quattroporte up to 120 once on the freeway... And I thought that was scary.

[@darius2640]

Arent they gonna rust into oblivion after bathing in so much salt? Or is this some diferent kind of salt?

[@michaelbullington3182]

depends on how well the manufacturer protects the underbody. My dad's full frame 70's Chevy has way more rust damage than most; he went there 3 years for Speed Week. It's just regular old salt crystals, not much different than what they use in some winter climes.

[@tomaszbudnik521]

its the same salt NaCl. if there is somewhere unprotected steel and salt will be not wash away steel will rust quickly

[@philtripe]

one time... compared to daily, weekly... yearly but yeah... thats what you car looks like after one nasty, wet and salty commute in the "rust belt" that why cars there disintegrate after five, ten years

[@krane15]

Only if you let it stay on the car indefinitely. All modern cars have substantial rustproofing, so it is unlike that a single exposure to salt will cause any damage.

[@mehdiremidi8632]

6:11 there s a screw holding it together from the fuel cap side once u open it the first time unscrew that and u can just open it with your hand like if it was a manual thing not auto release when u click the bouton ( not sure but other vw's have that )

[@sisyphuscranerigging7792]

Guys, there's another episode in it when you follow up with the winners months later to see how they are getting on with these saloons! Please (someday) make that video!

[@tswinter1]

Hey guys try unhooking the battery in the Maserati for 10 minutes and see if that doesn't reset some stuff for you ! Keep up the good work !!😎

[@Bugumir]

It was wrong to take such cars to the salt strip but at least you were honest about it. Great video. The Maserati really won me over.

[@balesjo]

135 mph max on the salt flats. Still, I think the Phaeton is one of the most interesting cars that to this point has ever been released, even if it is a money pit to maintain. The Maserati was very interesting to watch flying across that salt.

[@nube144]

Nice and funny job!!

[@pogofx]

I discovered your channel and started following Everyday Driver when I was looking to buy a Subaru BRZ. I watched all of your videos on Todd's adventures with his FRS and I eventually pulled the trigger on a BRZ mostly because of what I saw here. I even went with the same modifications - the FT86 Speedfactory exhaust/header and OpenFlash Tablet -because of your channel and Todd's experiences. I always wanted a Lotus Elise for the light weight driver's car that it is, but the BRZ was a better fit because of its practicality, reliability, and everyday "driverness". It blew my mind when Todd ditched the FRS and got the Lotus. However, it gave me a great sense of satisfaction that we value the same raw and engaging feel of a car. Well, anyway, I continue to watch all of your videos and I'm so glad I discovered your channel. Keep up the great work. BTW, what are the details of the car give away?

[@EverydayDriver]

We’re thrilled to have you with us and glad to know our work helped you find a car you love! Todd still loves and recommends the 86 platform on our podcast. These sedans will be given away to one of the people who originally contributed to the fundraising to buy them. We will be doing another cheap car challenge after this - we appreciate you watching!

[@williamrogers8299]

Love both of these, after all these years the "4 door"is still beautiful. How do we possibly win either?

[@TheTektronik]

It's great the cars disn't break down in the middle of the run. I love the series well done.

[@krane15]

That would have been a bummer if either of them had.

[@RetroCarsForever]

Awesome! Can anyone just show up and drive? Or do you need permits or something?

[@mrnicktoyou]

The amount of things broken on these cars is crazy. I have a cheap normal car of the same age and nothing is broken.

[@iwannapoop]

My dodge pickup is 10 years older and everything works!! Albeit there is much to brake

[@bobf5711]

Yeah and your car is not anything that anyone is reading about. We want drama and trash talk about these so we all can feel.better about our own beige boring econoboxes. Just think about all the money those depreciated since new. Ouch, could have a fleet of beige boring ones!!!

[@Sqeezerful]

There is a key feature that is underestimated here: speed over time. In Germany it is easy to travel >120mph for long distances. Speed isn't a problem in many cars - e.g. in a C63 AMG. My point is that the Phaeton and the 4-porte compete in this aspect as a true long distance high speed cruiser. That is the true challenge. Driver fatigue and other factors measure in here.

[@Twobarpsi]

Salt: ruins the paint, and rusts the body.

[@jeffvandeven7728]

The phaetons body is aluminum

[@absconditus8660]

@@jeffvandeven7728 the trunk, doors and hood are aluminiun, the body is steel, but it's galvanized by dipping so it won't rust

[@deweywarner8010]

I bought a 2005 Phaeton 4 seater, and then another driving Phaeton for a parts car/daily driver. The 4 seater is only driven 3,000 miles per year. The parts car has its problems but keeps on going. Can't have enough backup cars for these low volume surviving cars. Hint, hint. But the Maserati is a real beauty were it not for the transmission. Glad to see you are having fun. Look forward to whomever the cars go to so they can learn to agony and the ecstasy of these cars..

[@joeychaseable]

Why wouldn't you show the gauges/speedometer?

[@Unaether]

Very cool!

[@michaelwise535]

Love it!

[@PowerslideSWE]

Make sure to wash the Maser after that, it's donna dissolve otherwise ;)

[@TheIndoGod]

Wish I Didn’t Get Here So Late. Quattroporte Is My Dream Car 😞 I’d Love To Have It & The Phaeton. My Luck

[@krane15]

As long as you apportion an additional 12 grand to bring it up to specs.

[@242HP]

I was actually thinking about taking my car out to the salt flats back in June, but after watching your video I'm glad I didn't! Now how do we get in on the chance to win your Phaeton? :)

[@Strike86]

Really curious what the electronic fault with the Maserati was, and what it would cost to fix.

[@heinedenmark]

The Rati is just awesome..

[@keithwhittygmail]

The VW was tested in Artic and in Nevada to make sure the cabin temp wouldn't fluctuate one degree running at 200kph for 24hrs. Or something along those lines.

[@kylejohnson6061]

Surprised you guys didn't mount a go pro low and on the outside!

[@blackfuji6878]

I want the VW!!! I see it all the time when I deliver in your area.

[@Bill-lr4kp]

That quattroporte doesn't even over heat during this top speed run! Unbelievable.

[@Gabztar97]

Impressively quite the phanteom is. I know it’s a luxury car but from 03-09 is impressive

[@mdio]

The beauty and the beast... and the beauty is also faster!

[@Daniel-lv8ze]

I love salt and I love big sedans!

[@kevinfestner6126]

I could actually see the curvature of the Earth from the Maserati forward shots.

[@selcuksancak]

At autobahn 155 is a piece of cake for both of these two cars.

[@josedealbuquerquejr.941]

Awesome Maserati, specially if you consider this is 4200 model with cambio corsa...

[@jaroslavzaruba2765]

Awesomeness :D

[@vr6gls]

U.S. spec Phaetons have a speed cut at 135mph. The car is capable of much higher speeds but it is electronically held back.

[@RockstarBruski]

Hilarious great fun! So whoever "wins" these cars will say; "I won! Oh wait...I won but lost!" 😂

[@PetraPraise]

Always wanted a Phaeton.

[@imanbakhtiyari9922]

Miss that place

[@pkonneker]

One of my dreams is to take a car out there and goof around. Like literally any car. :)

[@benjamincottle8500]

You took an Italian car onto a lake of salt?! Are you nuts?!!

[@bassandtrebleclef]

When the car says "Go to dealer", is that the moment you begin to question your choice?

[@krane15]

I'm thinking most owner would figure that out on their own. Eventually. But thanks anyway computer.

[@eddiemarks2404]

The suspension will not allow you to go past your control point on a pheaton. I had a 2002 v8 that I pushed to 176 mph, and it had more to give. The pheaton does not give full horsepower until 85mph. The cv joints would break if not. It's a 6000 lb tank. The suspension and traction control are like no other!! I miss her.

[@wojciechorama]

Phaeton passy by sounds like a massive thunder

[@andrewm5840]

Haha this is great!

[@ToolDeals]

Please let us know how to win. I could use the bumper and hood off that Phaeton. Just made a couple of videos on mine. Is this one they have a W12?

[@logancrouse6030]

Be happy to win that vw

[@denton8047]

This is my style. Hours of gremlin fixing on the cheapest fast car variant just to break it again on a runway, yup.

[@krane15]

I don't know about the Quattroporte but the Phaeton continued to advance for many more years and continued to sell in China. However, VW did eventually discontinue the W-12.

[@riesa85]

As a windscreen specialist with a bit of an ocd, those stone chips on the maseratis windscreen are killing me...

[@stevevlahos5469]

What is the limit of the Phaeton W12?

[@nsz2302]

Just FYI the rear lights over the seats don't just decide to stay on. In the Maserati it has 3 settings on off and door (as usual) but if you leave them on the 'ON' position they will stay on until the battery dies. I know i have the same on my Alfa. And if it says in the book that you should not jump the car with the battery connected why on earth did you?

[@moneyc5893]

You said you were giving this Phaeton away?!? How do I sign up??

[@jamesbrown3358]

It’s all in the tires. The VW had bigger more aggressive tires that carried more salt. I’m going with that...

[@matthewrosado8585]

The tires are 275 minimum on the qp rears.