Chismillionaire's second favorite sedan gets a refresh

For 2009, the delectable Maserati Quattroporte luxury sports sedan has received a little freshening up in the looks department. The grille now features vertical slats -- a traditional Maserati design feature and just like the GranTurismo (the super coupe based on the same platform). It also gets LED lights at both ends and the side view mirrors have been re-shaped, connected to the body with more streamlined mountings.

Inside, a new entertainment and navigation system is part of a revised cabin that offers two new colors of leather upholstery: Marrone Corniola and Sabbia. No idea what they are (although the first one might be a deep red), but they sound great and have the distinction of replacing the beige option.

The great thing is that this Pininfarina design (one of Italy’s -- nay, the world’s -- top studios) is still uncorrupted by the obligatory mid-life revamp that all manufacturers feel the need to do. The 2009 Maserati Quattroporte is available as, um, the Quattroporte and the Quattroporte S, a slightly sportier model. The former has a 4.2-liter V-8 engine, the latter a 4.7. Both are wonderful, both are Ferrari-sourced.

Maserati neglected to mention whether the prices will go up, so consider the current starting MSRP of $110,600 as something of a ballpark. The new cars will be delivered from October onwards.