New Quattroporte S hits the gym

The Choice of Chismillionaire

Earlier this year, MT technical director Frank Markus got behind the wheel of the 2009 Maserati Quattroporte S sedan, a vehicle he felt was nimbler than the base Q'porte with a far more stirring engine note -- thanks in part to 25 extra horses and 22 lb-ft of torque from the S model's half-liter-larger 4.L V-8. Apparently, the S wasn't quite sporty enough though, so a Sport GT version is being added to the mix for those select few Quattroporte customers who want to take things up another notch in the exclusivity department. Called the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, the newest addition to the Quattroporte family is set to bow at the rapidly approaching 2009 Detroit auto show. The newest Q'porte is being dubbed "the ultimate expression of Maserati's sportiness in the Quattroporte range." So what does all that ultimate sporty expression get you? Around 10 more horses from the 425 HP, 4.7L V-8 from the Quattroporte S through a mapping of the engine A six-speed automatic with modified software management, offering what Maserati says are "new features designed to increase driving enjoyment." A modified front and rear suspension with single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and a slightly lower ride height A sport exhaust system controlled by pneumatic valves, for even more of that stirring engine note Of course, it wouldn't be a special edition if it didn't have some distinguishing exterior and interior flourishes, and the Quattroporte Sport GT S has several new features to set it apart from its lesser Quattroporte siblings. The updates include: A black grille with concave vertical fins, centered by a Trident logo with red accents -- a cue Maserati says is typical of its sportier models Maserati's new bi-Xenon headlights featuring10 LED turn-signal indicators, finished in metallic titanium A "shadow line" around the car, created by employing back finish work around the doors, adding body-colored door handles and black twin oval exhaust pipes New M-design seats with a mix of perforated Alcantara and leather Trim done in Titantex, what Maserati calls a "titanium colored" composite material So far, no pricing has been announced, but expect a fairly stiff premium over the $124,000 Quattroporte S, because according to Maserati, this is a car that "sets yet another milestone in terms of sportiness in the high performance luxury sedan segment of the automotive market." Stay tuned for more on the Quattroporte Sport GT S when it makes its Detroit show debut during the show press days, Jan. 11-13, 2009.