Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S for NAIAS
As the luxury-sports saloon market grows rapidly with competition from Porsche, Aston Martin and potentially Lamborghini - Maserati has further enhanced its Quattroporte S model to mark the 70th anniversary of the brand's first Indianapolis 500 win.
The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S has been conceived as “a real driving machine in the guise of a luxury saloon”, representing the ultimate expression of performance in the model range.
Over the enhancements introduced on the Quattroporte S, the Sport GT S boasts an uprated 323kW of power derived from a remapping of the 4.7-litre V8 engine.
In addition, the ZF six-speed automatic transmission has been tweaked for faster gearshifts through the steering wheel mounted paddles.
Its performance boost has been emphasised by introducing a pneumatically controlled sports exhaust which unlocks the deep V8 rumble from the engine, producing a throaty and intimidating sound.
The front and rear suspension has been altered, introducing stiffer springs and a lowered ride height for a more aggressive stance and agile handling.
Outside, its intentions are more than clear, introducing a new black grille with concave vertical fins which house the Trident logo with red accents - a trademark of sportier versions of Maserati models.
New headlights in a metallic titanium finish, side and rear “shadow line”, which includes black finishing around the doors, body-coloured door handles and black twin oval exhaust pipes complete the look.
Inside, new M-design seats have been finished in perforated Alcantara and leather upholstery while Titantex becomes the standard trim, comprising a “titanium coloured” composite material.
The new Quattroporte Sport GTS will be unveiled at the 2009 NAIAS in Detroit.