First look: Sport GT treatment for Quattroporte S

MASERATI has taken the wraps off the most sporting iteration of its Quattroporte sedan yet produced.

Due to make its global debut at the Detroit motor show on January 11, when Maserati will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its first Indianapolis victory, the Quattroporte Sport GT S is based on the new 4.7-litre ‘S’ version of the Italian marque’s facelifted luxury sedan, which itself is due on sale here within months.

Australian and New Zealand deliveries of the even more aggressive Sport GT S are expected to take place from the third quarter of 2009, featuring a number of upgrades over the Quattroporte S upon which it is based.

These include a remapped version of the 4.7-litre V8, which now produces 323kW revised gearshift management software designed “to increase driving enjoyment” a retuned front and rear suspension system featuring single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and a lower ride height and the fitment of pneumatic exhaust valves to produce “a deep, throaty and captivating sound”.

Cosmetically, the Quattroporte Sport GT S comprises a new black grille with concave vertical fins bearing Maserati’s Trident logo with red accents new headlights with a metallic titanium finish and side and rear “shadow lines” including a black door surrounds.

Also setting the Sport GT S apart from the Quattroporte S are black twin oval exhaust pipes new M-design seats with perforated Alcantara and leather upholstery and a titanium-coloured composite interior trim dubbed Titantex.

Read more:

First look: Fresh style and S version for Quattroporte