‘A real driving machine in the guise of a luxury saloon,’ says Maserati of its new Quattroporte Sport GT S, due for unveiling at January’s Detroit Motor Show – which just happens to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Maserati’s first victory in the Indianapolis 500.

Not a very original epithet, perhaps, but then these words have always been more applicable to the Trident’s superlative four-door than to many cars which claim the same honour.

The technical changes are not great: a touch of remapping for the 4.7-litre V8 to give another few horsepower, now up to 433bhp; new software for the gearshift to ‘increase driving enjoyment’; stiffer springs and a lower ride height; and a deeper, more throaty sound for the exhaust thanks to pneumatic valves.

Meanwhile, a slightly more sporty and aggressive look is the intention, with a new black grille complete with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo and red accents, typical of the sportier versions of Maserati models. Other visual changes include new headlights, in metallic titanium finish, a side and rear ‘shadow line’, which includes black finishing around the doors, plus body-coloured door handles and black twin oval exhaust pipes. Inside, new seats with perforated Alcantara and leather upholstery complement the standard trim in Titantex, a ‘titanium-coloured’ composite.

Prices for the new Quattroporte Sport GT S have not yet been announced.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Maserati