Detroit 2009: Maserati Quattroporte Sport GTS

For 2009, Maserati has added a new variant to the Quattroporte line. The Sport GTS model packs various mechanical upgrades into the highly acclaimed Quattroporte 4-door to make a bit more aggressive.  The biggest change is the switch from the older 4.3L Ferrari-derived V8 to the new 4.7L V8, already used in the GranTurismo S coupe as well as the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

This new V8 bumps the power output of the Quattroporte from an even 400 up to 433, and torque jumps from 339 to 361 lb-ft.  Despite the increased displacement, the power curve shifts upward - the 4.7L V8 now reaches a rev limit of 7,200 rpms with the power peak at a lofty 7,000 rpm, the same as the regular 4.3L Quattroporte, but the torque peak is 500 rpms higher, at 4,750 rpm.  One neat feature of this new model are the pneumatic flaps in the exhaust system.  When the car is in regular mode, they are closed and hush the exhaust for around-town driving and cruising.  In "Sport" mode, the flaps open and let out some more of that glorious V8 racket.

In addition to the engine changes, the Quattroporte Sport GTS features tweaked transmission programming, for faster shifts, rev-matched downshifts, and longer gear holding at part throttle.  Also included in these transmission upgrades is a rudimentary "launch control" mode.  Using this feature, Maserati claims their halo sedan can blast to sixty in 5.1 seconds.

The suspension on the Sport GTS has been modified over the standard setup, with single-rate dampers (instead of softer progressive ones), higher spring rates, and a lowered ride height to take better advantage of the Quattroporte's inherent perfect weight balance.  This should be quite a nimble car, considering it's length and 4,300lb curb weight.

External differentiations are relatively minor; the Sport GTS gets a black-colored concave grille with a red-accented Maserati Trident. (which, by the way, is still the coolest manufacturer logo out there.)  Titanium-accented headlights make the front end look even more sinister as it flies up behind you on the highway, and the gorgeous trident-shaped 20" wheels give the car a strong stance.  Body colored door handles, blacked out exhaust pipes, and a general banishing of the chrome trim completes the thug look that footballers should be sporting next year.

Inside, the Sport GTS is trimmed like a proper Quattroporte - absolutely opulently.  The seats are more heavily bolstered than the standard sedan, and feature Alcantara and leather construction.  The steering wheel has shifter paddles, brushed 3D-effect aluminum trim is an option, and it's still as lovely as ever.

No pricing has been announced yet, but considering the base Quattroporte is the classiest way out there to spend $119,000, don't expect a whole lot of change back from $140 for this top-of-the-line model.  The addition of the Sport GTS model should keep the Quattroporte, which debuted in 2004, fresh for a few years to come.  Plus, good taste never goes out of style