The current Maserati Quattroporte has been on sale for nearly five years and has managed to tally more than 15,000 sales worldwide in that time. Despite the lack of significant upgrades since its introduction, the model continues to be a driving force for the company’s sales and was a key factor in helping the marque return to profitability last year after 17 years of losses. In order to keep sales strong as Maserati works on a full replacement due in 2011, the current Quattroporte saloon will receive a minor facelift and several mechanical upgrades.

Changes include a new grille with vertical slats, reminiscent of the GranTurismo, and revised headlights with a strip of LED daytime running lights along their base. The under-door moulding is more noticeable and blends with the new bumpers, which have a wider protective band and more pronounced rear styling. The side-view mirrors are also new and feature a more aerodynamic shape than the units on the previous car.

More powerful S model added
A new addition is the Quattroporte S variant, which picks up the new 320kW 4.7-litre V8 engine from the GranTurismo S. Other upgrades, including handling improvements, are to be expected to help the car better deliver its greater power output and performance potential.

This new model is not to be confused with the Quattroporte Sport GT S performance model recently shown at the Melbourne Motor Show, which consists of upgraded brakes, larger tyres and a special ‘racing’ set-up for its single-rate dampers.

The standard Quattroporte, meanwhile, sticks with the familiar 298kW 4.2-litre V8 engine from the previous car. Both the new S model engine and the standard car’s mill are mated to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-operated manual shift capability.

Minor appearance and comfort improvements
The interior of the updated range is fitted with a redesigned centre console with more buttons located around the central display. A new multimedia system has also been installed, featuring an integrated navigation system with improved capabilities. Also new is the addition of ‘Marrone Corniola’ and ‘Sabbia’ shades of leather trim.

Pricing should remain similar to the current models, which start at $269,000 for the standard Quattroporte and goes up to $308,000 for the current range-topping Sport GT S. A price around $330,000 would put the Quattroporte S in the range of the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, which somewhat overpowers the Maserati’s 320kW V8 with its massive 386kW powerplant, though the Maserati’s luxurious Italian coachwork and exclusivity more than justifies the difference in performance.

The facelifted Quattroporte and Quattroporte S will make its Australian debut at the Australian International Motor Show in October, with sales commencing early in 2009. Current owners will be invited to private showings of the car in Australia and New Zealand. Final pricing will be revealed closer to the car's sales debut.

Maserati Quattroporte facelift

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