Maserati's Quattroporte Updated for '09

Italy's grandest sedan, the Maserati Quattroporte, is a masterpiece that's constantly

being updated. Last year we saw the introduction of the Automatica model, and the year prior the launch of the Sport GT and the Executive GT. For 2009, the car receives its first real facelift, which brings additional swagger to the luxury sports sedan.

Maserati is often praised for producing one of the most beautiful full-size premium sedans on the market, so with that in mind it isn't surprising that its design team restricted the desire to change things too much. The car features a new grille that's quite similar to the new GranTurismo, with intimidating vertical strakes that pay homage to classic models from the brand's past. The headlamps have also been revised; they now feature LED daytime running lights under the main xenon beam. Along the side of the car, you'll spot a new character line, and the rear bumper has been subtly

rearranged while the taillights now feature LEDs.

The Quattroporte line will be condensed to just two models, the standard model and the new high-performance S version. The standard car generates 400 horsepower, which is no different from last year, but the S draws its 4.7-liter V8 from the new GranTurismo S, which generates 430 horsepower. The DuoSelect sequential transmission has been dropped from both models, so that the Quattroporte is now exclusively offered with the six-speed ZF automatic transmission.

In addition to these changes, Maserati also adds new leather upholstery options and a new infotainment system. The design of the dashboard is also cleaned up, with a more organized appearance. Officially, the car will go on sale this September.