| New Range Addition | Frankfurt Motor Show | Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S |

Given the relatively small number of sales at this level, there's already plenty of choice in the Maserati Quattroporte line up. However, there's now another version for well-heeled buyers of high performance Italian super-saloons; the Quattroporte Sport GT S.

Maserati describes the new GT S as the 'ultimate expression of Maserati's saloon sportiness.' You might think that with sportiness comes a hike in the 4.2-litre V8's power, but its output actually remains unchanged at 400bhp. Instead, the Italian firm has focussed on enhancements to the suspension and braking performance.

The chassis gains new stiffer spring and damper rates, the single rate dampers described as giving the Sport GT S a 'racing' set-up. What that will do for the ride has yet to be seen, but combined with 20-inch alloys expect it to be on the firm, as in very, side. Still, it'll look a good deal meaner with a 10mm front and 25mm rear drop in ride height. The new brake discs nestling behind smoked chrome 20-inch seven spoke alloys have been developed in collaboration with Brembo. They're dual-cast units, being constructed from both cast iron and aluminium to reduce fade at high operating temperatures.

Grabbing those discs is new mono-block, six-piston callipers, ensuring the Sport GT S has the best retardation possible. That stopping power should also be assisted by more rubber being on the road, as the Sport GT S wears wider, bespoke tyres. Ensuring the cars in front realise that you're not in an ordinary Quattroporte too is a black-chrome mesh grille; other external highlights (or should that be lowlights) being black window surrounds and sinister black tailpipes.

Grippy Alcantara is used inside on the new sports seats, while carbon-fibre inserts accent areas of the fascia. There's no word on pricing for the Goth Quattroporte, but don't expect too much change from £90,000.

Kyle Fortune - 29 Aug 2007