Maserati will unveil two new versions of its luxurious performance sedan, the Quattroporte, at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September, that offer new features that enhance the performance and style of the unique four door Maserati.

The Maserati Quattroporte was launched in 2003, blending elegant comfort with the performance expected of a car carrying the legendary Maserati Trident and provided by a quadcam 4.2 litre V8 engine boasting 294 kW.

Exemplary handling and roadholding is delivered by a drivetrain and chassis that includes a rear transaxle that means ideal weight distribution and an all-independent suspension with the 'Skyhook' continuously variable suspension control and Maserati Stability Programme (MSP). Thus, the Maserati Quattroporte can whisk its occupants in total comfort and luxury to 100 kmh in 5.2 seconds and on, where the law permits, to a top speed of 275 km/h.

One figure reveals the ultimate luxury offered by the Quattroporte; Four Million. That is the number of different combinations of trim, paint and interior finishes it is possible to have in the Quattroporte.

For example, inside the owner of a Quattroporte can define different finishes for the seats, the piping on the seats, the carpet, the roof lining, the wood trim on the dashboard, the roof lining, the two different sections of the dashboard, the door trims and the centre console. There are 11 different leathers and four different wood finishes, including mahogany, rosewood and briarwood. And, if that is not sufficient, then Maserati can produce a Quattroporte in any colour or finish required by a customer.

So how is it possible for these two new versions of the Quattroporte to improve on this exquisite luxury performance sedan?

By focusing more sharply on the two primary aspects of the Quattroporte's soul, with the new Maserati Quattroporte Executive GT enhancing the luxury features of the Quattroporte, while the Sport GT variant provides a new, sharper performance persona.

MASERATI QUATTROPORTE EXECUTIVE GT

Distinguished by a blend of elegant eye-catching colours and refined wood veneer finishes for the interior, the Executive GT includes the following accessories:

Chrome mesh grille, side chrome grille, external identification plate, 9-spoke 19" ball-polished wheel rims, wood and leather steering wheel, roof section in Alcantara and a series of features dedicated to providing maximum comfort levels for passengers (among them comfort pack for the rear seats and stowable rear table in wood or titanium). Further personalisation options are available.

MASERATI QUATTROPORTE SPORT GT

The aggressive look is captured in the carbon fibre interior, 20" wheel rims with new design, external identification plate, sporty steering wheel and handbrake grip and aluminium pedal covers.

Among the dynamic features, the latest gearbox software for a 35 per cent faster gear shifting, newly designed exhaust system delivering an even more sporty sound and specific Skyhook software for electronic suspensions and shock absorbers.

The two new versions of the Maserati Quattroporte will arrive in Australia and New Zealand during 2006 when local specifications and prices will be announced.