LA 2008: Restyled Maserati Quattroporte makes North American debut

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Maserati Quattroporte S

The updated Maserati Quattroporte made its debut at the Paris Motor Show earlier this year, but us Yanks are getting our first look at the LA Auto Show this week. The most noticeable new feature is the front grille that mimics the GranTurismo's vertical slat design. Both front and rear lights have also been updated with LEDs. Inside, the center console has been reorganized and a new Maserati Multimedia System features an upgraded navigation system. The Quattroporte S also benefits from a new 4.7L V8 with 430 horsepower mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission found in the standard model, as well. We've included the original press release after the jump, and added more live photos of the world's most gorgeous four-door in the high-res gallery below.

PRESS RELEASE:

Modena - October 2nd 2008. The full range of the new Maserati Quattroporte, which replaces the previous version, is making its international début at the Paris Motor Show.

After a successful five years with over 15,000 vehicles delivered and 47 international awards received, the Maserati Quattroporte, the model which created the concept of "Sport Luxury Sedan", is now on display with a new look, new engineering enhanced with a new engine. Thanks to the unmistakably skilful touch of Pininfarina, the Maserati Quattroporte has now been honed even further, with a fresher, more modern design that still denotes the class, exclusivity and elegance of a Maserati.

Two models will be on display in Paris: the Quattroporte, with its classic V8 engine (4.2 liters and 400 hp) and the Quattroporte S with a new V8 engine (4.7 liters and 430 hp). Both models have 6-speed automatic transmission, developed in partnership with ZF.

The major aesthetic changes have been made to the most distinctive features: the front of the car, with its striking new grille and vertical slats - an obvious extension of the GranTurismo style. The front and rear light clusters have also received a facelift, and now feature LEDs. The side view mirrors are also new, with a more aerodynamic shape and fitted even more seamlessly into the doors.

The interior features a new centre console with ergonomically-enhanced, better organized controls. The range of navigation systems has also been completely overhauled with the New Maserati Multimedia System. Two new leathers have been introduced for the first time on the Quattroporte S and Quattroporte respectively: Marrone Corniola and Sabbia - a reinterpretation of the beige already on offer.