We’ve always been big fans of the Quattroporte. In a world where big luxo barges are locked in a death match to out techno and Bauhaus each other, Maserati’s big 4-door is a refreshing slice of luscious Italian artistry. Especially now that they’ve fixed the gearbox. And while the Germans sport interiors that are equal parts bunker and dark room, the Quattroporte has an inside we’d like to be buried in. Or at least retire to. You had us at leather dash. The news then is that Maserati is messing with it’s most successful in a while model for 2009. As is often the case, along with success (they’ve sold 15,000 of ‘em) comes conservatism: they’re not messing with a winner. The biggest visual change is the addition of Audi-style daytime running lamps. The headlights and grille are also slightly revised. There’s a “character line” running the length of the body and terminating at the trunk, though you really have to know where to look to see it. The big, big news is the Quattroporte S which gets the 4.7-liter 430 hp V8 from the GranTurismo S. We’ll take ours in oxblood with a “Marrone Corniola” leather interior, please.