Regular readers of Top Gear magazine will know about our Faszination section, where we chronicle the worst excesses of German uber-tuning.

So pervasive is the trend that 'Faszination' has become a recognised adjective, verb and probably a number of other linguistic functions within the office. Thus, when we saw the first photos of this, the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, the question was asked: 'They haven't done a demi-Faszination, have they?'

Cue widespread outrage at such a heinous suggestion. For a start, the Quattroporte Sport GT S hasn't been tuned by some bob-a-job aftermarket firm, but rather by Maserati's in-house team.

Secondly, though it ticks most of the tune-up boxes - more aggressive looks, lowered ride, big alloys - it all fits together into a rather tasteful package.

And it should drive, too. Though the auto drivetrain and 400bhp V8 remain the same, the Quattroporte GT S sits 10mm lower at the front and 25mm lower at the back than the standard car on stiffer springs and dampers.

The electronic 'Skyhook' adjustable suspension from the stock car has been junked in favour of more conventional suspension components for what Maserati is calling a 'racing set-up'. That might be a bit strong, but the suspension should sharpen the Quattroporte up a bit.

So should its brakes. The GT S is the first-ever production car to get Brembo's new 'co-fusional' brakes: discs made from both iron and aluminium that Maserati reckons give better feel and reduced fade - hopefully without the squeaking that tends to accompany carbon-ceramics.

If you look closely at the photos, you'll notice that the rear alloys (20-inch dark chrome, since you ask) are dished slightly while the front wheels are flat. That's because the GT S has an even fatter set of rear tyres: 295/30 Pirelli rubber for increased stickiness.

The subtle visual changes are limited to a black mesh radiator grill, black quad exhausts and body-coloured door handles. Inside, there's a bit of extra carbon fibre and Alcantara, but in all it's a pleasingly understated effort.

The only issue - and the only reason that GT S has just a hint of Faszination about it - is whether the world really needs a harder Maser Quattroporte with an auto 'box. Surely you buy a Quattro' for effortless wafting rather than concentrated-expression thrashing?

But maybe not. The enduring popularity of expensively modded metal must mean there are plenty out there who think it's a good idea, so better leave it in the hands of the experts rather than a crackpot German with swathes of carbon fibre and a glue gun.

We'll see the £85k Quattroporte Sport GT S (an £8k premium over the standard £77,095 QP Automatic) in the flesh in Frankfurt, where it'll no doubt be surrounded by a bunch of Germans saying: "You know, you could fit a nice set of 22s on that..."

Read Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S car review