Maserati Quattroporte news - Quattroporte at the double - 2006

Maserati has given its Quattroporte saloon a split personality.

The introduction of the Sport GT and Executive GT versions allows customers to opt for greater thrills or comfort.

The Sport GT comes with a Sport button that quickens gear changes in the six-speed automatic 'box, speeding shifts by 35 per cent.

There's also a tweaked exhaust system to give a deeper bark at high revs, while 20in alloy wheels improve looks and grip.

Behind the wheels sit titanium-coloured brake callipers, and there's no mistaking the Sport GT, thanks to black chrome around the front grill.

Inside, the steering wheel and handbrake have carbon fibre finishes.

The Executive GT sticks with 19in alloy wheels for a smoother ride, while the exterior uses traditional chrome to differentiate it from the Sport version.

It's clear the emphasis in the Executive is about being driven rather than driving yourself, because the rear seats have heating, ventilation and massage functions, as well as being electrically adjusted.

To help its lucky rear occupants catch that essential power nap, the Executive has rear curtains, while wooden fold-up tables give you somewhere to rest your laptop.

If you reckon you should spoil yourself, the Executive GT costs £83,195, while the Sport GT comes in at a leaner £80,595.