12/07/2006, 10:53 AM

Maserati

Maserati Quattroporte Automatic

Sequential manual gearboxes do a great job of making quick shifts under heavy acceleration, but tend feel jerky and unrefined while cruising around town. That’s the main complaint with BMW’s SMG, and it’s an even bigger concern among many of those who have driven Maserati’s Quattroporte equipped the DuoSelect gearbox.

While a sequential gearboxes might seem like a reasonable compromise for the performance-oriented BMW M3 or M6, one could argue the Quattroporte leans more toward luxury than sheer performance, and therefore should be offered with something a little more forgiving.

Maserati seems to agree, and will begin offering a Quattroporte with a regular automatic transmission beginning in January. The automatic six-speed ZF gearbox ensures a smooth, fluid gear changes while still allowing for rapid shifts, improving driver comfort. The car will be on display at the Detroit auto show. Gallery after the jump…

 
 

12/07, 11:22 AM

posted by:

JSP

That’s funny. BMW added a conventional manual option to the M5 while Maserati added an automatic to the QP.

12/07, 11:39 AM

posted by:

Saud

Wow, those Zf transmissions must really be something

12/07, 12:12 PM

posted by:

British_Rover

Yup the ZF they are using is similar to the ZF used on all Land Rovers, Real Jaguars, the New X5 plus the new Arnage.

12/07, 12:40 PM

posted by:

A4

yeah this needs a traditional manual

12/07, 1:09 PM

posted by:

Brendino

Good move.

12/07, 1:21 PM

posted by:

MyGodBeatsYourGod

At least its not the old GM slushbox the Italians always used…

Needs an actual 6-sp manual with a friggin’ clutch pedal!!!!!!!!

12/07, 3:37 PM

posted by:

hanlond

JSP, the M5 is performance oriented, the Quattroporte is luxury oriented. A manual is preferred by people who want performance, and an automatic is better for people who want luxury.

12/07, 3:56 PM

posted by:

Freshshoebox

what hanlond said, duh.

12/07, 4:12 PM

posted by:

acura_el2000

thats bull****, if I’m driving a luxury car, I still want a third pedal and a stick.

12/07, 4:54 PM

posted by:

MyGodBeatsYourGod

The Quad is Sport Luxury.

Okay, an Auto is fine for Luxury, indeed, but that is:

Maybachs
Rollers
Bugs
600 series Mercs
Bentley Saloons
Buicks :)

But a Maser needs a third pedal and row-your-own transmissions.

12/07, 6:16 PM

posted by:

LamborghiniZ

I LOVE the quattroporte

12/07, 8:37 PM

posted by:

Renton

Ferrari engine

Ferrari chassis

Italian interior/exterior

German transmission

NICE!

12/07, 8:57 PM

posted by:

century24

Hmm…what’s the “plagiarized” about below the pictures?

12/07, 9:04 PM

posted by:

Veda

The market voted with their money. Since you guys won’t get one anyway, they’ll probably never offer a manual.

12/07, 11:34 PM

posted by:

Egbert Souse

I must admit the Quattroporte has really grown on me, at first I thought it was w/e, nothing that specia. But I keep seeing them driving around, and they look awesome. So yeah I really like the Quattroporte.

12/08, 6:43 AM

posted by:

Veda

I wish Porsche and Maserati would make a smaller sedan versions in the future. Then I’d definitely get one.

12/08, 6:51 AM

posted by:

Carnut4ever

I don’t think Maserati would make an even smaller sedan than he Quattroporte. I think you should wait for the Alfa Romeo 169- the successor of the 166. I’m sure it will be a stunner at a more palatable price point.

12/08, 5:06 PM

posted by:

jas173

Black Quattroportes are S E X Y !

 
 
You need to log in with your user name and password before you can leave comments.

    

Forgot your Password?

Don't have a user name yet? Simply fill in the form below and click the link provided in the
confirmation email. You must supply a valid email address to complete the registration process.

  
 
 
 
  • Login
  • About
  • Contact
Please note that you need to log in with your user name and password before you can leave comments.
  

login
cancel
Forgot your Password?
Don't have a user name yet? Click here to register now.

Simply fill in the form below and click the link provided in the confirmation email. You must supply a valid email address to complete the registration process.

  
submit
cancel
Leftlane is the leading source for automotive industry and vehicle news, new car research, future vehicle information, and reviews. Read by car shoppers, driving enthusiasts, autoworkers, executives, and investors, the website is updated throughout the day with the very latest auto news - as it happens.

Leftlane also provides consumers with accurate and media-rich information on every car currently on the market. In-market shoppers can review specs, read overviews, view high-resolution images, watch videos, and estimate pricing. No other automotive publication brings together the same degree of timeliness, thoroughness and accuracy as Leftlane.
 
submit
cancel