Maserati Quattroporte gets automatic gearbox

[Wutputt]

MASERATI PRESENTS THE QUATTROPORTE AUTOMATIC

With a view to broaden its range even further, Maserati is about to launch the new Quattroporte Automatic alongside the current Quattroporte fitted with the automated manual 'DuoSelect' gearbox.

The name, Quattroporte Automatic, describes the car’s main innovation. It is fitted with an conventional automatic six-speed ZF gearbox with torque converter, which ensures a smooth, fluid gear change while allowing for rapid shifting, for improved driving comfort.

The all-new transmission system results in a slightly different weight distribution ratio (49% front, 51% rear, vs 47% front 53% rear of the DuoSelect version with transaxle layout), but will still preserves the sporty nature of the Quattroporte, according to Maserati.

The international press will be given a preview of the Quattroporte Automatic at the Detroit Motor Show, and the car will be on sale worldwide from January 2007.

[TopGearNL]

For all the lazy people

I'd still have the one with the Ferrari gearbox!

[TopGearNL]

Originally Posted by dani_d_mas Didn't the Ferrari-based sequential 'box already have an automatic mode?

Yeah it says so in the description ''alongside the current Quattroporte fitted with the automated manual 'DuoSelect' gearbox.''

Just like the DB9 I presume?

[TopGearNL]

Originally Posted by dani_d_mas ^ then... the question is WHY? I thought that a semi-auto 'box would be enough for the american market...

LOL yeah me too, why?

[Wutputt]

Originally Posted by dani_d_mas ^ then... the question is WHY? I thought that a semi-auto 'box would be enough for the american market...

There is still a huge difference in comfort between a conventional automatic with torqueconverter and the automatic mode of an automated manual transmission.

For instance there is no interruption of power when an automatic shifts. But there is with an automated manual transmission. Also a modern automatic is silky smooth. No automated manual can achieve this level of smoothness (though a dual wet clutch automated manual, like VAG's DSG gets close).

So I can perfectly understand why Maserati makes the QP available with an automatic gearbox. Even though I'm not so sure the character of the engine is really suitable to be connected to a conventional automatic gearbox. But it will boost sales for sure.

[sameerrao]

I think the automatic will suit the 4porte just fine. My Ferrari sales agent picked me up from the airport in the base 4Porte (not the GT version). On the ride home I felt it was just like a Lexus - cushiony ride. The gearshifts seemed rather jerky in manual mode. The overly shiny wood cheapens the interior IMO

I wasnt that impressed to be honest. I think a E39 M5 will suit me just fine instead.

[dutchmasterflex]

They should of given this car the automatic gear box to begin with as most will use this car as a limo.

[yg60m]

I also think it can suit the QP fine, and most important : you have the choice !! You can specify the paddles if you prefer