2007 Maserati Quattroporte to get a ‘real’ automatic gearbox

2007 Maserati Quattroporte to get a 'real' automatic gearbox

Citing low customers’ satisfaction with the existent semi-automatic gearbox that comes with the Maserati Quattroporte as standard equipment, Maserati’s CEO Karl Heinz Kalbfell promised to add a conventional six-speed automatic transmission as an option.

The main problem with current F1-inspired DuoSelect semi-automatic clutchless gearbox is that it was designed by Ferrari’s engineers for so called ‘active drivers’, i.e. those drivers who like to switch gears manually, but don’t want to bother with a clutch pedal.

2007 Maserati Quattroporte (rear view)

It has an ‘automatic’ mode too, but performs so poorly that many customers started to complain that every gearshift in automatic mode comes with unpleasant jerks and lurches.

Some dealers even say that current transmission hampers sales, especially in a category of older people who got used to drive a Mercedes or a BMW. Why don’t they drive Buicks, then?

With the new automatic transmission the car will also get a better weight distribution.

While the Quattroporte with a DuoSelect box enjoys the 47% front / 53% rear ratio, the car with the Automatica transmission will sport almost perfect 49% front / 51% rear weight distribution. So, it will definitely be not only more comfortable, but also more fun to drive.

The new automatic gearbox will be available some time next year. It will be manufactured by ZF and will also come with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters available as an optional equipment.

In the future, the Maserati Quattroporte will have to compete against the Aston Martin Rapide and the Porsche Panamera that will enter the European market sometime in 2009 as 2010 MY vehicles.

2007 Maserati Quattroporte (interior)

Photos: Maserati

See also: Maserati GranSport MC Victory limited edition sportscar