2007 Maserati Quattroporte Preview

Maserati Sedan Gets an Auto Transmission

In the wake of criticism over the operation of its F1 paddle-shifting transmission, Maserati adds a conventional automatic to better appeal to American buyers.

For 2007, boutique Italian automaker Maserati introduces a conventional six-speed automatic transmission on its Quattroporte (the name means “four-door” in Italian) sedan. Past models offered a sequential-manual transmission with an automated clutch and paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, called DuoSelect, which will still be available.

The new Maserati Quattroporte will, according to CEO Roberto Ronchi, offer the best comfort for U.S. customers and have “very soft gear changes.” His comment directly addresses some past criticism of how clunky and jerky the previous sequential-manual transmission was in full automatic mode. The Quattroporte otherwise looks the same and offers the same 396-hp V8 engine as in the past. Ronchi said he expects the majority of Quattroportes sold in the U.S. to be equipped with the new conventional automatic transmission.

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