Maserati Quattroporte 2007 review

In the simplest of terms, an automatic gearbox means more women customers are likely to get behind the wheel of a Maserati. And that's worth investing time and money in.

"We have a lot of potential customers who are not jumping into Maseratis because the DuoSelect (gearbox) doesn't suit them," Maserati head of vehicle engineering Paul Fickers says.

"People are used to finding performance cars with an auto gearbox."

But protecting the marque's dynamic, performance-car image was equally important to Maserati — and that's what prompted a long development program that last week delivered to the world stage the new Maserati Quattroporte Automatic.

Granted, the princely price tag for this auto Maser isn't so out of place in Monaco, where the car was launched.

And Australians can actually think themselves relatively lucky that Maserati will keep pricing of the auto Quattroporte at about the same level as the Quattroporte with DuoSelect gearbox.

It's a generous gesture, considering the significant engineering changes hidden beneath that stylish skin ... which, if you're looking to for something different, you won't find.

The Quattroporte's face remains the same, but throwing a new ZF six-speed automatic gearbox into the mix presented quite a challenge to Fickers and his team.

"For starters, the gearbox is mounted at the front of the car instead of the rear to achieve the right weight distribution. And that makes for some quite massive changes to the car," Fickers says.

The ZF gearbox — the same as is found in Ford Falcons and versions of the Territory, albeit with significantly different calibration — has been modified to handle the high revs required by Maserati, reaching 7200rpm before shifting up.

It delivers a smooth driving experience while keeping unchanged the sporty behaviour of the Maserati V8.

With a top speed of 270km/h and zero-to- 100km/h acceleration in 5.6 seconds, this is one quick automatic sports saloon — much more than a nice little accessory for the ladies.

Manual changes can be made with the stick located on the central tunnel, which now also features two cupholders — a small thing, perhaps, but crucial for Maserati, which sells almost half its cars in the US.

Paddle shifts are also an option on the Quattroporte and Executive GT models, but come standard on the Quattroporte Sport GT version.

The challenge to Maserati engineers when developing the auto version of its best-selling model centred primarily on weight distribution, which is the key to the saloon's sporty handling.

The DuoSelect model features a transaxle layout, with a rear-mounted gearbox rigidly connected to the engine. In contrast, the automatic transmission, with its hydraulic torque converter, is directly connected to the V8 engine.

Weight distribution in the auto is 49per cent front and 51 per cent rear, compared with the DuoSelect, which has 47per cent of its weight over the front axle and 53 per cent over the rear.

More weight on the rear wheels equates to more grip on the driving wheels, leading to better acceleration, improved winter-driving capabilities and better braking.

Maserati has also overhauled the 4.2 litre, 295kW bent-eight engine in the Quattroporte for the auto version.

It has adopted a wet-sump lubrication system and offers lower fuel consumption and increased torque levels. Peak torque of 460Nm is reached at 4250rpm, and fuel consumption is down, on average, by nine per cent, Maserati says.

Another new feature on the automatic is an electronic parking brake, which not only makes room for those all-important cup holders but engages automatically when the engine is switched off.

Naturally, Maserati is out to make a statement with its flagship vehicle.

So, even though there are no changes to its flesh, the Quattroporte can be dressed up with two new colours — Blu Oceano and Grigio Granito (a very dark grey) — a new woodgrain interior feature, Tanganyka, and a new interior trim, Grigio Ghiaccio.

More weapons to win over the women, perhaps?