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Maserati Quattroporte to Get a True Automatic Gearbox

Smoother Automatic Transmission to Quell Sequential-Manual Gearbox

If Maseratis Quattroporte has an Achilles heal, it isnt styling, or its sumptuous interior, phenomenal active suspension system or glorious Ferrari-derived V8 engine. No, only its F1-inspired, paddle-shift actuated, six-speed sequential-manual transmission, also sourced from Ferrari, has received criticism.

While ideal for the prancing horse brands mid-engine F430 supercar or Maseratis GT Coupe and Spyder Grand Sport models, the Cambiocorsa electrohydraulic gearbox, reconfigured from its Ferrari roots for smoother shifts, is nevertheless considered by some to be too course and balky for a luxury car.

To quell critics and deliver more refined power delivery, the conventional automatic

The Quattroportes F1-inspired, paddle-shift actuated, six-speed sequential-manual transmission, sourced from Ferrari, has received criticism. (Photo: Maserati North America)

will be available on 2007 model year Quattroporte sedans. Even Maserati S.p.A. CEO Karl-Heinz Kalbfell is on record saying the current transmission has hampered Quattroporte sales.

"It is to some extent a limiting factor for those who want an easy operation," commented Kalbfell, taking question at a Maserati event in Modena, Italy. "You cannot just put a car like a Maserati down and say, Here is the key. "

No information is available as to where Maserati will source its upcoming

To quell critics and deliver more refined power delivery, a conventional automatic will be available on 2007 model year Quattroporte sedans. (Photo: Maserati North America)

automatic, the first conventional auto to be used since a previous-generation Quattroporte. It is possible that the Italian brand will look to Volkswagen Group and its ultra-smooth six-speed with manual-shift mode with paddle-shift actuation, due to a working relationship in component sharing, but VW owns Bentley, its new Continental Flying Spur more expensive, but nevertheless a direct competitor to the Quattroporte.

Those concerned that the sportier Cambiocorsa gearbox might not be offered alongside the new automatic neednt fret; as the two transmissions will be sold side-by-side when next years Quattroporte goes on sale in the fall.

It

The new automatic will help Maserati increase its Quattroporte sales, especially in North America. (Photo: Maserati North America)

is expected that the new automatic will help Maserati increase its North American Quattroporte sales especially, which rose to 1,550 units last year, out of approximately 3,600 globally - which is up from approximately 2,000 worldwide sales in 2004 when the Quattroporte was introduced.. Altogether, Maserati sold 2,114 vehicles last year, the difference being made up of its Coupe and Spyder models. Kalbfell expects that even with the sequential-manual transmission issue, Maseratis North American sales will rise by approximately fifteen percent this year to about 2,500 units.

The Quattroporte, as well as Maseratis Coupe and Spyder, are considered by premium buyers, to offer excellent value considering the marques prestigious pedigree and the high quality of the cars. The sedan is Maseratis most approachable, at $108,750, less

While the BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are respected in the marketplace, none offer the exotic allure of Maserati. (Photo: Maserati North America)

expensive actually than comparatively powered top-tier models from BMW (760Li is $118,900), Mercedes-Benz (no 2007 S55 AMG or 2005 S600 are yet available) and even Audi (A8 W12 at $118,190).
While the above-mentioned luxury brands are respected in the marketplace, none offer the exotic nature of Maserati. Kalbfell is very aware of this, and while respectful of the Italian brands revered nature understands that its exalted image can also hurt sales.

"Nothing could be more wrong," says Karl-Heinz Kalbfell, CEO of Maserati S.p.A. with regards to comments about the Quattroporte being expensive. "Maserati is more affordable than what the majority of car buyers and potential customers realize. This is a perception that we have to change."

Kalbfell says that Quattroporte customers mentally link the exotic sedans price of entry to Bentleys new Flying Spur, which is good company but out of the reach of most buyers at $164,990.

Jaguars 400-horsepower

Potential Quattroporte customers are said to mentally link the exotic sedans price of entry to Bentleys new Flying Spur, which is good company but out of the reach of most buyers at $164,990. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

supercharged XJR, at $79,330 is a superb value compared to its premium competitors, although if outfitted with similar luxury options as the Quattroporte bridges the gap significantly. More questionable from a value perspective is VWs top-line Phaeton W12 at $107,500; no wonder it and the V8 version are being discontinued.

Another competitor that may hurt Quattroporte sales is Mercedes-Benzs new CLS 55 AMG, starting at a more affordable $86,600. While tighter dimensionally in the rear seating area, its styling rivals the Maserati sedan and engine output even more robust; although handling, while good for a Mercedes-Benz, is reportedly not as agile as the Quattroporte.

Porsches upcoming Panamera four-door coupe could also steal some potential sales from Maseratis four-door, as could a similar model expected from BMW.

While Maseratis Kalbfell believes he can increase the Quattroportes sales dramatically during 2006, it wont be an easy ride. Still, you cant wail along to Joe Walshs "Lifes Been Good" with any sort of integrity in a BMW or Mercedes-Benz... "My Maserati does 185..."

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