Article Comments 2007 Maserati Quattroporte Automatica First Drive

8 messages, Last post on Sep 16, 2008 at 3:05 PM

You are in the Maserati Quattroporte Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Maserati Quattroporte, Sedan

Article comments for First Drive: 2007 Maserati Quattroporte Automatica - The 2007 Quattroporte Automatica with its conventional six-speed automatic transmission is indeed sporty. Yet "sporty" turns out to be just one of several appropriate words to describe the Automatica Executive GT that we drove along the Côte d'Azur and into les Alpes Maritimes. (more)

Outline

Messages Page 2 of 2: 1; 2; Prev; Next; Last

#4 of 8 Re: by bulatti Apr 02, 2007 (4:34 am)
i tested the new automatica in turkey. it was really wonderful. here is a short clip from my test, the noise inside is brilliant. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFHQ5gipAp4
#5 of 8 QP Auto ZF by bjl123 Apr 08, 2007 (8:15 am)
Hi, I spent some time in the factory at Modena in January whilst collecting my new 07 model QP Sport GT with the new and very much revised Duoselect box. I had the opportunity to talk at length with the technical division chief and he told me how much work had gone into this years upgraded Duoselect box with change times down to below 1/400 of a sec just like the Ferrari F430. They appeared more pleased with what they had achieved with the manual box than they did about the Audi-ising of the QP with the ZF box. I had driven 04, 05 and 06 cars and can say without doubt the new 07 duo box is an absolute delight. The new ZF box I drove recently is very smooth and ideal for new owners who are jumping out of a Merc S Class or BMW 745 or Audi A8 as you can just turn the key and go. Is that what Maserati is all about? I don't think so intirely. Firstly the ZF upshifts in drive are quite slow, smooth yes but slow and when you wish to accelerate from any speed over 60 mph it will change down one or two gears due to the very high top gear, not something you want all the time as any spirited driving pushes the mpg down to around 12. Secondly, the down shifts do not happen as in a manual, they don't snap in due to the revs not being able to climb quickly enough so full engine braking is not available. Plus the suspension is softer in Drive mode and to bring on faster upshifts you have to select sport mode which stiffens the car maybe too much for some and it wants to hang onto the gear unless you lift off or reach 4000revs. Perfect for the guy who likes the idea of owning a Maserati and would enjoy the cudos of being seen in one but not really for the guy who would maybe consider a 612 Scalietti but needs four doors and seats and likes driving. Could you imagine a full auto box in a Ferrari? Anyone tempted to sign up for a QP would be well advised to try both gearboxs before they do as they will be very surprised by what the guys at Modena have done with the duoselect/cambiocorsa box. Don't forget the 08 Sport GT will probably have the 4.7 8c unit definately linked to the Cambio Corsa box and the new Grandturismo will sprout a sport version later next year with the same setup. Regards bjl 123
#7 of 8 Your Opinions are welcomed! by 4jim Feb 18, 2008 (7:19 pm)
Hi to all - I am actively considering the purchase of a 2007 or 2008 low miles Q. Many seem to be available. After performing extensive research, including a review of comments made by many current owners, this does appear to be a True Love / Hate relationship. I do agree that the Q is one of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen. As I intend to keep this car for 5+ years, I don't care about depreciation (which appears to be quite high), or gas miles (as I only will do less than 5k per year). My concerns are all about reliability and maintenance. I currently own a 2004 Lexus - which I will keep, and a 2001 Vette convertible (22k miles) - which will go. Both of these cars have cost me less than $1k per year for repair and maintenance. Of course, I expect that the Q will cost much more. But my questions are how much more, and how much down time for repairs? Some current owners do report some very scary stories! Thanks in advance to anyone who chooses to reply. With Kind Regards, Jim Replies to this message: sammyslim1 (Sep 16, 2008 3:05 pm)
#8 of 8 Re: Your Opinions are welcomed! [4jim] by sammyslim1 Sep 16, 2008 (3:05 pm)
Replying to: 4jim (Feb 18, 2008 7:19 pm) Don't know if you bought a QP. I bought an 06 duoselect QP and put over 33,000 miles on it with no serious issues other than routine maintenance. My only complaint was no loaners at the service center! I recently traded it for a 2007 Sport GT automatic with only 300 miles and intend to do largely the same thing - which is drive it almost daily. My experience is that this car does better the more you drive it, and does worse the more it sits and is driven intermittently, but I acknowledge some have had bad experiences as you indicate. I am completely sold on this car and intend to drive a QP for many years, trading up into low mileage used versions -- so that the depreciation I experience is a result of my usage, not the "new car" depreciation. I will also say that I really like the ZF automatic in the 2007, and the Sport GT especially. While I enjoyed the manual duoselect in the 2006, the same can't be said of my passengers, especially my spouse. Not sure if that reflects on my driving or the transmission, tho ... Cheers