For now, Maserati’s clutchless 6-speed DuoSelect auto/manual hybrid gearbox is the only option. This can be left in full auto mode, or shifts can be made manually via steering-wheel-mounted paddles, in proper F1-style. Traditionalists are of the opinion that Maserati should have also offered a conventional 6-speed automatic for a luxury car like the Quattroporte, but perhaps that will follow in the months to come. According to Roberto Corradi, technical director of Maserati, the company’s aim was to duplicate the driving dynamics of BMW’s M5 and the 7-series’ features and ride comfort for the Quattroporte. That would be a tall order for any manufacturer, but Maserati just might have pulled it off. The ride is constantly adjustable. Maserati’s ‘Skyhook’ adaptive damping system monitors acceleration, speed and braking parameters and adjusts shock-absorber characteristics in accordance with the mode (Normal or Sport) you’ve chosen. And there is the expected complement of 4-wheel disc-brakes, ABS and traction control which make the car as safe as possible.
Inside the Q’s cabin, you find the best wood, metal and leather trim there is. The leather is extra-soft Poltrona Frau and you can choose between rosewood, mahogany and burl walnut trim. Oh, there are also 13 choices for the kind of stitching you want on your leather seats, 3 kinds of roof linings and 4 kinds of floor mats. There’s a Bosch-Blaupunkt Multimedia system (not half as complicated as BMW’s i-Drive but just as capable), a Bose sound system, DVD player and ‘intelligent’ seats which offer adaptive padding, heating, ventilation and massage.
You would expect such a car to be very, very expensive and when it goes on sale in August/ September this year, the Quattroporte is likely to cost about Rs 50 lakh. That’s in the US. If you want to bring one here, add import duties and other levies. Still want to buy one? Well, you can’t. At least for one full year. Simply because the first year’s production is already spoken for. By 2008, Maserati want to start selling 10,000 cars annually. This year alone, with the new Quattroporte ready to roll, they want to sell at least 5,000 cars. Shouldn’t be difficult. It may be expensive, but the Q is an incomparable slice of luxurious, sporty Italian motoring which has few peers anywhere in the world.
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