Maserati Quattroporte Automatica (2007) CAR review

So has the Quattroporte gone all soft?

Not really. The 0-60mph time slips slightly to 5.6sec and the top speed is down fractionally from 171mph to 167mph, owing to the auto’s longer sixth gear which also gives a claimed nine percent improvement in extra-urban (i.e. motorway) fuel consumption. Maserati’s Skyhook adaptive damping system has been recalibrated for ‘improved comfort’ in the auto, so yes, it has been softened slightly.

So it’s either a manual with an auto mode, or an auto with a manual mode?

Right. Around town the ZF auto gives its usual, seamless performance; automated manuals like the Duo Select have become much smoother in auto mode, but still can’t match a proper torque converter automatic, and particularly one as good as this. The ZF box is also capable of delivering manual changes which are almost as fast as an automated manual - and almost as smooth as a twin-clutch manual; the Aston Martin DB9 is no less exciting as a sports car for having this gearbox.