Maserati to offer ZF auto option for Quattroporte
BY TERRY MARTIN | 13th Dec 2006
A smooth six-speed ZF unit, the Quattroporte auto will be offered in addition to the current DuoSelect automated manual gearbox, which has come in for some criticism for its jerky changes.
Fitting the ZF unit was not without its problems. The car's existing automated-manual transmission is located at the rear differential while the new ZF transmission is mounted directly to the rear of the engine.
In addition to re-packaging the underside of the car, weight distribution has changed from 47 per cent front/53 per cent rear to 49/51.
The auto Quattroporte debuts at the Detroit motor show next month and makes its Australasian debut at the Melbourne show in March, going on sale in Australia and New Zealand soon afterwards.
Prices are still to be announced.