[Maranello]

I just came back from visiting the factory in Modena. While there I saw a partially camoflauged QP being parked by a test driver. I speak fluent Italian and went over to speak to him thinking it might be a 12 cylinder version. It wasn't ( he indicated there will be no 12 cylinder- idea was dropped ), but I was surprised to see a conventional automatic. He told me very casually that they were in the final stages of testing a 7 speed ZF transmission that would replace the F1 only in the QP for the 2007 model year. Before we could finish the conversation, a Maserati official hurled a barrage of insults at the driver in Italian to the effect, how could you be so stupid to speak about this !! The Maserati official then went on to tell me that this was not so and to pay no attention to what the test driver said, he doesn't set policy. He then said if "mis-information" like this got out to the market, it would hurt 2006 QP sales as many people would postpone their purchases as well as significantly hurting used car residual values. I was very surprised at the degree of agitation displayed over this relatively minor issue, especially if in fact it wasn't true.

 

[Dolle Dolf]

Re: Quattroporte F1 to be replaced by ZF 7 speed Automat in

... especially if in fact it wasn't true.

Nice trip!

It prolly is true to woo the customer that now picks a Benz, Jag, Bimmer or Audi super sedan over the Mazr. To me it would make the F1 QP more valuable, not less, but then again, who am I...........

 

[Maranello]

especially if in fact it wasn't true.

I agree that the F1 is more desirable. In speaking to some of the Maserati people in Modena, they indicated that the sales they are not getting are the husbands who choose the sedan they like for their wives as the family car. Many women want a "regular" automatic. The wives will opt for the MB S Class, BMW 7 series, Audi A8, rather than the QP. How many sales does this cost Maserati - they estimate approximately 400-500 annually, which they feel is significant for what is essentially a boutique automobile. Maserati apparently has enough confidence in the appeal of the car, that they feel the male buyers will overlook the loss of the F1 while removing the female objection. I guess we'll see what happens.

 

[dave_fonz_164]

i think its a great idea and it should be introduced sooner, where else can u get italian exotic in 4 doors with either an improved F1 system or a 7speed automatic. the real men can have their f1 and the compromising men will have to get a slushbox, i hear quite a few stories on fchat about their wives loving the qp but wishing it was a full auto

 

[Maranello]

Just to clarify, there will not be a choice, the 7 speed will replace the F1, it will not be in addition to the F1.

 

[M!]

it would be a great news to us who owns an QP with an F1 (DS) transmission. that would help the resale of 05 06 cars (wishful thinking).

honestly, the majority of people who spent 10-15 minutes test driving the QP with the DS transmission will absolutely hate the car. 7AT sounds right to the ladies who want the QP.

 

[Chuk]

thats interesting, i could definetly see the logic in their thinking, my first experience with a QP was through a good friend of the family, he asked me to break the car in and find out why his wife was so afraid of it because he didnt have time... i had no idea other than the QP being 400bhp and a maser sedan so when i picked it up i was very suprised initially and soon after head over heals in love. since then she has learned to love the car and really enjoys the power and feel of the transmission. i take it everytime they go out of town for a week or more so of the 1100 miles on the car i have put about 700
the car is phenomenal and i beleive that is largely thanks to the transmission but then again im no marketing exec so what will be will be, but i would've felt alot less head over heals and just simply in love if it was an automatic QP i climbed into that day...

 

[TAPTD12]

Ok, I am new to this board and have been lurking, just reading. But I felt I should reply to this post after reading the "wife" content!
I am a female, and a wife, and I have a 2006 QP, and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I would not change a thing about it. I love driving it and would be disappointed in a fully automatic version if this beatiful beast of a car!!! I love using the paddles!!! I do think it would only help the value of the cars that are FI vs full automatic! Oh man...would my husband be proud of me for even being here on this board!!!

 

[maserati of minneapolis]

And how are you enjoying your newest Italian purchase?

- Mark

 

[maserati of minneapolis]

Incidentally, by everything I have heard from Maserati, there will be some production with the ZF automatic, but it will not be a replacement.

- Mark

 

[TAPTD12]

Hey Mark!

We are very much enjoying all of our cars...Joe is ITCHING for a nice day to take his newest baby out! He let me drive it that first day he brought it home! Have to love the F1 for that reason....I couldn't have driven it otherwise!

I'm sure we will see you soon....

~Liana