Maserati Quattroporte

Imagine the mindset of the Quattroporte driver. As one cashmere-clad arm rests up against a leather-lined door, the other flicks a mirror open to catch their reflection.

They find themselves relaxed, certain in the knowledge that their car is unlike any other - with a sonorous, rev-happy V8 matched to a hyper-aggressive paddle-shift manual gearbox, this is a supercar disguised as a uniquely glamorous sedan.

The scenario only takes a dark turn within the confines of city streets. Here, at low speeds and in auto mode, the Quattroporte's DuoSelect gearbox is just hopeless, shattering any veil of cool as it sends the car jerking and lurching along.

Three years after the current Quattroporte's introduction, Maserati has finally come up with a solution. This takes the form of a six-speed ZF automatic 'box, as can already be found in homes as diverse as the Jaguar XKR and the BMW 760i. In short, this is the finest auto offered anywhere right now.

Where the existing DuoSelect 'box is mounted at the back of the car to shift 53 per cent of the weight behind the centre line, helping to push the driven rear tyres into the tarmac to improve traction, the mechanics of the ZF auto force it to be set right up against the engine.

To compensate, the V8 now has a wet sump to avoid the need for the front-mounted ancillaries of the DuoSelect-paired V8's dry sump and the engine itself has been moved back a fraction, helping to leave weight distribution scarcely changed at 51 per cent towards the back.

The auto gearbox's programming is exclusive to Maserati and the sixth ratio is taller than the DuoSelect's, reducing thirst a tad at high speeds. Identical chrome-fronted, felt-backed paddle shifters can be optioned, flicking home instantly and with much the same conceit of a mechanical connection to the car as with the robo-clutched 'box.

The big step forwards comes in fully auto mode, now just as smooth and responsive as you'd pray it would be.

The bright-blue cylinder heads of the auto Quattroporte's engine point to some mods here too, releasing more torque at a lower peak. Thankfully, the 294kW output, the hunger to rev and the blaring soundtrack remain untamed.

All that's missing is a name to match this car's immense character. 'Quattroporte Automatic' is nowhere near indulgent enough.

Peter Grunert