Trying to pick up a 2007 QP that has the new Automatica transmission.

But how do I identify if a car has the new Automatica versus the semi-manual DuoSelect by just looking at photographs of the car? So many of these cars are sold by dealers that are not Maserati experts, and it takes too long to contact all of them to show conclusive proof of options.

I noticed some have blue value covers versus red (I'm thinking blue means the new Automatica). And some have a tiny little lever versus a large gear shift in the center console (I am thinking large gear shift means Automatica).

Your help is greatly appreciated!

 

I would take the VIN# and verify with a Maserati dealer they should be able to tell you right away. However, I believe you are correct here is a pic from a car with the new automatica transmission notice the larger gear lever vs the smaller in the Duo Select. The Quattraporte is a great looking car.....

 

Thanks for your reply!

I'll definitely do the VIN lookup before pulling the trigger, but it would be very helpful if someone could confirm beyond a doubt how to tell by pictures. There's a good number for sale, and it would be a lot easier to use pics since everyone posts lots of the interior and engine pics.

Thanks again!

 

That is correct, and the blue valve covers indicate the "conventional" engine that is not a "dry sump" engine. This is a much better QP compared to the previous ones in quality and reliability. To the extent some could say a completely different car. A good buy. Enjoy
p.s. the paddles behind the steering wheel are optional on the automatica. A fun option that you might ask for. The shift lever in the picture is only available with the automatica.

 

Thanks for your reply!

So is it possible to get the wet sump engine with the F1 / DuoSelect? Or do blue valve covers guarantee that it's the Automatica transmission?

I am interpreting from your reply that the large gear shift is an option on both the DuoSelect and the Automatica transmission, so that does a way to determine the actual transmission. Is that correct?

Sorry for the repeat questions, but it always takes me a while to become familiar with the finer details of any new-to-me car.

 

The options are: dry sump/F1 or wet sump/automatic. The large shift handle is only on the automatic. The F1 paddles behind the steering wheel are standard on an F1 but optional on an automatic. From what I know, the red covers are only on dry sump motors and blue ones are on automatic. Let me know if you've got any more questions.

 

Thanks, David. You rock!

 

You also might want to take note that the 2008 Auto transmission had a software upgrade. I don't know if this can be retro-fitted to 07 models. That is just what the dealer told me last weekend.