Dear 001,
Sorry for the delay Number One, been in Germany and Italy doing a little spying ...
Maserati and Ferrari set to dump unrefined Cambiocorsa/F1 gearboxes in favour of a groovy new DSG transmission for all front-engined models from 2006.
Maserati and Ferrari are working on an Audi TT style dual-clutch DSG gearbox for future models. It will have six/seven speeds depending on the application and will offer a computer controlled "automatic" shift pattern designed for smooth progress as standard, to compliment the paddle shift system.
The unit is being produced for both the forthcoming Maserati Coupe/Convertible V8 powered models (see other story) and for the new front engined Ferrari V12 models too, this joint venture being necessary as the cost of development is so high. Possibly to be constructed out of magnesium alloy (from Ferrari's Formula One technology) the gearboxes are supposed to be capable of handing 1000-bhp.
I recently visited one of the Italians on the design team in Viale Ciro Menotti, Modena recently, and he told me that the Maserati's Cambiocorsa and Ferrari's F1 systems are incapable of being refined any further without complete re-engineering and in the light of better products by Porsche, Mercedes and Aston Martin - they feel were left with no choice but to develop a new transmission.
Expect this to be an option on most cars from model year 2006. This is great hope for potential buyers of the 4-seater Quattroporte as the only real criticism of that car is it's gearbox.
Regards.
G. Sarducci