The Maserati Quattroporte represents the combined efforts of Italy's finest automotive traditions - Maserati, Ferrari, and Pininfarina - all wrapped up in an elegant luxury sports sedan.

The 2005 version, first to reach these shores, was pronounced a classic once its Formula-1-inspired transmission was set to automatic mode and "clunky" shifting ensued. In 2007, Maserati offers a $1,250 optional six-speed ZF automatic transmission for those luxury performance buyers who prefer a more Teutonic shifting experience.

The addition of the ZF automatic necessitated the replacement of the DuoSelect six-speed sequential manual gearbox and its torque tube/transaxle setup for a conventional transmission arrangement with a Standard equipment retains the DuoSelect transmission with its very slick Formula 1 paddle-shifting mode. It continues to be "clunky" in automatic mode for light-to-moderate driving, but once you're hooked on the paddle shifters, you'll never use the automatic mode, for the engine sings in Italian operatic tones.

Under the hood, a sensuous 4.2-liter, dual-overhead-cam V8, tuned by Ferrari/Maserati's GT team, produces 396 hp at 7,000 rpm - 500 rpm below the redline - pushing the 4,400-pound sedan from 0-62 in 5.6 seconds and to a 168-mph governed top speed. Its fire-red, crackle-finish cam covers with a sculpted matte-black intake plenum prominently feature Maserati's trident logo, leaving no doubt as to its parentage.

Interior appointments are pure Italian elegance at its finest: The cabin is quiet, comfortable, and swathed in luxurious, soft leathers in a wide range of colors.

Maserati has its Teutonic and Nipponese rivals, but it also has the only Italian luxury four-door - or quattroporte - sports sedan driving experience - an experience that some reviewers claim went beyond "ultimate."