The 2008 Maserati Quattroporte continues as the Italian company's sedan and is available in three trim levels: base, Executive GT, and Sport GT. All come with a 400-hp 4.2-liter V8. Two transmissions are offered: a 6-speed automatic, and a 6-speed "Duoselect" automated manual that has no clutch pedal, can be set to shift like an automatic, and is mounted at the rear of the car for increased rear weight bias, which Maserati says improves handling. Standard safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Standard on all models are 14-way adjustable front seats with driver-seat memory, dual-zone climate control, navigation system, rear obstacle detection, and bi-xenon headlights. Available features include ventilated massaging front and rear seats, rear climate control, rear privacy screens, carbon-fiber interior trim, and steering-column-mounted shift paddles. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.