Maserati Cambiocorsa

[sek]

I'm interested in views on Cambiocorsa, in particular how useable is it in traffic and does it allow you to step off the line cleanly.

I've heard that it has improved a lot in recent years, but it still gets mixed press, so it would be good to hear from anyone who uses it on a daily basis.

Thanks.

[mr_tony]

Many users on here and overall the reports seems pretty positive. I've been in a couple and found it worked pretty well (2002 cars).

The manual gearbox is pretty decent alternative (it's actually the BMW M5 unit I understand in the 3200 and is probably the same in the spyder and 4200coupe). It's a bit notchy when cold, but pretty sweet when warm. I don't find it to be a pain in traffic at all..

Why the CC specifically if you don't mind my asking?

[sek]

Main reason for asking is the Gransport. I'd order one now, but the depreciation worries me, so I'm going to see how they are priced this time next year.

[maserati3200gt]

Mr Tony is right - His observation on the gearbox is spot on .

[sjp63]

I've got an 04 CC. Swapped from an M3 SMG. Overal I like the Maserati better, it has a much better engine, exterior and interior and unlike the M3, people look at it for the right reasons. However overall the SMG is a better system - it requires no thought at all (apart from the paddles moving with the wheel and hence being in the wrong place when turning the wheel though 180 degs.

The CC paddles are better and the function of being able to flick up and down when in auto (not used very often) is better than the M3.

Pulling away in the CC needs TLC otherwise you get a burnt clutch and/or hesitation. But you learn to work with it. Normal shifts are slow but again you get the knack after 2-3 weeks. Sport shifts are quick but slightly coarse.

Still a great system and better than manual in my opinion. In fact I really think that someday all cars will be made this way!

[propaganda]

I have a MY04 4200 CC.

I have no problems with the Cambiocorsa system. Only irritant is that it is a bit lumpy in 1st and 2nd when cold, but once you have got it going it is truly great. Personally I prefer it to a manual, overtaking - flick down twice drop into 3rd or 4th hit the accelerator - roar... brilliant. Not a problem in traffic or in town at all. Not the fastest off the line as there is a slight hesitancy in 1st but other than that no major problems. Auto-change up and auto-change down quite nice feature. Change up good if over-revving (i.e. if overtaking and really putting the foot down and miss the up change then the computer automatically changes up to maintain the speed rather than hitting the rev limiter and cutting the power). Full auto mode pretty horrible, I never use it.

I would say the using the system takes a few weeks to become really comfortable, don't judge on a single test drive and try and get a dealer to lend you a car for a few days to really get to know how the pros and cons. If buying an older model ensure the software is updated as later revisions really improved the driveablity.