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2003 Maserati Cambiocorsa Spyder

Miles: 14,000

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Designed by Giugiaro, and built by Ferrari, the Spyder is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 engine that develops 390 horsepower. It uses a six-speed transmission, but it is the actuation of those gears that is interesting, a Formula One style paddle shifter system that Maserati calls a Cambiocorsa transmissions.

Cambiocorsa is similar to the shifters used in Formula 1 racing. Paddles are located behind the steering wheel to shift up (right paddle) or down (left paddle). The car even "double clutches" on downshifts - automatically. Cambiocorsa is also adaptive, so if you choose to drive the car hard, it will shift hard for you. If you just tour along, it will tour along with you.

There's also an "auto" mode that can be actuated by a button on the center console. This puts it in automatic mode. Again, the transmission adapts to your driving style, and upshifts and downshifts at appropriate points. The indicator on the dash that tells you what gear you're in with the paddles, also indicates which gear you're in with the "auto" mode, something you don't get with Tiptronic-style shifters. Maserati also claims that Cambiocorsa is faster than Tiptronic.

Maserati uses what it calls a Skyhook automatic damping system. With this system, the shock absorber adjustments are altered in real time based on the driving conditions and smooth out rough portions of the road. Skyhook also provides for a firm ride.