Maserati Focusing on Levante SUV Being Sporty and Luxurious

MaseratiMaseratiItaly, 1914 > present62 models
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has decided to call the production version of its KubangMaserati KubangItaly, 2011 > present18 photos
SUV concept the Levante, which is probably a great idea because Kubang has always been an awkward name. It plans to have truck on sale by 2015 using the platform from the Jeep Grand CherokeeJeep Grand Cherokee Gen.4United States of America, 2010 > present57 versions
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, but with significant amounts of aluminum.

The engines will come from Maserati with either the new twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 410hp, the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 with 530hp or 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 271hp. The eight-speed automatic will likely be the only transmission option, but the Q4 all-wheel drive system may or may not be optional. Given that the Grand Cherokee is only available with all-wheel drive, it should not be hard to implement.

While the Levante will be based on a capable off-roader, it is not being engineered to go off-road. Maserati says that it is going for a road-biased set-up with muscular styling and room for five inside. 

Other than the engines, Maserati will put a heavy emphasis on making the interior more luxurious and on par with the QuattroporteMaserati Quattroporte Gen.6Italy, 2013 > present26 versions
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.

The final question facing Maserati is where to build the Levante. The original plan was to build it with the Grand Cherokee in Detroit, Michigan, but Jeep can barely keep up with orders as it is. There is not enough capacity. Building it at the new Maserati factory in Grugliasco, Italy, is also not possible because the factory's body-framing equipment is not big enough for the platform. Jeep's other factory in Toledo, Ohio, could be an option.

Source: Autocar