Image Credit: AutoBlog

Thank you Maserati!  Our prayers have been answered.  Finally, an SUV with a super car logo for the insanely rich soccer mom and active outdoor sports lover!   Unveiled at Geneva, Maserati’s Levante is well equipped with a 3.0-liter V6, but 3 choice models: Base, with 350 hp, 368 lb-ft torque, and 0-62 in 6 seconds, the S model with 430 hp, 427 lb-ft torque taking you from 0-62 in 5.2 seconds, and finally a (dare we say “wimpier” about a Maserati) diesel model at 275 hp, 442 lb-ft torque with a nap-taking 0-62 time of 6.9 seconds.  In all three models you’ll get an 8-speed automatic transmission with AWD, and a limited-slip differential.

Image Credit: AutoBlog

Rumored starting price of $72,000 we’re fairly sure you’re going to have to make that choice between a Black Stallion and antlers, or that heart piercing Italian trident.  But Porsche and Maserati are not the only houses in this Game of SUVs.  House Bentley, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Lotus and Rolls-Royce are all on a quest for the iron throne.  And with that we have only one thing left to say, “SUVs are coming…”  

Image Credit: AutoBlog

Image Credit: AutoBlog

Image Credit: AutoBlog

Image Credit: AutoBlog

Image Credit: AutoBlog

Image Credit: AutoBlog

 

PRESS RELEASE:

MASERATI LEVANTE DEBUTS AT THE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW
Maserati's first SUV receives its eagerly-anticipated world unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show

Modena, 01 March 2016 – Maserati has chosen the 86th Geneva International Motor Show to introduce the first SUV in its hundred-year history: the Levante.

As with many Maseratis from the past, the new car's name is inspired by a wind: the Levante is a warm Mediterranean wind that can change from a light breeze to an irresistible natural force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV.

The Levante is the ideal complement to the Maserati range. Combined with the Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo and GranCabrio, the range now covers the entirety of the global luxury automotive market.

Design, Exclusivity and Performance are the key characteristics for describing this new Maserati. Distinctively Italian in style, with breathtaking and iconic Maserati design features.

The interior has been created with the finest materials, most exquisite to the touch, from optional premium leather to Ermenegildo Zegna silk, made in Trivero by the Zegna wool mill with a patented process.

The spaciousness of the interior, enhanced by the panoramic electric sunroof, is combined with coupé-sleek external lines and the best aerodynamic efficiency in its category with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31.

The new Maserati SUV is based on the Quattroporte and Ghibli architecture, further evolved and refined to meet the expectations of this market segment, in which Maserati will compete for the first time.

The technology applied to every Levante is designed to offer outstanding performance both on- and off-road. Sophisticated suspension - double-wishbone on the front axle and multi-link on the rear, combined with electronically controlled damping, four corner air-springs providing 5 dynamic ride levels (plus one additional park-position), play an essential role in the car's handling.

Furthermore, with the lowest centre of gravity in its class, perfectly balanced weight distribution (50-50) between front and rear, high levels of dynamic torsional and flexional stiffness, and a mechanical self-locking rear differential as standard, when driven on-road, the Levante delivers all the performance and emotion typical of every Maserati.

The height-adjustment of the body position particularly useful in off-road driving guarantees ride comfort at the top of the category; when set to the minimum ground clearance, it enables the car to perform at its sporty best.

The Levante is fitted with a 3 litre V6 Twin-Turbo petrol engine with either 350hp or 430hp, and a 275hp 3 litre V6 Turbo Diesel. All engines are combined with the "Q4" intelligent all-wheel drive system - which can transfer torque between the axles instantaneously when required - and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, with integrated Start&Stop System.

In terms of performance, the Levante S (430hp) covers 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, has a top speed of 264 km/h, and provides combined NEDC-cycle consumption and emission figures of 10.9 l/100 km and 253g CO2/km respectively. The Levante (350hp) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and achieves a top speed of 251 km/h, with combined cycle consumption and emission figures of 10.7 l/100 km and 249g CO2/km respectively. The Diesel-powered Levante (275hp) covers 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 230 km/h, while its combined cycle consumption and emission figures are 7.2 l/100 km and 189g CO2/km respectively.

The human-machine interface on board is based on an evolution of the Maserati Touch Control system, completely updated to offer even more functionality and convenience: the 8.4" high-resolution screen is capacitive, and can – in addition to the touch system - be operated using the new rotary control in the central tunnel.

A wide range of sophisticated advanced driver assistance systems are available, including adaptive cruise control with automatic Start&Stop function, forward collision warning, automatic brake assist system and lane departure warning. Further options include blind spot alert, surround view camera and a powerlift tailgate.

Two extended feature packs are available for the Levante, a Luxury-Package and a Sport-Pack; they each include a variety of distinctive stylistic and technical contents and enable customers to extensively personalise the exterior and interior of the Levante.

The list of accessories, tailored to the vehicle's high quality and functionality standards, offers a wider array of options than ever before which includes cargo solutions, useful everyday items and a variety of roof carrier or trailer options.

The Maserati Levante is built in a dedicated, completely refurbished and modernized area of the Mirafiori plant in Turin; the first cars have already come off the assembly line and the market launch is planned for this spring in Europe, to be followed by the rest of the world.

The list price for the Swiss market, where the Levante has been launched, is 75,900 CHF.

The Maserati stand at Geneva will be displaying not only the Levante S and diesel-powered Levante but also the marque's complete range, comprising the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons and the GranTurismo coupe.

There are two Ghibli cars on show: the all-wheel drive S Q4 version with the 410hp 3 litre V6 Twin-Turbo engine delivering sporty performance including a top speed of 284 km/h and just 4.8 seconds from 0-100 km/h.

The other Ghibli is the Diesel-version with the 275hp 3 litre V6 Turbo engine providing a top-speed of 250 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.3 seconds, featuring the Zegna Edition interior.

The Quattroporte on display is the GTS version, powered by the immense 530hp 3.8 litre Ferrari produced V8 Twin-Turbo, capable of a peak torque of 710 Nm and able to propel the car to 307 km/h, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds, also customised with the exclusive Zegna Edition interior.

The flagship of the Maserati sports car range is the GranTurismo MC Stradale. Equipped with a naturally aspirated 4.7 litre 460hp V8 in transaxle layout, enabling the car to spring from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds; the top speed is 303 km/h and the car's Brembo Carbon-Ceramic brakes provide outstanding deceleration.