Autoblog

Fiat to build Maserati SUV in Turin, Alfa Romeo version possible

Zach Bowman — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:46:00 EST

Automotive News Europe reports Fiat will build its new Maserati Levante SUV in Turin, Italy. CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed in an interview that the luxury utility will be manufactured at Fiat's flagship plant, and that the Mirafiori facility may build an Alfa Romeo SUV variant as well. Reports as far back as 2011 originally suggested the Italian-branded luxury SUV would be built in Detroit alongside its Jeep Grand Cherokee relative. Marchionne now says Fiat will construct both Maserati and Alfa Romeo vehicles in Turin, but has thus far declined to comment on exactly which models will be manufactured at the plant.

Right now, the factory is only running a few days per month, but Fiat has committed to investing around $1.63 billion to relaunch Maserati, and a fair slice of those funds could go toward revamping the Turin plant. Marchionne also made it clear that the Chrysler dealer network in the US will play a large role in the future success of the Alfa Romeo brand.

Set to bow in 2014 and hit dealers by 2015, the Maserati Levante is expected to take cues from the brand's 2011 Kubang concept shown above. As the Trident's first SUV, the Levante is expected to compete directly with the Porsche Cayenne and Land Rover Range Rover.

Fiat to build Maserati SUV in Turin, Alfa Romeo version possible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leak confirms Maserati product plans, five new models

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:44:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Crossover, Maserati

It isn't a secret that Maserati is planning a product expansion in an attempt sell 50,000 units annually by 2015, but the automaker hasn't officially announced just how it plans to do so. Yes, we've seen (and driven) the 2014 Quattroporte, checked out spy shots for the smaller Ghibli sedan and Maserati even confirmed the Levante name for its SUV, but a leaked document reported by CarScoop could shed some light on how the Italian automaker intends on carrying out its rapid growth.

According to the image, the new Ghibli and Levante models will considerably lower the entry price point for the Maserati brand with the sedan having a price range from around $72,000 up to just over the $100,000 mark, with the SUV starting at close to $80,000 and topping out at almost $200,000. It also looks like the GranTurismo and GranCabrio will be getting redesigned in the near future at which point the new Gran Sport model will be added to the mix - otherwise known as the which often-rumored sports car with which Maserati will do battle with the Porsche 911.

Leak confirms Maserati product plans, five new models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati planning second smaller SUV?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Maserati, Luxury

Maserati's product plans have taken a few wild turns, but as we get closer to production dates for the long-awaited offerings things are getting a wee bit clearer. The the sixth-generation Maserati Quattroporte is here, and a quick recap according to a report in Car and Driver has the smaller Ghibli sedan on Chrysler's LX/LY platform next, then the next-generation GranTurismo coupe and cabrio on a Maserati platform, then the Kubang SUV concept (pictured) that, for production, will become the larger Jeep-Cherokee-based Levante SUV.

All of which gets us to 2015. That same year, according to the report, the Levante will get a brother: a smaller SUV or crossover, perhaps sized like the Kubang concept, to challenge the Audi Q5 and the Porsche Macan. It is predicted to use the Compact US Wide platform, built for front-wheel and all-wheel-drive vehicles, that supports the Dodge Dart and 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulia. In addition to giving the premium brand a competitor in what is a very popular segment, a Maserati move slightly downmarket can help fill a gap while Fiat brass figures out what to do with Lancia.

Maserati planning second smaller SUV? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Dec 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati looking to book 13,000 sales of new Quattroporte in 2013

George Kennedy — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Maserati, Fiat

Europe's continuing financial woe is forcing automakers to get creative, and while Fiat may be scaling back its volume vehicles, it's looking to ramp up production of the exclusive Maserati brand. Following the debut of a new Quattroporte sedan, Fiat wants to boost Maserati sales to 50,000 vehicles by 2015. Maserati may lose as much as €7 million ($9.05 million) this year, and Fiat is betting big on Chrysler platforms and dealers to turn that around.

Currently regarded as a low-volume boutique carmaker, Maserati sold just 6,159 units last year, and 4,700 units through three quarters of this year. For 2013, Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne is targeting 13,000 in sales of the redesigned Quattroporte alone. Fiat apparently wants the brand's low volume image to change, hoping to position it closer to BMW and Porsche in the market.

The recent unveiling of the new Quattroporte will be followed by more new vehicle launches, including a crossover utility called Levante, and a long-promised sub-Quattroporte sedan, called Ghibli. The latter will share certain components with the Chrysler 300 sedan in an effort to optimize production costs. The Ghibli will be positioned to take on the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It's all in an effort to turn the profit tide for Maserati and its parent company Fiat amidst European economic turmoil.

Maserati looking to book 13,000 sales of new Quattroporte in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati dubs new SUV Levante, new sedan to resurrect Ghibli moniker

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 04:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, SUV, Maserati, Luxury

Building on the introduction of the GranCabrio MC that debuted at the Paris Motor Show, Maserati is planning three new models over the next couple of year in an attempt to raise sales to 50,000 units annually by 2015. While we think that that is a pretty lofty goal for a boutique automaker, redesigning its flagship sedan and adding two all-new models in popular segments sounds like a great plan of attack

The first new car we'll see from the Italian automaker is the next generation of the Quattroporte which will be a fitting way to celebrate the car's golden anniversary. We've already seen spy pictures of the new Quattroporte testing as well as a series of patent drawings that reportedly show the car's basic lines. Expect the new Quattroporte out sometime next year with a possible launch at the Detroit Auto Show.

Following the new Quattroporte, we'll finally get to climb behind the wheel of a Maserati SUV... just not the Kubang. Maserati confirmed that its new utility vehicle, based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, will in fact be named the Levante. We already knew that Maserati would definitely not be using the odd Kubang name after this year, but if the Levante name sounds familiar, it's because we previously reported that this name would be used on a sedan slotting in below the Quattroporte.

Speaking of this new sub-Quattroporte sedan, Maserati also announced that this all-new model would wear the Ghibli name. Both previous Maserati Ghibli models were sporty two-door cars, but this latest take on the name will be a full-size sedan going up against cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series. No word as to when we might see the new Ghibli on the road.

While we have the naming down for Maserati's newest products, we have few other details about these three new models, but we suspect Maserati will remedy this over the next year or so.

Continue reading Maserati dubs new SUV Levante, new sedan to resurrect Ghibli moniker

Maserati dubs new SUV Levante, new sedan to resurrect Ghibli moniker originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati's sub-Quattroporte sedan spotted testing

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Maserati, Luxury

The spy photogs at CarPix have caught the upcoming small sedan from Maserati to slot under the Quattroporte, rumored to be dubbed Levante, out testing. The spy shots frankly don't tell us much more than that, since the mule is wrapped in an ill-fitting Quattroporte body giving away little more than a shorter wheelbase and smaller brakes.

The Levante, if that's what it's called, will be Maserati's entry into the luxury mid-sized sedan segment to compete with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series. Said to arrive late next year, it will have its luxury ducks in a row, supposedly offering a twin-turbo V6, a V8 and a 300-horsepower diesel with 500 pound-feet of torque.

Questions about engines and their provenance remain; the next Quattroporte is getting a Ferrari-sourced supercharged V6 and turbocharged V8, but it is wondered if the Levante's V6 might come from the other side of the Fiat stable, namely Chrysler. No matter where the motors come from, though, they'll be run through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Maserati's sub-Quattroporte sedan spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati trademarks Levante name for new small sedan

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:43:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Maserati, Luxury

Maserati plans on moving its ferocious exhaust note into other market segments, which we know so far include an SUV perhaps called the Cinqueporte (nee Kubang) and a sport sedan to slot under the larger, next-generation Quattroporte. Internally it is said that the new sport sedan is called "Maseratina," but an Italian publication has discovered a recent Maserati trademark for the name "Levante."

The Levante, if that is its name, is aimed at the thick end of the mid-level executive sedan market, meaning the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, and could be equipped with a diesel engine. By the way, Levante has a few meanings, the one probably meant here is "rising," as in what the sun does. But it's also British slang for "leave secretly or hurriedly to avoid paying debts," which is a humorous coincidence in light of recent events in Italy.

Maserati trademarks Levante name for new small sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All eight, �115,000 Caterham RS Levantes sold out

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Caterham RS V8 Levante

With only eight examples of the Caterham RS V8 Levante being produced, it's no surprise that well-to-do track-tards have snatched up all of them after it went on sale this spring.

The 500-hp Caterham is packing a supercharged 2.4-liter V8 driving the rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox, and with a body comprised almost entirely of carbon fiber, Kevlar and aluminum, the 1,150-pound ode to maximizing minimalist motoring is able to hit 60 in under three seconds. That kind of firepower isn't cheap, with each example fetching £115,000, and thankfully, Caterham is requiring all the RS Levante's owners to enlist in a two-day advanced driving school when they take delivery.

Check out all the details about the Caterham RS V8 Levante here and make the jump to read the automaker's press release, along with a video of the Levante in action.

Gallery: Caterham RST-V8 Levante

Continue reading All eight, �115,000 Caterham RS Levantes sold out

All eight, �115,000 Caterham RS Levantes sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caterham RST-V8 Levante cracks the 1000 bhp per tonne mark, scares children

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Caterham RST-V8 Levante.

Caterhams have always been the model for minimalist motoring and it's rare that owners have been wanting for more motivation, but RS Performance has answered the call of a few owners that want insane power to match the Caterham's spartan looks.

Packing a supercharged 2.4-liter, V8 driving the rear wheels through a six-speed gearbox, RS Performance is giving well-heeled drivers 550 hp (at 10,000 rpm!) to simultaneously dry their hair and wet their pants. With a curb weight of almost 1,150 pounds, that means a power to weight ratio of around 1000 hp per ton and a 0-60 time of under three seconds.

Getting that grunt to the ground is difficult, at best. With the majority of the body panels being replaced with carbon fiber bits, along with an F1-style front splitter, steering wheel and Kevlar seats, the lack of mass is something drivers will have to overcome. Thankfully, the chassis, sticky rubber and traction/launch control should keep things in check.

If the £115,000 cost of entry for the supercharged version is a bit more than your wallet can bear, a naturally aspirated variant is available as well producing a "paltry" 380 hp. Included in the cost of the RST-V8 is a two-day driver training course when you take delivery. Good call Caterham.

The full press release with all the technical details is posted after the jump.

Continue reading Caterham RST-V8 Levante cracks the 1000 bhp per tonne mark, scares children

Caterham RST-V8 Levante cracks the 1000 bhp per tonne mark, scares children originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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