Autoblog

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 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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Maserati will use Chrysler and Fiat parts to make Quattroporte replacements

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Maserati

Maserati needs to make major moves if it wants to hit Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne's aggressive sales target. Marchionne wants to see a tenfold increase in Maserati sales, and one of the models that will help him get there is a new sedan, presumably the next-generation Quattroporte. Actually, make that two different sedans, because Marchionne is prepping luxury sleds both small and large.

What will underpin the four-door Maseratis? Since Sergio has the Chrysler parts bin to play with, he will call upon components from both the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Avenger. Also, he has Fiat powertrain parts at his fingertips, so you can expect to see a completely reworked version of the MultiAir engine. In Maserati guise, it will take advantage of forced induction, and should see power output in the 400-horsepower range.

Maserati will use Chrysler and Fiat parts to make Quattroporte replacements originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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