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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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 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 retiring Kubang concept ahead of production debut at 2014 Detroit show

Noah Joseph — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, SUV, Crossover, Maserati, Luxury

Say goodbye to the Maserati Kubang, and say hello to...well, we don't know what it'll be called yet, but we'll be seeing it come January 2014.

According to Automotive News Europe, Maserati will unveil the production version of its SUV - complete with a new name - at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, a little over a year and a half from now. In the meantime, however, the Kubang concept (pictured above) that previews its form will be put into retirement.

This after the concept has made the rounds on the international circuit including the Frankfurt Motor Show (where it was first unveiled back in September), in Dubai (where it was shown to a large portion of its target market), at the Detroit Auto Show (near where it will be built alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee on which it is based, with engines shipped in from Italy) and at the Beijing Motor Show, where it is currently on display for what is reportedly the last time.

Maserati retiring Kubang concept ahead of production debut at 2014 Detroit show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati registers Cinqueporte, name of crossover revealed?

Jeff Sabatini — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Maserati, Rumormill

It shouldn't even need to be said, but Kubang just isn't a good name for a Maserati - and that's not just because it sounds like onomatopoeia for the noise a Biturbo makes just before it becomes a Monoturbo.

When the name first surfaced on a 2003 Detroit Auto Show concept, the Modenese automaker said that Kubang was named after an Indonesian wind. But if we are to believe this guy, "kubang" actually means "quagmire" in Javanese. So maybe it actually is appropriate for the production version of this Maserati concept, which will have the most confused bloodlines of any product to wear the Trident since the infamous Chrysler TC.

But seriously, we completely understand why the Fiat brass would prefer that the Maserati crossover be called something as banal as "Cinqueporte," which not only complements the Quattroporte sedan, but literally translates to "five-door." That the name has reportedly been registered in Italy only makes sense - if for no other reason than to keep someone else from using it.

Maserati registers Cinqueporte, name of crossover revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati Kubang is Italian for SUV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, SUV, Maserati, Design/Style

"For some reason SUVs today never seem to offer the kind of uplifting driving pleasure and luxury atmosphere that are two givens of today's high-end sports and luxury cars."

So says Maserati, and though we're quite certain rivals like Porsche, BMW and even Maserati's own sister-brand, Jeep, would take offense to the claim, we feel inclined to point out that the very nature of the SUV - higher ground clearance, seating position and the subsequent higher center-of-gravity, to name just one - makes them less suitable for the kind of "driving pleasure" we'd generally associate with Maserati. But we digress.

What we have here is Maserati's take on the premium sport utility vehicle, and the Italian automaker promises it heralds the coming of a new product line. Maserati claims that the Kubang's "style, engine, suspensions, brakes, handling and performance will all be 100% Maserati in picture-perfect continuity with the brand's core values of sportiness, style, elegance, luxury, performance and craftsmanship."

We hope all that is true, and at least the powerplants sound enticing. According to the Italian company, a new generation of proprietary engines are being designed in Modena by Paolo Martinelli, who previously spent 30 years at Ferrari and its Scuderia factory racing team, and they'll be built in Maranello by Ferrari. Expect that engine to be mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Keen fans of the brand may remember that this isn't the first Kubang seen from Maserati. Way back in 2003 at the Detroit Auto Show, the Trident brand showed off an SUV in conceptual form that shared the same moniker. We think this one looks a fair bit better, though it's still a somewhat oddly shaped little duckling.

Nothing else is yet known about the Kubang, but we'd expect it to borrow liberally from the Jeep parts bin, and there have been many indications that it will likely even roll down the same assembly line in Detroit as the Grand Cherokee. In any case, have a good look at the Kubang in all its somewhat funky glory in our high-res gallery of live images, and feel free to peruse the press release after the break.

Continue reading Maserati Kubang is Italian for SUV

Maserati Kubang is Italian for SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grand Cherokee-based Maserati SUV to be built in Detroit

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, SUV, Maserati

Maserati is moving ahead with its plans to bring a trident-branded sport-utility vehicle into the world. Reportedly set to debut in Frankfurt later this year, the Jeep Grand Cherokee-based SUV will be built at Chrysler's Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit. That's right, an Italian-blooded sport-ute is set to be pieced together right here in the Motor City.

Since the Grand Cherokee got a stylish update, we don't expect Maserati to have much difficulty in making it look even better. Also, whatever motivation lies under the hood should make great noises and provide more than suitable power.

Take notice, Porsche Cayenne owners.

Grand Cherokee-based Maserati SUV to be built in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati to unveil Grand Cherokee-based SUV in Frankfurt

Noah Joseph — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, SUV, Jeep, Maserati, Luxury

It's go time over at the Modena headquarters of Maserati. The automaker itself set the ambitious target of doubling its sales figures, but its corporate overlord Sergio Marchionne wants the brand to increase their sales tenfold. That's ambitious and then some, and in order to get there, the Trident marque is going to need some new product.

Fortunately, Maserati has just such plans in store. And we already know a bit about all of 'em. The Quattroporte will be replaced by two new sedans - one smaller and one larger than the current model - while a new SUV is set to join the lineup for the first time. What we didn't know is that the sport-ute is set, according to reports, for unveiling at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

The vehicle, based on the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee, will likely debut in concept form at first. So it might be a while before we find out whether it will carry Maserati's own V8 engine or something from the Chrysler parts bin, but we should have a good idea of what we're looking at when the concept is unveiled next week. Stay tuned.

Maserati to unveil Grand Cherokee-based SUV in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marchionne seeking 10x sales increase for Maserati?

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Maserati, Fiat

Sergio Marchionne is looking to expand the Fiat Group empire, and one of Mr. M's plans is to bringing more Maserati vehicles into the world. And we're not talking about a small jump in sales either. Marchionne wants to expand Maserati sales tenfold.

That's a rather bold undertaking, and would require Maserati to climb from 5,675 units sold last year to over 50,000 per year. How does Marchionne intend to accomplish this feat? Through the introduction of new models to reach a wider audience.

The planned new additions include a Quattroporte replacement, a smaller sedan and a sport utility vehicle. The larger family will certainly help attract more eyeballs, but is it enough to push sales 10 times higher? We think that might be a bit ambitious, but as the number of wealthy citizens climbs around the world it's certainly possible.

Marchionne seeking 10x sales increase for Maserati? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati family growing larger thanks to Chinese market

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Maserati, Rumormill

Spy Shots: Maserati "Baby Quattroporte" - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Maserati family of automobiles is a small, tight-knit clan of exotic Italian machinery that sounds as good as it looks. Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne wants to expand that family, and capture more of the growing exotic car market that is currently taking shape in China. What does this all mean to the Trident brand?

We've known about a baby Quattroporte for some time, but the grown-up sedan is also due for a refresh. Each model may get an all-wheel-drive version thanks to the new tech found under the body of the Ferrari FF. In addition to the pair of four-doors, a Maserati SUV (to be based off the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee) is in the works. Once here, it will surely do battle the Porsche Cayenne for the title of "most hated vehicle amongst purists-slash-best seller." That vehicle may be built in Italy at Fiat's former Bertone plant.

And finally, according to a report from Car and Driver, the Italian brand may use a turbocharged and MultiAir-equipped version of Chrysler's Pentastar V6 engine with 400 horsepower along with a turbodiesel from Fiat in lieu of a V8 borrowed from Ferrari.

Maserati family growing larger thanks to Chinese market originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Detroit-made Maserati SUV to carry Ferrari power

Noah Joseph — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Jeep, Maserati, Ferrari

Ferrari's high-revving powerplants are the beating heart of any of its road or racing cars, but the Prancing Horse's own aren't the only vehicles to carry Ferrari engines. Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Maserati and countless Formula One teams have benefited from Maranello's powertrain expertise. But an SUV made in Detroit? Has the rapidly integrating Fiat-Chrysler empire lost the plot?

The alliance's chief executive Sergio Marchionne has big plans for Jeep that includes building a Maserati version of the new Grand Cherokee right here in the good ol' U-S-of-A, at the Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit. With Jeep underpinnings, though, the lingering question has been whether the Trident-badged model would come across as more Italian in character or more American.

According to reports, Marchionne is adamant that the Maserati SUV will carry an engine designed (if not necessarily built) by Ferrari. The high-riding application may be a first for a Ferrari engine, but if arch-rival Lamborghini could port the Countach's V12 into the LM002, we suppose anything's possible.

[Source: CNN Money via Motor Authority]

Report: Detroit-made Maserati SUV to carry Ferrari power originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WSJ: Marchionne confirms Grand Cherokee-based Maserati SUV to be built in MI

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Maserati, Luxury

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember the last time Chrysler and Maserati collaborated? It was the late '80s, the car was called the Chrysler TC by Maserati,and it didn't go nearly as well as the men in charge of the project had hoped. Now, 25 years later, Sergio Marchionne heads both companies and he wants to try another tryst. It will again be a Maserati body on a Chrysler platform, this time a Maserati SUV on the Jeep Grand Cherokee's underpinnings. The vehicle has actually been rumored for some time now, with earlier reports suggesting that the off-road Maser is likely to receive Ferrari power, but this is the first time we've heard such clear and concrete talk from a high-ranking official like Marchionne.

Marchionne has confirmed the vehicle's arrival to The Wall Street Journal, going so far as to say, "This is just a great architecture. Why wouldn't I put a Maserati on it?" To be fair, the same platform does duty under the Mercedes M-Class, which is built in Alabama, and that line runs in price all the way up to the $92,590 M63 AMG so there's no reason it won't suit a properly engineered Maserati.

Yet while the TC by Maserati was built in Milan with hand-finished bodies, this SUV will apparently be produced on the same line as the Jeep and Dodge Durango in Chrysler's Jefferson North plant in Detroit. No date has been mentioned for when it will appear, nor do we have any idea of what it will look like. But if it truly sticks to Maserati values - other than the part about being made in Italy - it will probably compete with the Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover and Mercedes G-Class. Hat tips to Prhime and Ryan!

Gallery: Review: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

WSJ: Marchionne confirms Grand Cherokee-based Maserati SUV to be built in MI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Many Happy Returns? Russian designer pens Maserati Kuba concept

Noah Joseph — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Crossover, Maserati, Russia, Design/Style

Maserati Kuba design study - Click above for high-res image gallery

It was only a few years ago, but how quickly we forget. Maserati actually toyed with the idea of building a crossover back in 2003, even going so far as to unveil a concept for the project called the Kubang GT Wagon at the Detroit Auto Show. The shape was penned by Giugiaro's ItalDesign, but project was scrapped, preserving the Trident marque's chastity in the eyes of many a purist. Now, an ambitious designer out of Russia has revived the idea with a concept he calls the Kuba. Sound familiar?

The brainchild of Andrey Trofimchuk Simeonych, the Maserati Kuba design study is, well...an intriguing take on what a Maserati crossover could look like. Only it doesn't share any design themes with any Masers we can think of. Nor does it have any theoretical specifications attached, though surely a platform and powertrain could be found from the growing Fiat/Chrysler automotive empire.

To our eye, it would look more suitable as a vision for what a future aircraft-engined Veritas sport-ute could look like, or maybe even a weird Citroën concept of some sort (is there any other kind?). Then again, maybe not. It's a love-it-or-hate-it affair, so have a look for yourself in the high-res image gallery below and share your impressions in our comments section. Just don't shoot the messenger.

Gallery: Maserati Kuba design study

[Source: CarDesign.ru]

Many Happy Returns? Russian designer pens Maserati Kuba concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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