Levante [Official] Maserati Levante


The Maserati Levante (Tipo M161) is an executive crossover SUV produced by Maserati at the Mirafiori factory in Turin from 2016. The Levante went on sale in Europe in May 2016, and in North America in September 2016. The Levante was named after a warm, easterly wind that blows in the western Mediterranean Sea, southern France, down to the Strait of Gibraltar.
Fix the interior and add a V8 and you'll have your best shot at Porsche. Their new Cayenne just hasn't moved the game along far enough design wise IMO.

M
 
V8-powered Maserati Levante spied nearly naked
We've known for a while this was coming.

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I love fast SUVs. A big engine can do wonders to make a boring crossover exciting, even if they still handle like an overstuffed goldfish on wheels. That's why I'm really excited to see spy shots that show a V8-powered Maserati Levantein the flesh. Even before the Levante hit showrooms, Maserati admitted to us that a V8-powered prototype was already in existence. It seems that a full reveal is imminent.

Visually, the prototype we see here only does with revised front and rear fascias. It's slightly more aggressive, but not that far removed from what's currently available. Still, we're more interested in what's under the hood. Maserati said the Quattroporte's Ferrari-assembled 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 fits in the Levante with no issues. That should be no surprise, as the two models share a basic platform. In the Quattroporte, the engine makes 523 horsepower and 479 pound feet of torque. Don't be surprised if things are cranked up in the Levante to compete with the 567 horsepower BMW X5 M and the all-new 550 horsepower Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

Look for bigger brakes, stiffer suspension and more aggressive rubber. Typical performance modifications. While we don't know for sure, the V8 Levante is likely to wear the GTS badge, just like the top-dog Quattroporte. Unfortunately, the model ditches hydraulic steering for an electrically assisted unit. Still, it's sure to be a riot, at least in a straight line.
 

Attachments

523-horsepower Maserati Levante GTS in the works

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2017 Maserati Levante, 2016 Geneva Motor Show


The Maserati Levante currently tops out with the 424-horsepower S but a high-performance GTS is being developed as an alternative to the likes of the BMW X6 M, Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe and Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

Prototypes for the Levante GTS are already out testing. The vehicle will come with the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 found in the Quattroporte GTS, whose output for the United States is a stout 523 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque.

The Levante GTS should also come with an 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, and a host of chassis mods for sportier dynamics than what the Levante S offers.

According to Autocar, the Levante GTS will bow next year, meaning we’ll likely see it arrive for the 2019 model year.

Beyond the Levante GTS, we should see a Levante plug-in hybrid join the fold. The gasoline-electric SUV was confirmed by former Maserati CEO Harald Wester a year ago and is expected to feature the same setup found in the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.

The setup consists of a 3.6-liter V-6 paired with a dual-motor transmission. Powering the electric motors is a 16-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion which enables the Pacifica to travel up to 30 miles on electric power alone. The Levante plug-in hybrid should deliver similar performance.

The addition of the Levante plug-in hybrid is part of Maserati’s plan to transform its lineup into a fully electrified one starting from the 2019 model year. As part of the plan, Maserati is also thought to be readying an electric car based on its Alfieri sports car concept unveiled in 2014.
 
This will be nice!

Maserati Levante GTS Testing Ferrari V8 Spied in Detail


Ferrari's SUV or whatever they're making isn't going to be ready for a while, but you can have a Maserati Levante GTS with a Ferrari-derived 3.8-liter V8. This prototype was recently spotted in Italy, and we think its readiness suggests a Detroit Auto Show debut.
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The V8-powered Levante was always on Maserati's roadmap to success. In fact, probably should have come out by now, along with a whole other bunch of cars they can't afford to develop. The company is struggling due to lack of sales, but we have some confidence in the SUV's potential.

The only problem is that there's already a performance Italian SUV in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV. Sure, it's only got a 2.9-liter V6, but it's also tuned by Ferrari, and at 510 HP, it comes pretty close to what the Levante GTS is going to offer.

The Maserati Levante currently tops out at the 424-hp S model. The GTS is going to have the same 3.8-liter as the Quattroporte GTS, producing 523-hp and 479 pound-feet of torque or 530 HP and 710 Nm over in Europe. All-wheel drive, a host of chassis mods and sportier setup for the 8-speed gearbox will all follow.

The design isn't changing that much. You've got bigger side intakes at the front and massive quad pipes flanked by a diffuser rear.

According to our insider information, the Levante GTS will bow early next year and will be sold as a 2019 model in the states. It's already looking at some very still competition from the new Cayenne Turbo, and that's before BMW and Mercedes also bring out their big guns.

Beyond the Levante GTS, we should see a Levante plug-in hybrid join the fight. It's going to have a similar setup to the Chrysler Pacifica. Yes, the minivan with the 3.6-liter V6 and a dual-motor transmission. Powering those is a 16 kWh battery with about 30 miles of pure EV range
 
Why can't they give it a proper 600hp V8? definitely much needed to battle the upcoming GLE63 and X5 M.
 
For Geneva?
Or another empty stand?
Talking about this earlier but FIAT have not presented a concept car for over 10years.
 
Time to roll out the V8/GTS version please. It is the only version worth buying.

M

I think it's too late for this. They've been dragging their feet for too long. They also really need to up the interior to even make it worthwhile to even sway eyes away from Porsche or RR.
 
And here it is, the most basic Levante there is, no self respecting person will ever be seen in one of these.

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I know we have some modern Maserati supporters on the forum, but the these things are hot garbage. Looks terrible and isn’t built much better.

Last year MB sold 54.595 GLEs in the U.S and Levante sold just under 10% of that (5.460).
 
Agree with all the above sentiment. It almost seem that Maserati is trying its fool its way with potential buyers. Overpriced, poor quality/finish and ridiculous/shameless parts sharing. Sure they can go fast, sound nice and to some look nice but so can many less expensive and better made competitors. The savvy consumer knows better and whoever buys these things will learn their lesson (the hard way).
 
I know we have some modern Maserati supporters on the forum, but the these things are hot garbage. Looks terrible and isn’t built much better.

Last year MB sold 54.595 GLEs in the U.S and Levante sold just under 10% of that (5.460).
But but the 30% premium is worth it just so that you can say Maserati to your in-laws and friends at the local tennis club.
 

Maserati

Maserati S.p.A. is an Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer. Established on 1 December 1914 in Bologna, Italy, the company's headquarters are now in Modena, Italy. The company has been owned by Stellantis since 2021.

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