A plethora of new spy shots of the upcoming Maserati Levante SUV have emerged before the car is launched later this year.
As with recent test mules, this particular car has been disguised as the existing Maserati Ghibli. However, its true identity as the Levante is easy to pick thanks to the flared wheel arches, raised roof line, increased ride height as well as the beefier wheels and tyres.
Last year, speculation emerged suggesting that the Levante will receive the new 525 hp V8 twin-turbo engine from the Quattroporte when it goes on sale. This could then be accompanied by other less powerful unit options among them being the 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 from the Ghibli, a diesel V6 and probably the new V8 diesel from Fiat.
Further details about the Levante remain rather scarce but we do know that production will take place at the marque’s Mirafiro plant in Northern Italy. The first bodies are expected to be produced next year. One key point of debate around the new Levante is what platform it will be based on.
Despite previous rumours indicating that the Levante will utilise the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Levante SUV will in fact use the platform of the latest Quattroporte albeit somewhat modified.
The Maserati Levante is expected to compete with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and BMW X5. It should also help Maserati achieve its goal of reaching 75,000 annual sales by 2018 alongside the new Ghibli and facelifted Quattroporte.
