The Internet age has seen almost every new car launch preceded by a bevy of spy photos, teasers and renderings. In fact, it would seem like a new model just isn’t complete without a speculative shot or two. And probably one of the most talked-about vehicles on the web right now is the Maserati Levante.
Months prior to its reveal, a slew of photos, camouflaged versions, and computer-generated designs surfaced online. Well, we can stop guessing now as Maserati has finally revealed the eagerly anticipated Levante, the first-ever SUV in the Italian marque’s almost-100-year history.
The Levante looks like it will still appeal to purists, despite being a high-riding, all-wheel-drive vehicle. That’s because it possesses styling cues straight from the brand’s core offerings like the Quattroporte, the GranTurismo and the Ghibli. The tapered headlights, for instance, flank the signature Maserati grille. Then there are the three air vents on the front wings, the trapezoidal C-pillars, and the sports-car-like frameless windows. Another sporty cue is the heavily raked shape of the back end, typical of performance motoring.
While Maserati hasn’t revealed any details on the powertrains that will propel this shapely beauty, the company did point out that all diesel and gasoline engines are Euro 6-compliant, and will provide excellent power and fuel economy. Apart from this, the new Levante will feature electronic suspension with air springs and controlled damping. It will likewise come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox that is tuned for sporty driving. It still has a trident badge, after all.
Assembled at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, the new Levante is scheduled to roll out in the second quarter of this year in Europe. Other markets will soon follow. We must admit that with this kind of an SUV, all speculation was worth making.
