Maserati’s Lineup Expansion to Include a Compact Crossover

A compact crossover looks to fit into Maserati's lineup beneath the Levante, which is previewed by this Kubang concept Maserati is going for volume. Besides the new Quattroporte and the upcoming, next-generation GranTurismo and GranTurismo convertible, the brand has officially confirmed a slightly smaller sedan called the Ghibli, and an SUV called the Levante—which was previewed by the Kubang concept that debuted last year. That's quite the undertaking for a brand who's lineup has consisted of an evolving pair of core models and their variants for the past decade. Now, we have learned from an industry source that the brand also is preparing a more compact SUV, targeting the Audi Q5 and the upcoming Porsche Macan. First in the sequence of new models is the sixth-generation Quattroporte, which makes use of Maserati's in-house developed platform. Before the end of 2013, production of the Ghibli will begin, which will be developed from the Chrysler LX/LY platform whose heritage stems back to the mid-1990s Mercedes-Benz W210 E-class. In 2014, we will see the next-generation GranTurismo, followed in 2015 by GranTurismo cabriolet, which is called the GranCabrio almost everywhere else. Maserati chief designer Lorenzo Ramaciotti has said that it would be a more sports-car-like vehicle than the current, rather large and heavy model. But the GranTurismo will keep a Maserati platform, partly derived from that of the Quattroporte. First Drive: 2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport Coupe and Convertible Comparison Test: Porsche Panamera S vs. BMW 750i, Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S First Drive: 2013 Ferrari California Also in 2015, the brand will launch the Levante, a derivative of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and thus a close relative of the current Mercedes-Benz M-class. But the surprising news is that one year after that, there will be a second and yet unnamed SUV, more compact than the Levante and directly targeting the Audi Q5 and the upcoming Porsche Macan. It will be based on neither an existing Maserati nor a Chrysler platform; instead, it will use Fiat's long-wheelbase Compact U.S. Wide platform. This Maserati, therefore, will be a close relative of the Dodge Dart, the Chinese-market Fiat Viaggio, and the upcoming Alfa Romeo Giulia. A compact Maserati crossover would make quite a bit of sense, providing the Fiat Group with a product that could fit into the somewhat-downmarket void left by Lancia's glaring irrelevance. That would explain why information surrounding an upcoming, somewhat luxurious Alfa Romeo SUV suspiciously has dried up. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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