Maserati Readies Chrysler-Based Sedans

Fiat SpA's Maserati unit plans to show its new small sedan, which may be called Levante, at the Frankfurt auto show next year, according to Autocar. The car will compete with the BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF and Mercedes-Benz E-Class model when it goes into production late next year.

The car will follow the public debut of Maserati's next-generation Quattroporte large sedan, code named M156, at the Detroit auto show in January, the British enthusiast magazine adds. The Levante program, code named M157, was reported a year ago by Edmunds.com.

Autocar says both models will ride on modified versions of the rear-drive platform that carries the Chrysler 300 sedan. The Levante will share its wheelbase with the 300, while the Quattroporte uses a stretched-wheelbase iteration, according to the magazine.

The two Maserati sedans will be produced in Italy in the former Carrozzeria Bertone factory Fiat acquired in 2009. Edmunds.com predicted last year that the smaller car would retail in the U.S. for about $75,000.

Autocar predicts that both sedans will be available with V-8 engines, with the smaller Levante also offered with diesel and V-6 engine options. Each engine option will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF.