Maserati SUV Breaks Cover

Fiat Chrysler Automobile NV’s Maserati unit has released photos of the production version of its Levante crossover/SUV, which will be publicly unveiled next week at the Geneva auto show.

The front of the Levante, the brand’s first SUV, features a large concave grille with the Maserati logo in the middle. Other styling cues include a curvy hood and fenders, large sunroof, trapezoidal C pillar and Maserati’s signature side portholes. The short rear end gets a sharply raked tailgate and quad exhaust outlets.

Maserati says the Levante’s chassis makes it well suited for off-road driving and improves performance on low-grip surfaces, thanks in part to an adjustable electronic suspension with controlled damping and air springs.

Engine choices are expected to include two versions of Maserati’s turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 tuned to make 350 hp or 430 hp, plus a diesel V-6 in Europe and a possible high-output V-8 gasoline engine. All powertrains will include an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system.

A plug-in hybrid variant also is said to be in the works.

Maserati already has started building the Levante at is Mirafiori plant in Turin. Sales will launch this spring in Europe and later in the year in the U.S. and other global markets.