Maserati is gearing up to launch the first SUV in its history, and we’ve gotten some new information about its powertrain. Contrary to what the president of Chrysler/Fiat (who owns the Italian automaker), Sergio Marchionne, had said, the new machine will not be motivated by a Ferrari mill but rather a HEMI V8.
Borrowed from the Grand Cherokee, the 6.4-litre, 465-hp engine will give the SUV a definite edge (at least on paper) over rivals like the Porsche Cayenne, also powered by a V8. A Fiat-sourced V6 diesel mill will be available as well.
We assume the decision is officially based on the fact that the HEMI produces more torque compared to Ferrari’s system, but financial concerns are clearly behind it. After all, Ferrari V8s probably don’t come cheap.
The Grand Cherokee platform on which Maserati’s SUV will be built is derived from a Mercedes-Benz architecture and includes several of the German automaker’s components. We can obviously expect very European design cues and a luxuriously appointed cabin.
Chrysler’s Jefferson North plant in Detroit will start building it in 2013.
Source : Top Gear via Auto Guide
Borrowed from the Grand Cherokee, the 6.4-litre, 465-hp engine will give the SUV a definite edge (at least on paper) over rivals like the Porsche Cayenne, also powered by a V8. A Fiat-sourced V6 diesel mill will be available as well.
We assume the decision is officially based on the fact that the HEMI produces more torque compared to Ferrari’s system, but financial concerns are clearly behind it. After all, Ferrari V8s probably don’t come cheap.
The Grand Cherokee platform on which Maserati’s SUV will be built is derived from a Mercedes-Benz architecture and includes several of the German automaker’s components. We can obviously expect very European design cues and a luxuriously appointed cabin.
Chrysler’s Jefferson North plant in Detroit will start building it in 2013.
Source : Top Gear via Auto Guide