Accessing the cargo area is made easy due to a unique clamshell rear hatch and pickup-type tailgate. While offering a comfortable outdoor bench seat, the tailgate also makes it possible to carry longer items home from the hardware store - or surfboard back from the beach for that matter. A total of 1,500 L (53.0 cu ft) is available with the second row split seatbacks folded flat, with 600 L (21.2 cu ft) of load space if the second row is upright.
The question still remains if Maseratisti will accept what some might see as little more than a high-performance 4WD station wagon. Its following is much smaller than Porsche's, but that said the Italian brand has a history of diversifying its model line to include four doors, something the German company hasn't done up until now.
To look at it, the Kubang does appear ready for production and Maserati has been discussing the possibility of a new wagon/SUV crossover model for quite some time. Of course it most likely won't happen until after its new Quattroporte (4-door sport sedan) arrives on the scene later this year.
News reports of meetings with Volkswagen AG's Audi brand have spurred on the rumor mill regarding a possible strategic partnership between the two marques to lower their SUV development costs, but again nothing concrete has been announced.
For now all we can do is sit back and appreciate Giugiaro's athletic design, hoping that something similar sees the light of day.
Specifications:
- Body Types: 5-door crossover wagon/SUV
- Layout: front-engine, 4WD
- Engine: 390-hp, 330 lb-ft torque, 4.2-L, 32-valve, DOHC V8
- Transmission: 6-spd sequentially shifted manual (mechanical electric-hydraulic)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 5.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 255 km/h (159 mph)
- Cargo Cap (seats up/folded): 600 L / 1,500 L (21.2 / 53.0 cu ft)
- Curb Weight: N/A
- Potential Competitors: BMW X5 4.6, Mercedes-Benz GST, Porsche Cayenne
- Web Site: www.maserati.com
