Maserati to Build Crossover SUV cum Sport Wagon

While front-wheel drive is an option for Alfa Romeos, it isn't for a Maserati as there is a reputation for the brand to uphold.

The wagon will be a key player in helping Maserati reach its year 2007 projected sales goal of 10,000 units. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Luckily, Alfa Romeo invested in an all-wheel drive system to harness the power and torque of its more powerful models. The system uses the new Torsen C system, which can distribute and shift torque, seemingly at whim between the front and rear axles to help create neutral steering even under extreme cornering. It is perhaps the most advanced AWD system this side of Honda's SH-AWD featured on the new Acura RL.

While building a Maserati crossover may seem illogical, this is merely one component to the master plan of propping the Trident brand's sales, according to Karl Kalbfell, the man in charge of running Alfa Romeo and Maserati. The ex-BMW boss intends to help Fiat, the parent company, return to profitability by bringing attention to its luxury brands, in particular Alfa Romeo, which is set to return to North America in the near future. With an established network of Ferrari-Maserati dealers in North America, hot new products such as the 159 and Brera sports coupe, as well as a new crossover for its Maserati subsidiary, Alfa's return to North America would certainly be on the right foot. The wagon will also be a key player in helping Maserati reach its year 2007 projected sales goal of 10,000 units; a slight internal hint that the vehicle could be on sale as early as late 2006.