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Maserati Kubang SUV Preview: 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show

 
3 4,261 views Sep 13, 2011
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Maserati Kubang SUV

HI-RES GALLERY: Maserati Kubang SUV
Love it or hate it, the SUV has taken the luxury market by storm since its introduction, and only a few brands still don't have at least one offering in the segment. That number is one smaller today, however, as Maserati introduced the Kubang at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.

The first thing you're likely to notice about the Kubang is its name. It's not entirely new, as strange as it may sound: Maserati showed a concept SUV under the same name at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. This time around, however, the Kubang leverages corporate parent Fiat's new-found synergies with Chrysler's Jeep brand.

Maserati is careful to note that all of the major components and systems will be "unmistakably Maserati," however, including the exterior styling, the engine, the suspension, the brakes, and of course the interior.

Specific details on the Kubang are not yet being discussed, but Maserati says its unique engines for the Kubang will be designed in Modena by Paolo Martinelli, the head of Maserati's powertrain department. Though it won't be sporting Ferrari engines, either, Martinelli was previously the engine chief for Ferrari's F1 team, and the engine will be built in Maranello by Ferrari, so the Rosso DNA will be strong, whatever the branding.

Backing up the bespoke powerplant will be an automatic eight-speed transmission also to be developed (or at least refined) in Modena.

Look forward to more details on the Kubang SUV as it draws nearer to production in the coming months. For more 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show coverage, catch up on our dedicated show page here.



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Comments (3)

  1. fb_1501013227 avatar Daniel Strudwick Posted: 9/13/2011 8:54am PDT

    The car itself looks pretty good but what is that name all about? kubang? first the pagani huayra, then the ssc tuatara and now this!
     
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  2. Enzo avatar Enzo Rollis Posted: 9/13/2011 1:19pm PDT

    not bad but the rear could use some help.
     
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  3. fb_100000163077160 avatar John Mathias Posted: 9/13/2011 10:16pm PDT

    KuBang? Really? Is'nt that what we called the Pinto?
     
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