So far Maserati’s CEO Harald Wester has confirmed the launch of five new models between now and 2015.
The first has been the 2014 Maserati Quattroporte, which goes on sale early next year. It will be followed by a mid-size sedan, also due next year, which will revive the Ghibli name and ride on a shortened Quattroporte platform.
In 2014 Maserati will launch its Levante SUV, which was first previewed with the Kubang concept car and will be based on the same platform underpinning the Jeep Grand Cherokee. There’s been some confusion as to whether this vehicle will be built in Italy or at the Jeep’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. It’s likely the vehicles will have some of their assembly handled in Detroit but finished in Italy.
In 2015 we’ll see a replacement for the GranTurismo models, which is likely to be spawned from the new platform developed for the Quattroporte. Finally, that same year will also see the launch of a new Maserati sports car, possibly a GranSport, which will compete against the likes of the Jaguar F-Type and Porsche 911.
While we know these five models are coming, Car and Driver is reporting that a sixth model, a compact crossover, is also in the works and likely to be launched towards the end of 2015.
The new compact crossover will reportedly ride on a version of the Compact U.S. Wide platform developed for the next-generation Jeep Liberty. Of course, the Maserati will likely feature the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 from the 2014 Quattroporte, which should give it the performance to take on sporty crossovers like the upcoming Porsche Macan.
The vehicle is thought to have originally been pegged for Alfa Romeo, to help with the brand’s return to the U.S. market. However, since Alfa Romeo’s product launches have been scaled back in favor of Maserati expanding, a move that should prove much more profitable for Fiat-Chrysler should it prove successful, the new compact crossover it seems will now come with a trident badge.
Stay tuned for an update.
