Maserati has revealed its new Levante Trofeo at the New York International Auto Show, describing the V8-powered newcomer as “the ultimate” SUV.
Equipped with one of the most powerful engines ever fitted to a Maserati in the form of a twin-turbo 3,8-litre V8 courtesy of Ferrari, the Italian brand says its new Levante Trofeo will sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 3,9 seconds, before reaching a top speed of more than 300 km/h.
The eight-cylinder mill, which is assembled by Ferrari in Maranello, is in this application worth 440 kW and 730 N.m, with the latter on tap from 2 250 r/min to 5 000 r/min. The engine boasts the highest output per litre of any Maserati powerplant and sends its oomph to all four corners.
Maserati says its engineers have tweaked the V8 to suit the all-wheel-drive Levante, providing it with a new crankcase design, specific crankshaft assembly, new oil pump and auxiliary belt and a different wiring layout. New turbochargers have also been added, along with redesigned cylinder heads with specific camshafts and valves, different pistons and new connecting rods.
Maserati says it has tuned the chassis of the hotter Levante to handle the higher power output and provide “an exhilarating driving experience with no compromise in terms of comfort”.
So, how will you spot a Levante Trofeo out on the road (if you don’t recognise the V8 roar first, that is)? Well, Maserati says this derivative’s restyling was mainly focused on the lower front facia and rear bumper. The side air intakes up front, for instance, feature a more aggressive design, while carbon-fibre side bezel blades and a carbon-fibre splitter have also been added.
There’s also a model-specific bonnet and optional 22-inch alloy wheels (with brake callipers offered in red, blue, black, silver or yellow). Round back, you’ll notice a new carbon-fibre horizontal element and body-coloured diffuser element between the oval quad exhaust tips. Furthermore, “Saetta” Trofeo logos have been added to the C-pillars.
Inside, the sport seats are trimmed in full-grain “Pieno Fiore” natural leather (available in black, red or tan), with contrast stitching and the “Trofeo” logo stitched onto the headrests. There’s also new matte carbon-fibre trim and paddle shifters, specific instrument cluster graphics, floor mats with metal “Trofeo” badges and a fancy Maserati clock.
