By 2014 Maserati will be selling their first ever diesel-powered 4x4, it’s called the Kubang. With its distinctive style and massive power, the Kubang should fit well into the luxury 4X4 segment and would be seen as a direct competitor to the Porsche Cayenne. The sleek four-door integrates Maserati's trademark rear haunches but with a fresh approach.
The platform is borrowed from the Grand Cherokee, but the proportions have been created by Maserati’s in house design team headed by Lorenzo Ramaciotti.
The company say that the Kubang’s “Style, engine, suspensions, brakes, handling and performance will all be 100% Maserati in picture-perfect continuity with the brand's core values of sportiness, style, elegance, luxury, performance and craftsmanship.”
The engine will be a designed in Modena by Paolo Martinelli - Head of the Maserati Powertrain Department. The four-door SUV will be powered by a 4.7-litre V8 (3-litre V6 diesel version in Europe). The new units will be coupled to an AT 8 speed automatic transmission.
Until now the brand has been used to producing car like the Gran Turismo although another 4x4 concept car was launched at the Detroit Auto Show in 2003.
This new car could represent the future product portfolio of Maserati and take the fight to Porsche who has received massive success with their 4x4 variant.
