Rumors exploded over the past few months that the Maserati Levante concept would be built on a Jeep platform. While some were stoked about the possibilities, they will not come to pass on a Jeep chassis regardless of the parent relations between Fiat and Chrysler. The Maserati Levante SUV will instead sit on the new Quattroporte/Ghibli architecture. 

The Maserati Levante SUV will not be Jeep based after all. Maserati CEO Harald Wester has reviled changes to the plan. It will look very much like the Kubang concept, shown above.

As is quite typical during the concept phases of a new model, the plans have changed here and there for the Maserati Levante SUV. Initially it was announced that it would be manufactured in Detroit alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango sporting the Jeep platform. Then it was spilled that it would be made in Italy. Now the gears have shifted again for the beloved Maserati SUV concept, and it may not appear this year as planned.

The Maserati Levante SUV is based on the Maserati Kubang concept

Maserati CEO Harald Wester revealed the change in plans during an interview with CNN Money. Before the long faces drop, let me clarify that the Levante SUV will still possess off-roading capacity. It will be packing the AWD powertrain from the Maserati Quattroporte in SUV form. While it will likely be no match for the likes of Land Rover, it will certainly be a step in a new direction for the marquee.

Overall

If Maserati plans to release the Levante in production form this year, they could alter the Q4 AWD to power the V8 engine and likely achieve spectacular results. Currently the Q4 powers the V6 version, though a high-end SUV like the Levante would need more girth to compete. We will have to wait for more leaks to know exactly what will come of it, though I expect to learn more from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

 

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