Maserati Levante Could Get a V8

Maserati’s new Levante isn’t exactly underpowered with 430 horsepower available, but a big boost may be coming from a new V8 engine.

The powerplant is said to be a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 borrowed from the Quattroporte sedan, where it makes 523 hp.

Autoblog asked the head of Maserati vehicle programs, Davide Danesin, if the engine would fit in the Levante. “Yes, it fits, and we have a prototype already,” said Danesin, who went on to confirm that the big V8 can be paired with an all-wheel drive system.

When the Levante launches, it will be available with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 offered in two flavors; either with 350 horsepower or 430 hp in the S model.

This new updated V6 will debut in the Levante, though it will find its way to the Ghibli and Quattroporte soon, bringing a 20-hp increase to those cars in S tune.

If Maserati does build the high-performance crossover, it will be faced with stiff competition from the 520-hp Porsche Cayenne Turbo and 570-hp Turbo S along with the 550-hp Range Rover Sport SVR.

(Source: Autoblog)