RobertG

well, I guess thats better than Ferrari actually coming out and building an SUV outright. But atleast the Maserati looks good, This photo is fro mthe Chicago Auto SHow. 390 HP, still in concept stage but its coming to market!GT HIGH PERFORMANCE - V8 - 390 BHP - LOW CENTER OF GRAVITY - 4WD WAGON HIGHLY VERSATILE - ACCESSABILITY - SPORTY DRIVING POSITION - HIGHLY VERSATILE 4,984 mm
Width 1,942 mm
Height 1,650 mm
Engine architecture Maserati eight-cylinder "V" engine, 4,244 cc
Engine performance Max. horse power 390 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
Peak torque 451 N m (330lb-ft) @ 4,500 rpm
Weight distribution (front/rear) 48 - 52 %
Wheel dimensions 19"/20" depending on set-up
Trunk floor up to waistline 600 liters
Load capacity --
with rear seats down/up to waistline > 1,000 liters
Load capacity --
rear seats down/above waistline > 1,500 liters
Acceleration 0 - 100 km (0 - 62mph) approx. 5.5 secs.
Maximum speed approx. >158.5 mph
Maserati are planning to show off a SUV ( Sports Utility Vehicle ) design study concept at the Detroit Motor Show which opens its doors early next month. The concept, is based around a heavily revised version of the Buran MPV which made its first public appearance at the beginning of 2001. Maserati's first SUV will then enter production in August 2004. The concept, as yet un-named, has been styled by Italdesign, who created the original Buran, jointly with Frank Stevenson.
The Maserati SUV will be aimed at the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, both which have represented new directions for these presitige sporting marques and have been overwhelming sales successes. With long order books for these 'off-road' vehicles, Maserati feel they cannot afford not to be involved in this market segment. The Maserati SUV, will use the new 4.2-litre V8 engine as used in the Maserati Spyder and Coupe.

The confirmation by Maserati that they are in "commercial and technical" talks with Audi has sprung speculation that the SUV could use floorpan and mechanical technology from the soon to be launched Audi Magellan off-roader, which is itself an upmarket version of the recently launched VW Touareg. The Audi Magellan is tipped to make its debut in Detroit.

The North American Motor Show, to be held in Detroit, opens to the public on 7th January 2003
WHY COULDNT PORSCHE DESIGN SOMETHING THIS NICE???????????????

<img src="http://www.italiaspeed.com/news_2003/news_2003_004_02.jpg" alt=" - " /> <img src="http://www.italiaspeed.com/news_2003/news_2003_004_04.jpg" alt=" - " /> <img src="http://www.italiaspeed.com/news_2003/news_2003_004_06.jpg" alt=" - " /> <img src="http://autoshow.msn.com/autoshow2003/photos/L_Kubang.jpg" alt=" - " />

M758

Personally the only picture I like is the first one...

And it aint because of the car! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Blue S2

That is wild! Personally i think the Cayenne is great, and it is a good move for Porsche. I love its styling as well...but WATCH OUT PORSCHE! Maserati is gonna kill it with that! As long as it gets proper attention in the states and it keeps its price competitive. Italian cars hae always looked the best, even the economy ones. The new Maserati GT cab is probably the only car in the 911 price range that I would ever chose over Porsche in a heartbeat. I have a strong Porsche addiction, but there is no denying that the Italians do it better! That SUV looks amazing. It should easily be able to run with the Cayenne. (i dont know about off road though...) Can't wait to see it. The Maserati site says Aug.2004.

Anir

Robert,

I agree with M758. The girl is nice, but the vehicle is FUNKY. Another awful hybrid, IMO. What's up with all the designers trying to graft wedge-shaped sports car noses onto a truck?

Now, I do love the pre-production sketches of the upcoming Maserati Quattroporte.

Blue S2

See, i have driven an SUV for 6 years now. I am a musician and at night i haul gear. Lots of it. Yet, i cannot stand anything but German and Italian cars. I do not like the X5 or the Merc, and can handle driving the Japanese SUV i have now...due to my 944 whenever i just can't take driving a car that has less road feel than a video game. Its a good daily car though. Since it is necessary to drive a large vehicle daily, the opportunity to drive a car that offers me virtually similar ability and feel of my Porsche is like a dream. I am seriously considering the Cayenne, but i want to wait a year or so and see how they hold up. A Maserati would be even better!

slevy951

Geez, and people think the Cayenne is ugly. This looks like a Civic on steroids...

Difference Engine

1. Fugly fugly fugly
2. WTF is a Kubang? Could there be a name that was more lame? No.
3. Concept vehicle does not equal production vehicle.

John from WA

Cayenne is a pretty lame name

xcessiv

I think it is cool, as long as it is AWD. I am sure its not cheap enough for my Ski vehicle, I guess I'll stick with my Audi 4000s quattro ($700).
LOL

Remember the Steppenwolf, now that was bad!

Wachuko

I love it! Wow!! That is more like what the Porsche Cayenne should have looked like. I have to agree with Blue S2, outside Porsche I would strongly consider a Maserati. I test drove the coupe and it was a blast!! that is one sweet V8 and the interior finish is a lot better than what Porsche currently has. It is also a better alternative to Ferrari since the engines are pretty much the same but with chains (instead of belts that need replacement every 10k miles)