- Dubbed the "Maser-ango" in some circles, the Italian SUV leverages "potential synergies with sister brand Jeep," said the automaker.
- The Kubang will get Maserati proprietary engines and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Maserati first toyed with the idea of an SUV by introducing the original Kubang concept at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show.
FRANKFURT, Germany — It's been eight years since Maserati toyed with the idea of an SUV with the unveiling of the Kubang concept at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. Maserati on Tuesday said it will take the plunge into a new segment, unveiling the latest version of the Kubang at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.
In a statement, Maserati is still describing the Kubang as a "concept" and said it is "the forerunner of the future Maserati range." The Kubang is expected to target the Porsche Cayenne, although such critical details as launch date, pricing, powertrain and fuel economy were not announced.
Maserati said that "potential synergies with sister brand Jeep" are making the Kubang a reality. Fiat Group owns Chrysler and Maserati.
In the run-up to the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, there was speculation that the Italian luxury SUV might use the Chrysler platform for the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Kubang was nicknamed the "Maser-ango" because of the connection. There were also rumors that the Kubang would feature Hemi power. But that now seems unlikely.
Maserati said the Kubang will get "new-generation high-tech Maserati proprietary engines...designed in Modena by Paolo Martinelli," the head of the Maserati powertrain department. The SUV will get an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Maserati's statement about the Kubang noted that all of the major components "will unmistakably be Maserati: style, engine, suspensions, brakes, handling and performance."
Inside Line says: Maserati is a latecomer to the SUV party.
Add A Comment »
easym1 says:
09:40 PM, 09/23/2011
This is way better looking suv than cayenne which I believe has fallen off the cliff with regards to design.
themarine385 says:
01:42 PM, 09/15/2011
Looks like any other cross-over of recent years! Save your hard-earned $$$ and get a Porsche!
unpolire says:
01:33 AM, 09/15/2011
I am a Maserati owner and have several SUVs. While I would not tow with a Kubang, I certainly see its value as a shopping/pet/kid carrier when the weather or road turns ugly. If the interior personalization program common to Maserati vehicles continues with the Kubang, and an air suspension option is added, it may well become a class leader due to its extreme style and comfort.
miscpippa says:
12:37 AM, 09/14/2011
Chitty, Chitty, Kubang, Kubang
bai2 says:
04:59 PM, 09/13/2011
best looking luxury SUV
damaje says:
03:52 PM, 09/13/2011
Oh and one other thing, the name Kubang really needs to go kaput and they need to work on a better name than that if they do decide on polluting the brand with a dressed up dodge that looks like a german or japanese CUV with Kia tail lights.
damaje says:
03:50 PM, 09/13/2011
I agree with Aux1. Let Fiat be the peoples italian car brand, let Alfa be the step up, let Maseratti stay the exclusive niche brand it is. If anything they should be moving towards being an Italian Bentley to better diffrentiate themselves from Ferrari.
If Alfa really wants an SUV it should not look like any other SUV, so it should not look like Cayenne or Infiniti FX with Kia tail lights and a Masseratti grille.
captainvw says:
03:14 PM, 09/13/2011
Coolest. Name. Ever.
Maserati finally expands its product portfolio...me likey
jlcii says:
01:11 PM, 09/13/2011
Looks just like a Porsche Cayenne... but good.
toyzm says:
12:51 PM, 09/13/2011
Looks good but weird name... initially though it's Chinese model