By Wayne Gorrett
While the chaps at Mercedes-AMG take a well-deserved day off, we continue our automotive horsepower smorgasbord with news that Maserati GB has confirmed that their V8-powered Levante range of Trofeo and GTS will arrive in the autumn.
Revealed earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, the range-topping Levante Trofeo is complemented by the Levante GTS revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show in April.
Both models share the Ferrari-sourced V8 as wedged in the Quattroporte GTS performance saloon, in two states of tune; 530hp in the GTS and 580hp in the hardcore Trofeo.
The pinnacle of the Maserati Levante range, the Trofeo is one of the fastest SUVs ever built and boasts a top speed of 186mph. With its twin turbocharged, 580hp 3.8-litre V8 engine, the Levante Trofeo, features Maserati’s ‘integrated vehicle control system’ along with a new ‘Corsa’ race driving mode with launch control offering more impressive driving dynamics, better performance, and a genuine driving experience befitting of the marque.
To visually differentiate the Trofeo from the regular V6-powered Levante range, there’s a new dual vented aluminium bonnet, 21-inch alloy wheels, a carbon fibre front splitter, front grille blades, side skirts and rear valance, along with Trofeo badging.
The Trofeo will be available in limited Launch Edition trim, just 50 examples of which have been set aside for the European market out of a global total of 100. The Trofeo ‘Launch Edition’ will be available in a range of unique exterior colours while the interior features leather sport seats available in black with red, blue or yellow contrast stitching.
The Maserati Levante GTS shares the same 3.8 litre V8 petrol engine and develops 530hp. It features an exterior restyled with a lower front fascia and the rear bumper which affords the GTS an aggressive presence. It receives Maserati's Q4 four-wheel-drive system, allowing a 0-62mph time of 4.2sec and a top speed of 181mph, 5mph less than the Trofeo range-topper.
The Levante V8 range is now on UK sale and will be making its UK dynamic debut up the famous Goodwood hill-climb in the ‘First Glance’ batch at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in early July.
To register your interest in leasing the new performance-oriented Maserati Levante GTS and Trofeo, please call our friendly and helpful sales team on 01618 269716.
