The Fiat Group is getting ready to take its alliance with Chrysler to the next level with the presentation of three new models including an SUV and two luxury sports sedans, all using key technology and components from the Chrysler Group's lineup, according to a report from Autonews.
First up is the long-rumored Maserati SUV model, which is said to be previewed by a concept study (not to be confused with the independent design rendering by Andrey Trofimchuk that is pictured in this article) at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, before landing in showrooms in 2013.
The Italian firm's answer to the Porsche Cayenne is believed to be based on the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee, which itself shares a common platform architecture with the Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.
The report says that the luxury SUV would use Maserati's Ferrari-sourced 4.7-liter V8 engine, which is capable of producing around 450-horses, but we wouldn't act surprised if Top Gear's sources prove to be right in their claim that the Italians will go for a tweaked version of the Grand Cherokee SRT8's 470HP 6.4-liter HEMI V8.
In Europe, there's also a possibility that the SUV could get the Grand Cherokee's VM Motori-sourced 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel tuned to develop around 300-horses, but that could be too much of a stretch for a brand like Maserati.
Talking about a stretch, the report goes on to say that Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is planning to replace the current Maserato Quattroporte with two sedan models, both using technology from – wait for it- the Detroit firm's "Chrysler 300 and Dodge Avenger" models.
Before you hit the comments section, let us note that this is what Autonews reporter Luca Ciferi claims, not Carscoop.
To make a long story short, Maserati is allegedly considering to present a smaller sedan sized closer to the BMW 5-Series and a much bigger than the Quattroporte saloon to better compete with the long-wheelbase versions of the BMW 7-Series, Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The two saloons are said to be built at the Officine Automobilistiche Grugliasco (OAG), which is the new name for the former Carrozzeria Bertone factory that Fiat bought in 2009.
According to Maserati officials, the new models "will not be rebadged Chryslers" and will feature different bodies and interiors, as well as modified suspensions and powertrains, with the parts sharing to take place in areas "where the customer does not see it".
The "baby" Quattroporte is said to keep Maserati's traditional layout of a front longitudinal engine and rear-wheel drive, with power to come from a "heavily revised" version of Chrysler's 3.6-liter V6. The six-cylinder unit will have a reduced capacity of 3.0-liters and benefit from Fiat's fuel-saving MultiAir air management system, twin turbocharging and direct injection to develop more than 400-horses.
VM Motori's 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel may also make the cut, according to the report.
The Italian are quoted as saying that the new small sports sedan will be priced between €55,000 and €70,000 (US$79,000 to US$101,000) in Europe, which if true, means it would most likely cost less in the USA.
As for Maserati's extra-large limo, it is said that it measures around 5,170mm in length, or 70mm longer than the current Quattroporte, with power sourced from a revised version of the Ferrari-built 4.7-liter V8 delivering around 475-horses, coupled to the ZF Group's eight-speed automatic transmission. An all-wheel drive version is also said to be under consideration.
Surprisingly, Maserati will be ditching its long-time partners Italdesign Giugiaro (recently acquired by the VW Group) and Pininfarina, as all three models are said to be penned by Maserati Styling Center in Turin, under the direction of Marco Tencone and the supervision of Fiat group design boss, Lorenzo Ramaciotti.
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