If you thought the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio with its 375kw 2.9-litre powerplant was packing heat, its FCA-sibling the Maserati Levante has positively blown it into the weeds.
This is the Levante Trofeo, and apart from being one of the most powerful SUVs in the world, it’s also the fastest and most powerful car in Maserati's line-up. It's powered by a 3.8-litre turbocharged V8 engine that's hand built by Ferrari and has been modified to work with the Maserati all-wheel drive system.
Paired with an 8-speed automatic, it boasts peak power of 440kw and 730nm of maximum torque from 2,250rpm to 5,000rpm. By comparison, the Levante Diesel and Levante S are pedestrian. Each has a 3.0-litre V6 producing 202kw and 316kw, respectively. The Trofeo’s specific output though - 116kw per litre - is the highest of any Maserati engine ever produced.
The powertrain features a new Corsa mode with launch control capability in addition to the Normal, Sport, ICE, and Off Road modes of the regular Levante. The Corsa mode delivers the sharpest engine response and quickest gear shifts, as well as lowering the ride height and stiffening the shocks.
With Launch Control activated, it can hit 96kph in 3.7 seconds and with a long enough road will top out at 301kph. Interestingly, the new motor gives the Trofeo a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
Front and rear tweaks to the bumpers and fascias are clearly evident. Carbon fibre has been employed to fill in the side bezels and serve splitter duty up front. Out back, the lower body-colour diffuser hugs the quad exhaust tips.
An even more exclusive version of the Maserati Levante Trofeo will be the limited run first edition models which includes a Grigio Lava gray matte exterior paint scheme, matte finish 22-inch wheels and red brake calipers.
The new model will go on sale in the USA later this year. Maserati South Africa has not disclosed if the Trofeo will be made available for South Africa.
