Maserati Levante won't compete with entry-level Porsche Cayennes

Slated to go into production in 2015

Maserati's Australian importer has revealed some new details about the Levante crossover.

Speaking to Motoring, an ATECO spokesperson said "The bulk of [Porsche] Cayenne sales come from lower models that we won't be competing with and have no great desire to compete with." The unnamed spokesperson went on to say "The Levante will remain an exclusive vehicle."

While the website interpreted the statement to mean the Australian market will only receive V8-powered variants, it could also suggest the Levante will be positioned as a prestige vehicle that costs more than the Cayenne.

Regardless of what was meant, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne haspreviously said the Levante will go into production in 2015. The model is expected to be heavily influenced by the Ghibli and Quattroporte so engine options could include a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 410 PS (310 kW), a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 with 530 PS (390 kW) and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that develops 275 PS (202 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque.

Source: Motoring