Maserati took the wraps off a more powerful, V8 version of its Levante SUV at the New York International Auto Show. The 2019 Maserati Levante Trofeo is powered by a twin turbo 3.8-liter V8 producing 590 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque.
The Trofeo is said to accelerate to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 187 miles per hour. Among the distinguishing exterior design cues are a piano black grille insert, carbon fiber splitter and other aerodynamic elements. The raised hood features functional vents and the Levante Trofeo rides on 22-inch alloy wheels. Inside there are sport seats covered in Pieno Fiore natural leather.
Also: Get your first look at the new and redesigned cars of 2019
“The engineers and designers in Modena know that the driveline parameters (of the Maserati Levante) were more than able to cope with additional power,” Tim Kuniskis, CEO of Maserati said. “They also knew that Maserati had access to the finest engines on earth. So they were up to the challenge of making the finest luxury SUV also one of the fastest.”
All-wheel drive
In addition to fitting the Trofeo with a more powerful engine, Maserati also retuned the suspension and adapted the Q4 all-wheel drive system to handle the additional output. The Levante still retains its 50:50 weight balance and can send up to 100 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels.
The drive modes on the Levante have also been upgraded to include launch control and a track-oriented “Corsa” mode to complement the Normal, Sport, I.C.E. and Off Road settings. The Corsa mode improves engine response, opens the exhaust valves on acceleration, quickens shifts from the 8-speed automatic, lowers the ride height and optimizes the shock settings on the magnetic ride suspension.
Also: Check out the latest news from the New York Auto Show
An even more exclusive version of the 2019 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 later this year with pricing announced closer to its launch.
