Thought I'd share an article found in the WSJ today: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704170404575624561382205910.html Maserati, according to Sergio Marchionne, will be offering an SUV built upon the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform, to be assembled in Michigan. "This is just a great architecture," Mr. Marchionne said. "Why wouldn't I put a Maserati on it?"
I could definately see this happening wonder if they'll use the 4.7 Ferrari V8 This will be a parts bin special
A Maser SUV has been kicked around for a long time now. Personally, I'm fine with it if it holds true to Maserati. If it's simply some Chyrsler stuff with a trident on the front and a leather interior, I'm totally against it. The look has to be Maserati too. We've been there once with rebadged Chryslers. I hope they are smart enough to understand we don't want to go back again.
If it's assembled in the USA I doubt it will ever be accepted as a true Maserati. I bet it will have the Jeep's engine though. They're pretty powerful these days and sound great on the road. Especially in bi-turbo trim! Sort of a Cayene killer. Maybe they should dub it the Iaccoca or the de Tomaso in honor of that fruitful previous collaboration of the Penstar and the Trident ... Bob S.
+1,000,000,000,000+ There has been QP variants of a wagon, would love to see what they could pull off.
first off, is not the new GC based on the previous generation Mercedes ML (from the brief DCX days?) Somehow I doubt Mercedes will be too excited about this. second, here's two great reasons against a Chrysler/Maserati SUV: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have a '10 Mercedes ML350 Very much accepted as a true Mercedes even tho it's built with American labor in Alabama. Fritz designed it. Fritz designed the manufacturing facility. Fritz trained the labor force. If Fritz approved the final vehicle to meet his specs, then it's OK for Fritz to put his badge on it. The Maser would be a good competitor to the Porsche Cayene SUV. If Luigi designed the SUV, trained the labor force in how to screw it together, designed and built the manufacturing facility and Luigi approved the final version, then Luigi can put his badge on it. Isn't the new Jeep platform a result of the former Mercedes ownership (the DO have some very good engineers there)? It looks and is spec'd and optioned like the VW Tourareg (a very well designed SUV.. I had an '04). If so, it should be an excellant platform on which to build a Maserati. We're dealing with world manufacturing now and country of origin is of lesser importance (than it once was) than the actual substance, design and excecution of the vehicle. Everything else is marketing hype. Most of the parts you don't see are made in China, India, Malaysia, Mexico anyways (no matter where the car was built.... er that's finally assembled). JD
If it's a slightly gussied up verion of the Jeep it's not going to fly at prices north of $100K. If it's lot more than that with a Quattroporte level of interior is it going to be able to be assembled in a Jeep plant? Presumeably this is supposed to be quite a bit more than an ML350. The Maserati buying experience is supposed to be about luxury, refinement, performance and exclusivity. Exactly how does Jeep or Chrysler fit that equation? Bob S.
They sometimes understand something. If they built this car I don't care what chassis its on. This is one beautiful SUV. Unfortunately the design is now the property of VW. I took these photos at Italdesign in 2009 Ciao, FGM Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I passed one of Audi SUV's the other day and I saw quite a bit of the Maserati influence in it. It helped that the Audi was also silver. I think VW did use some of the design influences from this show car for their range. Jeff Dallas, TX 1994 Alfa Romeo 164 LS
Remember, the TC was supposed to be out first, and the LeBaron be a variant of it. Typically Italian delays killed that plan, and the hopes for the TC. Italian cars with US powerplants are a time-honored tradition.
I'm not impressed with that design whatsoever. A Maserati should be sexy. It should capture your attention like a piece of art or a beautiful woman. It should be created through an artist's inspiration as opposed to a marketing team. It should evoke emotion. That's the only reason I put up with the frequent and expensive repairs on mine. Either that, or make the car as reliable and drivable as a MB, BMW, or Audi. If they can't do that, they should just let the brand die an honorable death as opposed to dragging the reputation through the mud before they kill it.
I love "Ferrari fans" and "Lambo fans" why?: because their fascinations is very strong and .... sometimes funny but today about "Ferrari fans" and their love to Fiat group. When Lamborghini start to think about build four doors limousine , "Ferrari fans" says: I don't like Lamborghini any more, this stupid AUDI destroyed legend. But when Fiat decide to do another step to make one of most prestige italian brand "commericial" by selling suv cars to make company more profitable, "Ferrari fans" say: It's fine, not a big deal. I must say I really understand "Ferrari fans" why?: because real love forgives everything It's funny have a nice day .
