Maserati Kubang Going Porsche Cayenne Way

Published: Friday, September 16, 2011, 15:54 [IST]

Maserati has always been famous for building luxury sports cars. The Italian carmaker now owned by Fiat has a long history of motorspor5t, rallying and style. A Maserati engine note is considered the best in the world. In a clear indication of market trends taking over tradition, Maserati has decided to build an SUV. This is the first time Maserati will be building something other than a four door or two door sports car.

Maserati building a premium SUV is definitely radical. But to add to this novelty is a name that is not entirely car like. Maserati has named the SUV it launched the Frankfurt Motor Show as the Kubang. The car is named after the Javan wind. The Kubang will be a thorough bred Maserati with a powerful V8 engine. This despite it using the platform of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Maserati Kubang will be another premium SUV that has come out of a sports car maker. The oother one is the Porsche Cayenne, which not only heralded sporty SUVs but also completely improved the fortunes of the German carmaker. Porsche's sales have more than quadrupled after it launched the Cayenne. Maserati is also hoping the Kubang will also do the same.

The Kubang is clearly aimed at the growing markets who prefer to have luxury as well as space in their cars. Chine, the Middle East and India will be the primary drivers of growth for Maserati in the future. The Kubang was initially displayed as concept way back in 2003 but it did not find too many backers. Following the success of the Porsche Cayenne and the partnership between Fiat and Chrysler, the Kubang concept got a relook.

The Kubang will retain the Maserati's signature style, handling and performance. The car has been entirely designed and engineered by Maserati despite the usage of the Jeep Grand Cherokee's platform.

Article Published On: Friday, September 16, 2011, 15:54 [IST]

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