Maserati to compete in performance SUV segment? Levante could get twin turbo V8

[Sticky]

The twin turbo V8 under the hood of the Ferrari 488 GTB is actually a tweaked version of Maserati's own V8. Ferrari takes the motor to 671 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. In the Maserati Quattroporte GTS however output is 523 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque.

For a performance Levante SUV one would expect the V8 to be closer to the Quattroporte state of tune than the 488 GTB. However, with top performance SUV's actually around 600 horsepower despite what their manufacturers claim Maserati definitely would need to deliver big power and torque if they want to compete.

Maserati is already testing the vehicle with the V8:

Yes, it fits, and we have a prototype already

Perhaps Maserati would be satisfied simply offering the same V8 as the Quattroporte GTS. They might not strive to be the top performance option in the segment and that is fine.

The more performance SUV options the merrier in our opinion. Jaguar is gearing up to enter the segment as well.

[KEMA]

Interesting. So is Maser's GTS engine architecture identical to the 488? (same size turbos etc) and simply in a different state of tune? If yes then the GTS and/or Levante would be an interesting alternative to the FF as a high performance family hauler.

Ken

[Sticky]

Interesting. So is Maser's GTS engine architecture identical to the 488? (same size turbos etc) and simply in a different state of tune? If yes then the GTS and/or Levante would be an interesting alternative to the FF as a high performance family hauler.

Ken

The turbos are not the same, no. Neither are the internals or the crank. The stroke is slightly longer at 84.5mm compared to the 488 GTB 83.0mm. That is just from the Ferrari and Maserati websites but there may be a mistake as some other sites report the GTS stroke as 80.5mm. Regardless, differences between them exist.

The basic engine architecture is the same but there are differences for each application internally.

[KEMA]

Thanks Sticky. Always quick to answer and share your thoughts. Much appreciated.

Ken

[ND75R]

If yes then the GTS and/or Levante would be an interesting alternative to the FF as a high performance family hauler.

Sadly I don't think either would be that great of an alternative as modern Maserati vehicles are just a bit meh, if you had to go Italian and don't need the AWD I'd look at the new Alfa sedan, but these Masers do have decent tuning potential. GSR Tecknic (if they're to be trusted, probably not) are claiming gains of +100 WHP / + 100 WTQ (lb-ft) for the 3.0 V6.

[Sticky]

GSR Tecknic (if they're to be trusted, probably not) are claiming gains of +100 WHP / + 100 WTQ (lb-ft) for the 3.0 V6.

They always have huge dyno claims and then... nothing.

[ND75R]

They always have huge dyno claims and then... nothing.

I assume you've emailed them? I bet they'd be a little less inclined to respond to a forum that's known for calling tuners on their BS.

[Sticky]

I assume you've emailed them? I bet they'd be a little less inclined to respond to a forum that's known for calling tuners on their BS.

He used to chat me up frequently when still at Powerchip and when going out on his own. Now he doesn't even respond to questions like when I asked what was going on at GSR with all this drama lately.

I think they just want to try to make money however they can.

[ND75R]

They posted this graph to social media, for whatever it's worth.

[Sticky]

They posted this graph to social media, for whatever it's worth.

I think they need to back up their claims to instill confidence considering all the BS. Timeslips would help.

[ND75R]

I think they need to back up their claims to instill confidence considering all the BS. Timeslips would help.

I asked about time slips and their response was that their customers are mainly road race and street and none of them drag..

[Sticky]

I asked about time slips and their response was that their customers are mainly road race and street and none of them drag..

Convenient. Doesn't help alleviate any concerns. If it was my company I'd be getting cars on the strip.

[ND75R]

Convenient. Doesn't help alleviate any concerns. If it was my company I'd be getting cars on the strip.

Haha exactly what I was thinking.

[DaHaiLife]

The engine in the 2019 Levante GTS and Trofeo is basically the same engine from the 2019 Ferrari Portofino, just with a different block to accommodate the Q4 AWD system. Engine code is F154, 538lbft, 550hp in the GTS and 590 in the Trofeo.

[Sticky]

The engine in the 2019 Levante GTS and Trofeo is basically the same engine from the 2019 Ferrari Portofino, just with a different block to accommodate the Q4 AWD system. Engine code is F154, 538lbft, 550hp in the GTS and 590 in the Trofeo.

Aren't the turbos different? Bore x Stroke as well?

[DaHaiLife]

Yes that is true, bore is the same I believe but the stroke is longer in the Maserati variant. Also noteworthy that the Trofeo will have Corsa mode with launch control. Maserati clams 0-60 in 3.7 seconds for the Trofeo although I have yet to get behind the wheel of one to verify. The Levante handles very well for what is is, the standard air suspension and adaptive Sachs dampers are a big part of it.

[KEMA]

Wonder why they dont use this application in the GranTurismo MC Stradale. Surely it's a much better power plant than the old 4.7 beater

[DaHaiLife]

2019 will be the last year of the GranTurismo (convertible only). The new car, the Alfieri, will replace the GranTurismo for the 2020 model year. The Alfieri convertible will be released as a 2021 model. The rumors are twin turbo engines, KERS, and possibly a full electric variant.

[Sticky2]

2019 will be the last year of the GranTurismo (convertible only). The new car, the Alfieri, will replace the GranTurismo for the 2020 model year. The Alfieri convertible will be released as a 2021 model. The rumors are twin turbo engines, KERS, and possibly a full electric variant.

Anything to substantiate the rumor?

[DaHaiLife]

Besides a private convo with a Maserati dealer rep, no. If I come across something in writing I will post it.