After being rumored for quite some time now, Maserati’s future SUV will make its world debut in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show as confirmed by CEO of Chrysler Group and Fiat, Sergio Marchionne. The model will be appearing as a concept, but will provide a good idea as to what to expect from the production version set to follow in 2013.
The new SUV will be built on a Jeep Grand Cherokee platform, but the power behind it is still a mystery. Marchionne revealed very little, saying that the SUV’s engine will be "a rock and roll engine," possibly in both V8 and V12 variants. It was first rumored to be loaded with a Ferrari-sourced V8 or V12 engine, but recent talks have nixed that notion. Now, the rumor mill is churning information about a Chrysler Hemi V8 with 465 HP, but no confirmations have been made. For Europe, there may even be a diesel engine, most likely a 3.0 twin turbo Fiat.
Whatever engine gets the chance to reside under the Maserati SUV’s hood, it should be ready to pounce on models like the Porsche Cayenne. The Cayenne, being the pioneer SUV of the performance-based automakers, has had its time to shine and may need to up the ante to battle with the upcoming competition.
