Maserati Levante Trofeo unveiled at the 2018 NY Auto Show

Maserati has plonked the Ferrari Portofino’s V8 into its SUV, the Levante and given it the Trofeo badge. That obviously gives it a lot of cred, in terms of numbers with the AWD SUV being able to clock 100kmph in just 3.9 seconds, while the 100-0kmph braking distance is a claimed 34.5 meters.

The V8 petrol engine of the Maserati Levante Trofeo is hand built by Ferrari at its Maranello plant in Italy, just like the rest of petrol engines found under Maserati hoods.  The 3.8-litre, V8, bi-turbo engine makes 582bhp and 730Nm of torque, putting it in the close proximity of Porsche Cayenne Turbo.  The engine comes mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox.  The engine features a redesigned crank case, new crankshaft assembly, new oil pump, an auxiliary belt and wiring layout that is in line with the new AWD system.

The Levante Trofeo has a weight distribution ratio of 50:50 (front: rear). The engine gets redesigned cylinder heads with tailor-made camshafts and valves, different pistons and new con-rods. It also gets an additional ‘Corsa’ driving mode over the regular Levante, which comes with launch control function that improves engine response by further opening the exhaust valves, performs gearshifts faster, lowers the ride height resulting in more stability at high speeds while also reducing body roll during cornering.

It features a redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes to reduce drag. Carbon fibre is extensively used in the side blade bezels, side skirt inserts, rear extractors surrounding the quad exhaust pipes and the front splitter. The bonnet has dual vents to cool the cylinder head. The engine cover is also made of carbon fibre, with the trident logo proudly below the V8 inscription, while the cylinder heads and intake manifolds are painted red. Maserati has also equipped the Trofeo with ‘Integrated Vehicle Control’. You also get 22-inch wheels, the largest ever seen on a Maserati.

Production of the Levante Trofeo is slated to begin this summer at its plant in Mirafiori (Turin) in Italy. It will be rolled out in the USA as well as Canada, to begin with. India might get it sometime later this year.