Everybody in Frankfurt congregated at Maserati's stand for the reveal of the Kubang concept, the automaker's preview of a future production SUV. Actually, some people may have been there for the GranCabrio Fendi. Us? We were there just for the 85-degree ambient temperatures and quality time with other journalists.
The Kubang (the name is an homage to a concept that debuted back at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show, and yes, it will keep that name once production starts) bears a passing similarity to the leaked shots that turned up on the Internet a couple weeks ago, suggesting that photochop was the work of "sources close to the automaker."
Why make a Maserati SUV? Well, Maserati CEO Harald Wester told the crowd, "Potential synergies with our sister brand Jeep are the important catalysts for this sport/luxury SUV project." We take that to mean that 4WD systems and likely platform architecture will be shared on the eventual production vehicle. This all lends credence to the earlier report that a Maserati SUV would be built in Detroit come 2013.
Engines are being developed in Modena, and will be built by Ferrari technicians for Maserati in Maranello. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic, undoubtedly traceable to ZF, which is already supplying that transmission to Chrysler.
Wester notes that Maserati will be responsible for the Kubang's suspension, brakes and styling. It's a busy design to say the least, and the back end reminds us of both the Lexus RX and the Mazda CX-9. Obviously, there are only so many ways to style a big crossover SUV, but Maserati would do well to refer to the far cleaner Grand Cherokee.
Sergio Marchionne was on hand for the reveal.
And here's the GranCabrio Fendi that no one really paid attention to. Nor was she eager to give us the time of day.
hendrix22 says:
06:59 AM, 09/13/11
I wonder if they purposely positioned it directly next to its better looking platform mate...
lostboyz says:
07:12 AM, 09/13/11
I think it looks beautiful
0757lx says:
08:06 AM, 09/13/11
Sergio is the man!
cjasis says:
08:35 AM, 09/13/11
Based on those photo's there's going to be almost no space behind those rear seats and that vehicle will have some awful blind spots.
Dislike.
The female models on the other hand...
93aero says:
09:12 AM, 09/13/11
Its goodish looking. I expected flashier from Maserati. Possible Porsche story, so maybe something better will come next.
The front is well done. The back looks like someone thought the Q5 does not exist. ..Sorta Hyundai in the body too. Tucson.... Not the best cars to have come to mind lookin at a Maserati. (its a good thing they waited on this car too, the old styling direction would have looked hideous)
cah11705 says:
09:21 AM, 09/13/11
It remind me a lot of a softer looking Infiniti FX, so I like it. Just seems a little bland for a Maserati.
bigcjm says:
10:46 AM, 09/13/11
I agree with many people here. i think the side profile is nt going to catch any eyes but those wheels are something else though.
csubowtie says:
11:42 AM, 09/13/11
I think Maserati should be ashamed of themselves. I'm pretty sure I've seen that profile before, reminds me of a Nissan or a Hyundai. And there is something wrong with the front fenders/wheel wells. From the front 3/4 view it looks ok, but from the side it looks like the tires are too small and the front end is riding too high. Most Maserati's cause neck strains when they drive by, this one would be lucky to catch my eye, unless I was wondering why somebody did such a bad job blinging out their Nissan.
mikemidd says:
03:22 PM, 09/13/11
I see a lot of Hyundai Tucson here. And I also see a lot of Alfa Romeo Giulietta, jacked up and stretched. Check out the side view: http://revocars.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/2011-Alfa-Romeo-Giulietta-Side-View.jpg And rear view: http://image.motortrend.com/f/33047616+w786+ar1/2011-alfa-romeo-giulietta-rear-three-quarter-on-track.jpg Maybe I'm wrong, but it just looks small and inconsequential to me. What's the point of it?
vantageman says:
05:44 AM, 09/14/11
Its good looking suv, my issue is again with these poorly written articles. Just put the facts in here leave out your opinion it doesnt matter and frankly i for one dont care let me formulate an opinion just put pictures up. Refer to Grand Cherokee on how an suv should look like? The irony of that is that if Maserati would have done with this site was saying they were and thats add some chrome, and a maserati grill to the Grand cherokee than you all would have still complained now all of sudden thats what you wanted them to do? Not to mention it looks like both the CX7 and RX yet neither of those suvs looks anything alike.....reaching are we yes? Unless its an Audi, or Toyota this site is never pleased. Even in objective test this lame site rates the objective loser above the winning car. Please, please just post pictures and facts or at least get better writers.........
saunupe1911 says:
07:32 AM, 09/14/11
Well, that leaked picture from last week was accurate. A Bentley SUV is next.
trackwrex says:
10:14 AM, 09/14/11
folks, i give you the Mazderaudi QCX5...