Maserati introduces the all-new V8 Levante GTS and the full 19MY product lineup at Goodwood Festival of Speed in UK

- The newest V8 edition to the Maserati of SUVs starts at $119,980 MSRP

- 550 hp 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine assembled in Maranello, Italy by Ferrari

- Standard Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system

- 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds with a top speed of 181 mph

MODENA, Italy, July 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Maserati has chosen the 25^th Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom for the world premiere of the all-new 550-horsepower Levante GTS. This quintessential V8 Maserati of SUVs is the sibling version to the top-of-the-line 590-horsepower Levante Trofeo, which makes its European debut today at the most prestigious car culture event in the world.

With the arrival of the GTS, Maserati now offers the Levante in four distinct versions for North America, two featuring the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine and two featuring the new Ferrari-assembled 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8, two of the most powerful and exclusive SUVs ever built.

The Levante GTS' 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8, one of the most powerful engines ever in a Maserati, is a retuned version of the unit fitted in the super-sport Levante Trofeo, delivering 550 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and peak torque of no less than 538 lb.-ft. in a wide range between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm. Like all Levante's, it is mated to Maserati's Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive System and as with all Maserati gas engines, is assembled by Ferrari in Maranello, Italy.

The new Levante GTS is also equipped with the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox used on all Levante SUVs, a unit acclaimed for its performance and smoothness. As shown on the Trofeo, all Levante models for 2019 model year feature a redesigned gearshift lever with a more intuitive shift pattern, shorter travel and improved operation. The driver has the option to use it in either automatic (RND) or manual mode, simply by shifting the lever from right to left, while a new 'P' button effortlessly sets the transmission in parking mode.

Thanks to its remarkable weight to power ratio of 8.6 lbs/hp, the Levante GTS needs only 4.0 seconds to reach 60 mph and achieves a top speed of 181 mph. These figures fairly describe a modern supercar, but are disguised in a high-end SUV body thanks to the Levante chassis, which ensures outstanding levels of rigidity while providing a very low center of gravity. And as with all Maserati's, an ideal 50:50 weight balance between the front and rear axle. In addition, the chassis has been tuned for the GTS to effortlessly handle the immense power output of its twin-turbocharged V8 engine and provides an exhilarating driving experience with no compromise in terms of long-distance comfort and active safety – two essential elements of the GranTurismo philosophy.

The Levante's unmistakable design reached new levels of sportiness in the Trofeo version and the new GTS has adopted a similar styling theme, which focuses on the lower front fascia and the rear bumper, providing a sporty yet sophisticated presence. Available 21 & 22-inch wheels along with five different caliper colors cap off the bold Italian styling.   

Interior designers created a distinctive environment within the Levante GTS cabin providing it with standard Full Premium Perforated Leather seats, Alcantara headliner, unique instrument cluster graphics a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system and available Pieno Fiore natural leather seating for the ultimate in comfort.

Alongside the two V8 models, the Levante lineup has inherited new content, such as the Adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights as an option and standard Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC), which is already available on the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans. Rather than simply correcting vehicle instability, the IVC function helps prevent it, providing enhanced active safety, improved driving dynamics and an even more exciting performance.

Subtle upgrades and new content for both Maserati sedans and the Levante

All Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante versions have adopted the redesigned gearshift lever previously introduced in the Levante Trofeo, featuring a more intuitive shift pattern, shorter travel and improved operation. The driver now has the option to use the eight-speed ZF gearbox in automatic or manual mode simply by shifting the lever from right to left, while a new 'P' button effortlessly sets the transmission in parking mode.

The MTC+ infotainment system on all three models has been enhanced with updated display graphics and improved climate control system ergonomics. In their sumptuous interiors, Maserati introduces for the first time the full-grain Pieno Fiore leather, which is incomparable to any other material in the automotive industry for its natural, soft feel and the unique character it attains throughout the years.

Pieno Fiore is standard in the Levante Trofeo and available as an option on all Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte GranSport and GranLusso models – as well as Levante GTS – in three colors with specific stitching on the seats and double stitching on the door panels. Maserati also offers two brand new high-gloss interior veneers for the Ghibli and Quattroporte and three for the Levante.

Exterior color options have also been refreshed for MY19: There is a choice of ten colors for the Quattroporte and eleven for each of the Ghibli and Levante models. Two new tri-coat colors are now available, born to enhance the design of each, the iconic Rosso Potente and the deep dark Blu Nobile. The Maserati Design Centre has also created a specific front grille and side skirts exclusively for the Quattroporte GTS GranSport.

In the wide collection of alloy wheels designed specifically for every single Maserati model, there are five brand new designs in the MY19 catalog in 20 and 21-inch sizes, two for each of the Levante and Quattroporte models and one for the Ghibli. The 22-inch Orione forged aluminum wheel – the largest ever created by Maserati – is exclusively available for the new top-of-the-line Levante GTS and Trofeo.

As for the recently introduced Nerissimo package, it has been updated for MY19. It is now available in a wider range of new model-specific colors, combining black elements with dark LED headlights, tail lights and exhaust tips, black chrome detail finishing and new wheels with dark finish.

Maserati stand and activities at Goodwood FOS 2018

Maserati, as Automotive Partner of the Festival of Speed, makes its mark this year in several locations around the Goodwood Estate and has invited both customers and journalists to attend the thrilling event. Selected Maserati models will take on the 1.16-mile Goodwood Hillclimb, offering the experience of supercar runs to journalists, social influencers and brand partners.

The Goodwood Festival, which since 1993 provides an inebriating mix of glamorous cars and motorsport stars, is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors over a 4-day spectacular program.

The brand new Levante GTS and the Levante Trofeo, which makes its European debut at Goodwood, welcome the visitors to the Maserati stand, where the GranLusso and GranSport trims take center stage. The iconic Maserati MC12 in its racing blue livery is also on display. The thunderous V12 engine in the MC12 GT1 Centenario will come to life on the hill, taking part in the iconic Goodwood Hillclimb on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The MC12 Versione Corse will also take a place of pride in the Festival of Speed's Silver Jubilee display.

The GranTurismo MC, GranTurismo Convertible Sport and MY19 Levante will also thrill the crowds during the Michelin Supercar Run over the event.

Besides the world premiere of the new Levante GTS, the European debut of the Levante Trofeo and the official launch of its MY19 lineup, Maserati, in collaboration with renowned partners, offers an unforgettable experience of Italian style, comfort and high performance to its Goodwood guests. Moreover, at the Maserati stand Bulgari displays the Octo Retro Maserati GranLusso & GranSport watches, which feature a unique dial with retrograde minute hand and jumping hour display, genuinely resembling the instrument cluster of a modern-day Maserati.

Maserati S.p.A.

Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars with individual personalities which are instantly recognizable anywhere. Their style, technology and innately exclusive character, delight the most discerning, demanding tastes and remain an automotive industry benchmark. The brand's current line-up comprises the flagship Quattroporte, the Ghibli executive sports sedan, the Levante SUV, all available in GranLusso and GranSport versions and the GranTurismo and GranTurismo Convertible sports cars. The most comprehensive range Maserati has ever offered; with petrol and diesel engines, rear-wheel and all–wheel drive, the finest materials and outstanding expert engineering. A tradition of successful cars, each of them redefining what makes an Italian sports car in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance and safety.

SOURCE Maserati North America