A Look Into 2019 Maserati Levante Trofeo - Photos

A car or a beast? That is the question that ran through my mind as I was reading this.

New Maserati boss Tim Kuniskis knows a thing or two about performance cars. In his former life at Dodge, he was responsible for launching the thundering 707-hp Dodge Hellcats and the extraordinary 840-hp Dodge Demon. After those, the 590-hp Maserati Levante Trofeo could almost seem an anti-climax. Almost.

“Maserati will never put emotion second,” said Kuniskis as he warmed up the crowd prior to the reveal of Maserati’s most powerful SUV at the New York show. But that didn’t stop him quickly reeling off some impressive numbers once the Levante Trofeo had taken center stage at New York’s Javits Center.

The engine, hand-assembled by Ferrari in Maranello, is one of the most powerful ever fitted to a Maserati. Its specific output—156 hp per liter—is the highest of any Maserati engine ever produced.

The powertrain features a new Corsa mode with launch control capability in addition to the Normal, Sport, I.C.E. (Increased Control and Efficiency), and Off Road modes of the regular Levante. The Corsa mode delivers the sharpest engine response and quickest gear shifts, as well as lowering the ride height and stiffening the shocks. The Trofeo is also the first Levante to be fitted with Maserati’s Integrated Vehicle Control system, which better reacts to vehicle inputs to deliver optimum stability.

Externally, the Trofeo is distinguished from other Levante variants by its piano-black grille, redesigned hood with two cooling vents, and a front fascia with large cooling intakes. There’s also a new rear bumper, new 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and carbon-fiber cosmetic detailing all round. Inside is matte carbon-fiber trim and paddle shifters, unique instrument cluster graphics and a standard 1,280-watt, 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

Credit:
MotorTrend