Maserati family growing larger thanks to Chinese market

13 years, 7 months ago - 18 May 2011

The Maserati family of automobiles is a small, tight-knit clan of exotic Italian machinery that sounds as good as it looks. Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne wants to expand that family, and capture more of the growing exotic car market that is currently taking shape in China. What does this all mean to the Trident brand?

We've known about a baby Quattroporte for some time, but the grown-up sedan is also due for a refresh. Each model may get an all-wheel-drive version thanks to the new tech found under the body of the Ferrari FF. In addition to the pair of four-doors, a Maserati SUV (to be based off the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee) is in the works. Once here, it will surely do battle the Porsche Cayenne for the title of "most hated vehicle amongst purists-slash-best seller." That vehicle may be built in Italy at Fiat's former Bertone plant.

And finally, according to a report from Car and Driver, the Italian brand may use a turbocharged and MultiAir-equipped version of Chrysler's Pentastar V6 engine with 400 horsepower along with a turbodiesel from Fiat in lieu of a V8 borrowed from Ferrari.