February 20, 2016 - 13:20 AMT
Maserati shows off Levante SUV with gasoline, diesel engines

The Italian Marque Maserati showed off the exterior design of its Levante SUV, but not many official details have been unveiled beyond that: there'll be an 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and "a high level of content as standard," which means you probably won't be able to buy a cheap Levante by stripping all of the options out of it, the Verge reported Friday, February 19.

Both gasoline and diesel engines will be offered, which is a pretty dangerous thing to advertise in these delicate post-Dieselgate months — but given that the Levante will factor prominently in the European sales mix where diesels are critical, it's not surprising.

Maserati has generally managed to carry over the design language of its coupes and sedans — the lithe GranTurismo, Quattroporte, and Ghibli.

The production launch will happen early this year in Europe, followed by other markets "later this year." The full car will be shown at the Geneva show in just a few days.