Maserati Levante getting hybrid tech from Chrysler Pacifica

Mitchell Jones

Not even exotic car manufacturers are exempt from emissions regulations, which are tightening further as the years pass.

Like Lamborghini, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, Maserati will have its own plug-in hybrid soon, in the form of the Levante SUV.

Since the PHEV is only expected to account for six per cent of total Levante sales, the cost of developing a separate powertrain for that SUV would probably not be recouped.

As confirmed by several media outlets, including Motor Trend last year, the Levante plug-in hybrid will borrow the Chrysler Pacifica minivan’s powertrain, under Fiat Chrysler parent company.

The Pacifica combines a 214kW, 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with a 16kWh battery pack, capable of running for 53km on electric power alone.

Levante’s existing engine lineup consists of a Ferrari-built 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that makes 257kW and 500Nm, or a VM Motori diesel with up to 202kW and 600Nm.

It was initially intended to be built on the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform, itself a legacy of Chrysler’s tie-up with Daimler, but Sergio Marchionne decided it needed more pedigree.

For the time being, the Levante plug-in hybrid will be for select overseas markets only.

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