The all-new Maserati V8 Levante GTS made its global debut this past July, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed- showing off all 550 horses of one of the most powerful engines in a Maserati. The Levante GTS’ 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 is a retuned version of the unit fitted in the limited super-sport (and top-of-the-line) Levante Trofeo, which by comparison is top-of-the-line with 590 horsepower. The GTS makes the total number of Levante configurations for North America at four, two featuring at 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine and two with the new Ferrari-assembled 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8.
The new Levante GTS is equipped with the staple eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, and all 2019 models feature a more intuitive gearshift lever and shift pattern for shorter travel and improved operation. Shift from manual to automatic mode by shifting the lever from right to left, and the new “P” button will set the transmission into 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.
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