Looking to leverage the resources of Jeep, the Italian half of the Chrysler-Fiat combine will use the Grand Cherokee as the basis for a luxury sport ute in the form of the Maserati Kubang. While those with long memories may recall a previous hookup between Chrysler and Maserati with the eminently forgettable Chrysler’s TC by Maserati (which was essentially a gussied up K-car), the concept of an upscale SUV with the Kubang name has been on the table for quite some time.
A Kubang concept was shown by the Italian automaker at Detroit in 2003. At the time, it was rumored that such a vehicle would be part of a joint venture with Audi, which at the time was developing the Q7. That project never found its legs, but the idea of the vehicle obviously didn’t die.
Chrysler breathed new life into the project. From an appearance standpoint, the revived Kubang is more brawny SUV than sleek crossover. It has a muscular shape and tall ride height obviously influenced by the Grand Cherokee underpinnings. The area where Maserati is able to have the biggest impact is in the front clip that has a large grille with vertical bars similar in appearance to the automaker’s GranTurismo and Quattroporte. The rear of the Maserati Kubang also has distinctive rounded and steeply raked C-pillars. Large, powerful wheel arches contribute to the Kubang’s macho looks. (more)
Keep Reading: Maserati Kubang – Auto Show News >>
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