2019 Maserati Levante on 2040-cars

Auto blog

The List #0100: Drive the Italian Alps

The List travels to northern Italy to experience driving the Italian Alps. For this grand drive, we need a proper grand touring sports car. The Maserati Quattroporte fits the bill, with four doors, space for luggage, and all-wheel drive for those snowy mountain passes. But first our hosts make a quick stop at the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari in Modena to take in an exhibit celebrating 100 years of Maserati. "The scenery is unbelievable," says host Patrick McIntyre. "If you're going to come all the way to Italy, rent a car and drive through [the Alps]." Join Jessi and Patrick as the check 'drive the Italian Alps' off of their list. Have an RSS feed? Click here to add The List Click here to subscribe to The List in iTunes Click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick

2021 Maserati updates: Android Automotive infotainment, enhanced driver assists, design tweaks

A new infotainment system with a larger touchscreen highlights the changes to the 2021 Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte, while the Levante SUV makes do with a minor update to its existing system as well as styling tweaks. The major changes are concentrated on the interior. The Ghibli and Quattroporte ditch their former Uconnect-based infotainment systems for an all-new system using Android Automotive software, and screen size grows from 8.4 inches to 10.1 inches with higher resolution and a frameless design. A Maserati Connect app is available for smartphones and smartwatches and also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Levante retains its 8.4-inch unit but with improved resolution. The interiors of all three models also see an upgrade to the instrument cluster. The cluster's driver-information display gets enhanced resolution, while the gauges are redesigned for a more premium appearance. And the plastic covering over the instruments has been replaced with glass. The sedans and SUV also add a new Advanced Driving Assist. The semi-autonomous lane-centering feature works in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control. It's basically an evolution of the existing Highway Assist, the difference being its ability to work on more secondary roads rather than just major highways. Finally, all three models get new grille designs (available in chrome or black) and new taillights with what Maserati describes as a "boomerang" graphic, inspired by the 3200 GT coupe. Related video:  

All future Maseratis will borrow styling cues from the MC20

Maserati's recently-unveiled MC20 coupe points to the direction stylists will take the rest of the company's range in during the 2020s. Its proportions will remain unique – the company isn't about to make the family-friendly Levante mid-engined – but its front end and its pure, simplified approach to design will permeate other models. "The face of the MC20, with the low-mounted grille and the headlights positioned much higher on the fascia, is our new design language," affirmed Klaus Busse, the head of the company's design department. He added it's a look that draws inspiration from past models, including the limited-edition MC12 built between 2004 and 2005. Lighting technology has evolved considerably since the middle of the 2000s, so designers and engineers are now able to use LEDs to give Maserati's future models a more distinctive-looking face, especially at night. Autoblog understands the second-generation GranTurismo scheduled to make its debut in 2021 will be the first MC20-inspired model. Its styling cues will also influenced the Grecale, a smaller SUV positioned below the Levante and possibly related to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Maserati's aim isn't to end up with a range of nesting doll-like models that all look the same, so expect to see variations of the MC20 theme as the line-up develops. Busse also shared insight about how his team shaped the MC20 (pictured). Early on, he insisted the car shouldn't receive oversized air inlets or a park bench-sized wing on the back. His team consequently integrated all of the components that create downforce below the axle line, which runs through the middle of the wheels. It's a pure, simple approach to design that will characterize future models, meaning they'll be sporty in a subtle, elegant way. Related Video: