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Maserati Gran Turismo recalled for fire risk

The Basics: Maserati is recalling 33 examples of the 2016 GranTurismo and GranCabrio built from September 1, 2015 to November 30, 2015. The Problem: A non-galvanized main fuel delivery line can corrode and cause a fuel leak and increase the risk of a fire. Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The fix: Dealers will replace the main fuel delivery line free of charge as of January 7, 2016. If you own one: Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-201-816-2600, citing the brand's number for this recall: 300. You may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. Related Video: Report Receipt Date: DEC 18, 2015NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V849000Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEPotential Number of Units Affected: 33Manufacturer: Maserati North America, Inc.SUMMARY: Maserati North America, Inc. (Maserati) is recalling certain model year 2016 Granturismo and Granturismo Convertible vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to November 30, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a non-galvanized main fuel delivery line that may corrode and result in a fuel leak.CONSEQUENCE: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.REMEDY: Maserati will notify owners, and dealers will replace the main delivery fuel line, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2016. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-201-816-2600. Maserati's number for this recall is 300.NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Bizarre Levante mule proves SUV will ride on Maserati platform

When Chrysler was developing the current Jeep Cherokee, matte black, lifted Alfa Romeo Giuliettas weren't an unusual site around the company's Auburn Hills, MI headquarters. That's because the Jeep rides on a modified version of the Alfa's platform.
Judging by these images, Maserati is following a similar path for the upcoming Levante. The presence of the modified and lifted Ghibli basically confirms that the company will look in-house for the new CUV's platform rather than outsource it to Jeep (otherwise, we'd be seeing modified Grand Cherokees running about).
The mule's Ghibli body has been fitted with a number of tweaks. Most notable are the higher roof and stretched wheel arches, which we're guessing are an attempt at increasing the sedan's center of gravity and width, respectively, in a bid to match the eventual production model.

Maserati Levante SUV may be built in Italy after all

In July Fiat halted its investments in Italy, putting on hold plans for the Maserati Levante SUV to be built at the automaker's flagship factory in Turin. But Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, whose company owns Maserati, met with unions on Wednesday, and he may announce plans to move forward with production of the SUV at the Mirafiori factory if the CEO and the unions reach an agreement, Bloomberg reports.
Marchionne is reportedly about ready to build new cars at Fiat's largest and oldest factory, on the grounds that 5,300 workers accept extended temporary layoffs through most of next year in a slowing European auto market. If unions don't accept the deal, it's not clear whether Fiat would still consider building the Levante at Mirafiori or not.
The Levante, Maserati's first SUV, is based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform, and we reported two years ago that it would be built in Detroit next to its Jeep cousin. Obviously those plans have been altered considerably in the intervening period of time.