MASERATI LEVANTE TROFEO
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There is no denying the Italian's eye for automotive design, and throughout history, Maserati have gone above and beyond to create motoring works of art. Needless to say, anyone would struggle to make an SUV a 'work of art', but if anyone was going to come close, it would be Maserati, and the result, the Levante Trofeo. Two years after the launch of the Levante model, the Italian marque have produced the first version to be built around a V8, delivering one of the fastest SUV's ever built. A powerful Twin Turbo V8 combined with an elegantly restyled, carbon finished exterior and an exclusive interior wrapped in “Pieno Fiore” fullgrain natural leather, bring the Levante Trofeo on top of its class in terms of performance, road handling and GT pedigree. Building on the power unit fitted in the flagship Quattroporte GTS, the 3.8-litre capacity and V90° architecture has been reengineered and upgraded to produce 580hp and a staggering 730Nm of peak torque from just 2,500rpm. As a result, this is the highest horsepower/litre ratio ever (156hp/litre) and the most powerful V8 in the history of the Trident. Like all Maserati petrol units, it is assembled by Ferrari in Maranello, Italy, so it was always going to impress. This mighty unit has been adapted to accommodate the Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system aiding both on-road performance and off-road capabilities - not that it is likely to ever experience much mud slinging.
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Fitted with the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox used on all the Levante versions, acclaimed for its versatility and sporty character, the Trofeo introduces a new Corsa driving mode to enhance this sporty personality even further. Corsa mode is available in addition to the existing Normal, I.C.E., Sport and Off Road driving modes and is activated by double-clicking the sport/corsa button on the central console cluster. You will immediately feel an eager engine response to the minimum throttle input and the unique Maserati engine soundtrack provided by free gas flow through the wide open exhaust valves. Exclusive to the Levante Trofeo, Corsa is also programmed to provide faster gear shifting, lower air suspension height levels, sportier Skyhook damping and optimized Q4 Intelligent AllWheel Drive settings. With this sportiest mode activated, the intervention of the Traction Control and ESP systems is restrained for maximum driving enjoyment. Alongside the Corsa mode, a Launch Control function is available with the gearshift level either in D or M position. With the car standing still and the steering wheel straight, you simply pull the downshift paddle on the steering wheel while pressing the brake pedal to activate it and get the visual confirmation in the instrument cluster. Always pressing the brake pedal, the driver can safely apply full throttle input to see the engine rpm climb up. As soon as you release the brakes, the Trofeo will take off in fast and furious style.
