Leaked design patents of the Maserati Levante

Early revelations of a vehicle’s appearance through patents usually come not far ahead of its official unveiling. Thanks to files documented in Australia on 8 April, the wait will be shorter for the Maserati Levante, the Italian manufacturer’s first SUV, whose “unveiling” is planned for the next Detroit Motor Show, in January 2016.

The drawings, compiled by the Canadian website AutoGuide, offer the greatest level of detail of the body’s shapes and features known to date. Although the structure matches that of the Kubang prototype from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, aesthetic changes are apparent in certain areas that give it a more distinctive image, further removed from the Ghibli and Quattroporte.

The Maserati Levante will adopt a slightly more understated front end, with headlights that no longer extend over the front wheel arches but run with greater horizontality and convey a more serious expression. The air intakes are also altered, moved to the lower edge of the bumper to make room for the fog lights. The grille and the bonnet “ribs” remain where they were on the Kubang.

The new nose translates into a front overhang of greater dimensions, one of the few distinctive features of the updated side profile. It also shows the traditional trio of Maserati “gills”, this time separated rather than joined in a single decorative piece as on the Kubang.

The rear replaces the pointed tail lights, similar to those of the current Ghibli, with trapezoidal ones, closer to those of the Quattroporte VI. The tailgate, exhaust tips and underbody protection will be other distinguishing features of the Levante compared with the Kubang. Following its showing at the American fair, Maserati will launch the SUV on the market in March.

Via | AutoGuide