The 590-HP Twin-Turbo V8 Flagship
When Maserati pulled the wraps off the Levante Trofeo at the New York International Auto Show, the Trident marque wasn’t just adding another trim line to its sport-utility portfolio. It was planting a 590-horsepower flag firmly at the summit of the high-performance luxury SUV sector. Under the vented aluminum hood sits a Maranello-crafted 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, establishing one of the most powerful production powertrains ever fitted to a road-going Maserati. With a rated top speed stretching beyond 300 km/h (186 mph) and a 0-100 km/h sprint completed in 3.9 seconds, the Levante Trofeo stakes out ground previously reserved for exotic mid-engine machinery, coming within touching distance of Modena’s legendary carbon-chassis MC12 supercar.
This is not a cosmetic package or a tentative badge exercise. The Levante Trofeo represents an extensive mechanical and aerodynamic reworking of Maserati’s mid-size platform. Paired exclusively with the marque’s Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, the new flagship SUV pairs Italian grand touring civility with aggressive track-focused dynamics, including a dedicated Corsa driving mode, integrated launch control, and the debut of Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) on the Levante chassis. Built in Turin and aimed initially at performance-hungry buyers across North America, the Trofeo brings supercar heart to everyday utility.
A Ferrari-Built Twin-Turbo Heart
At the mechanical core of the Levante Trofeo lies a thoroughly reworked 3.8-litre 90-degree twin-turbocharged V8 engine, assembled by Ferrari technicians in Maranello. While related to the twin-turbo unit that powers Maserati’s Quattroporte GTS flagship and sharing bloodlines with Ferrari’s award-winning F154 family found in the 488, this engine configuration was engineered with bespoke hardware to serve the specific demands of an all-wheel-drive super-SUV.
Maserati powertrain engineers redesigned the crankcase, incorporated a specific crankshaft assembly, engineered a high-capacity oil pump, and routed an entirely new auxiliary belt layout alongside a redesigned engine wiring harness. To unlock the immense power required for the Trofeo designation, larger twin-scroll turbochargers with increased compressor flow were introduced. The cylinder heads received extensive redesigns featuring model-specific camshaft profiles, revised valves, reinforced pistons, and sturdier connecting rods. Combined with bespoke engine mapping, the 3.8-litre V8 produces an astounding 590 hp at 6,250 rpm and peak torque of 730 Nm (538 lb-ft) delivered across a remarkably wide rev band from 2,250 to 5,000 rpm.
That output translates to 156 horsepower per litre—the highest specific output of any road-going engine in Maserati history. Pop the aluminum hood, and the powerplant makes no secret of its Maranello heritage: the intake manifolds and cylinder head covers are finished in signature Ferrari crackle red, crowned by a high-gloss carbon-fiber engine cover sporting a polished Trident badge and an embossed V8 script.
Supercar Pace and Dynamic Engineering
Extracting genuine sports car dynamics from a luxury SUV requires far more than brute forward propulsion. Maserati started with an exceptionally rigid architectural foundation boasting an ideal 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution and the lowest centre of gravity in its competitive class. With an overall kerb weight that yields an impressive weight-to-power ratio of 3.6 kilograms per horsepower, the Trofeo demonstrates remarkable agility under heavy loading.
Straight-line metrics reflect that engineering focus. Pin the throttle using the onboard Launch Control, and the Trofeo blasts from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, powering seamlessly past 160 km/h on its way to an unrestricted top speed greater than 300 km/h (186 mph). Stopping performance matches the thrust: fitted with massive Brembo monobloc calipers clamping ventilated discs, the Trofeo pulls itself up from 100 km/h to an absolute standstill in just 34.5 metres, an exceptional figure for an SUV carrying five adults and their luggage.
Suspension hardware consists of double wishbones up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear, working through Maserati’s continuously adaptive Skyhook air suspension system. The electronic dampers and air springs have been recalibrated specifically for the Trofeo’s elevated performance ceiling. Cornering forces are managed cleanly, resisting body roll through quick directional transitions while maintaining the supple ride quality expected of a continental tourer.
Q4 All-Wheel Drive and Integrated Vehicle Control
Transferring 730 Nm of torque to tarmac in all conditions falls to Maserati’s Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, backed by a mechanical limited-slip rear differential. Under typical dry cruising conditions, the Q4 system directs 100 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, preserving the pure rear-wheel-drive steering feel and dynamic agility that purists expect from the Trident badge. When wheel slippage is detected or aggressive cornering demands additional traction, the electronically controlled multi-plate wet clutch transfers up to 50 percent of torque to the front axle in just 150 milliseconds.
Making its debut on the Levante platform is Maserati’s Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) system. Unlike standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) systems that wait for a loss of traction before applying harsh brake interventions and reducing engine output to catch a slide, IVC works proactively. By constantly monitoring vehicle speed, lateral acceleration, steering angle, and individual wheel slip, IVC anticipates instability before it occurs. The system subtly adjusts individual wheel braking pressures and engine torque delivery, helping the driver maintain ideal cornering lines with fluid precision rather than abrupt mechanical interruptions.
Dedicated Corsa Mode and Track Focus
To celebrate the arrival of the flagship V8, Maserati added an exclusive “Corsa” driving mode to the existing roster of Normal, I.C.E. (Increased Control & Efficiency), Sport, and Off-Road settings. Activating Corsa mode fundamentally sharpens every dynamic parameter of the Levante Trofeo. Throttle calibration becomes razor sharp, engine responsiveness increases, and active bypass valves in the exhaust system open wide to let the Maranello V8 roar without restriction.
The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission switches to its fastest, most assertive shifting program, executing rapid gear changes under heavy acceleration. The adaptive air suspension automatically lowers the vehicle to its lowest aero setting, reducing aerodynamic drag and hunkering the chassis closer to the pavement for maximum high-speed stability. Skyhook dampers stiffen into an uncompromising track baseline, while the Q4 system tunes its front-to-rear power distribution for sharp corner entry and hard rear-biased corner exits. Traction control and stability systems ease their thresholds, handing the driver greater lateral freedom while keeping IVC engaged as an unobtrusive safety net.
Corsa mode also activates the Launch Control function. By standing firmly on the brake pedal, pinning the accelerator, and releasing the brake once boost builds, the Levante Trofeo executes lightning-fast, wheelspin-free getaways, generating relentless G-forces that pin occupants deep into their leather-clad seats.
Carbon Aerodynamics and Athletic Styling
Visual aggression on the Levante Trofeo serves distinct functional purposes. The front fascia undergoes a dramatic restyling dominated by massive lower intake air ducts. Two aerodynamic side wings visually pin the nose to the asphalt, channeling cooling air directly to the auxiliary radiators and front brakes. Lightweight high-gloss carbon fiber forms the lower front splitter and aerodynamic side bezel blades, carefully managing underbody airflow.
Up front, full Matrix LED headlights flank an imposing concave grille featuring double vertical bars finished in piano black, set against a dark honeycomb lower mesh. The aluminum hood is brand new for the Trofeo, stamped with two functional cooling vents that draw heat away from the turbochargers and cylinder heads during high-load running.
Along the flanks, sculpted side skirt inserts crafted in high-gloss carbon fiber lead to a redesigned rear apron. The muscular back bumper integrates a sharp carbon-fiber horizontal blade and a body-colour aerodynamic extractor that frames aggressive quad oval exhaust tailpipes in a dark finish. Monogrammed “Saetta” Trofeo badges grace Maserati’s trademark C-pillars, signaling the V8 powerhouse to passersby. Anchoring the stance are newly designed 22-inch “Orione” forged aluminum wheels—the largest wheels ever factory-fitted to a production Maserati—offered in polished or matte finishes and housing performance brake calipers painted in red, blue, black, silver, or bright yellow.
Italian Craftsmanship: Pieno Fiore Leather and Carbon Cabin
Inside, the Levante Trofeo balances aggressive performance hardware with high Italian bespoke tailoring. Deeply bolstered sport seats are upholstered in ultra-luxurious “Pieno Fiore” full-grain natural leather, available in black, vibrant red, or warm tan. Unlike standard treated hides, Pieno Fiore undergoes a gentle tanning process that preserves the natural grain and supple feel of the leather, allowing it to develop a rich, distinctive patina with age. Intricate contrast accent stitching outlines the bolsters, while embroidered “Trofeo” logos adorn all four headrests.
Tactile carbon fiber covers extensive areas of the cockpit. A matte carbon fiber weave lines the centre console and dashboard inlays, complemented by substantial column-mounted matte carbon paddle shifters that invite manual gear selection. The driver’s instrument binnacle displays revised graphics with dedicated Trofeo typography, and the floor carpets feature metal Trofeo sill plates.
At the center of the dashboard sits the signature Maserati analogue clock, treated here with an exclusive dial face. Acoustic enjoyment is handled by a standard 1,280-watt Bowers & Wilkins premium surround-sound audio system, driving 17 strategically positioned speakers with Kevlar cones and aluminum tweeters to deliver concert-hall clarity when the V8 exhaust is running in quiet mode.
The Exclusive Launch Edition
To celebrate the arrival of its most potent SUV, Maserati unveiled a strictly limited Levante Trofeo Launch Edition at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York. Finished in an eye-catching matte Grigio Lava paint, the show car rolls on matte-finished 22-inch Orione forged wheels set against bright red brake calipers, presenting an imposing, purposeful stance.
Allocated exclusively to a select group of clients in the United States and Canada, the Launch Edition comes finished in one of eight bespoke exterior paint choices. Exterior highlights include gloss-black daylight opening (DLO) window surrounds, gloss-black fog lamp bezels, and dark black-chrome Maserati Trident badges. Launch Edition models can be specified with either 22-inch forged wheels wrapped in ultra-high-performance three-season rubber or newly developed 21-inch wheels fitted with high-performance all-season tires.
Inside the Launch Edition, exclusivity steps higher. The Pieno Fiore natural leather sport seats can be configured in black leather accented with contrast stitching in bold blue or yellow—schemes reserved solely for Launch Edition models. The interior trim features matte carbon fiber with a distinct wave weave. Mounted cleanly on the lower center console is an individually numbered, serialized Launch Edition plaque custom-engraved with each buyer’s name, cementing the vehicle’s collectible status.
Production and Market Rollout
Assembly of the Levante Trofeo begins in summer 2018 at Maserati’s modernized Mirafiori manufacturing facility in Turin, Italy. Built on a dedicated assembly line alongside the standard Levante and Ghibli models, each Trofeo receives individual attention, with its Maranello-built V8 arriving pre-tested directly from Ferrari’s engine plant.
Maserati is directing initial production volumes squarely at overseas export markets, with the United States and Canada taking delivery priority before the model expands to additional global territories. With 590 horsepower, a proven all-wheel-drive platform, and unmistakable Italian styling inside and out, the Levante Trofeo enters the luxury super-SUV arena as a visceral, charismatic contender.
Vehicle data
| Make | Maserati |
| Model | Levante Trofeo |
| Generation / chassis code | First generation (M161) |
| Model year(s) covered | 2019 |
| Body style | 5-door mid-size luxury SUV |
| Powertrain / engine | 3.8-litre (3,799 cc) twin-turbocharged 90-degree V8 (Ferrari F154 family) |
| Power / torque | 590 hp (440 kW) @ 6,250 rpm / 730 Nm (538 lb-ft) @ 2,250–5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Drivetrain | Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with mechanical limited-slip rear differential |
| Key performance figures | 0–100 km/h: 3.9 s; Top speed: >300 km/h (>186 mph); Braking 100–0 km/h: 34.5 m |
| Price (as stated) | Not stated in sources |
| On-sale / announcement period | Debuted April 2018 at New York International Auto Show; production start summer 2018 |
| Market | North America (U.S. and Canada initial priority), followed by global export markets |