MOTOR RIVALS

The Maserati Levante is a turning point in Maserati's history. The brand new model enables the Trident to access the largest luxury segment in the world. The Levante significantly contributes to the creation of the most complete product line-up in Maserati's history. The name Levante was inspired by a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV. The Maserati Levante is based on the evolution of the saloon platform, designed exclusively by Maserati. The chassis has been specifically developed to offer unique on-road drivability and competitive off-road capability, with day-to-day comfort and practicality. The premium Italian SUV was conceived around three main pillars: Design, Exclusivity and Performance. It represents the optimum blend of these three elements in the SUV world.

The Maserati Levante's design is distinctive and attractive, embracing the aesthetic elements of Italian style. The design brings a new concept to the SUV world, combining spaciousness and coupé lines while achieving the best aerodynamic efficiency in its segment with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31. The thoroughbred on-road handling typical of all Maserati cars and the solid off-road capabilities, as demanded in the SUV segment, describe the car's overall ethos. The Levante is here to excite any sports car driver counting on performance-oriented features, such as the extensive use of lightweight materials, ideal 50-50% weight distribution and its lowest in class centre of gravity. Features that deliver unparalleled agility in the luxury SUV class.

Powertrain

Engine-wise, the Levante is equipped with the latest evolution of the Maserati 3-litre V6 engines. The petrol Maserati V6 engine with latest GDI and twin-turbo is available in two versions: the top of the range 430 hp and the exciting 350 hp. The most powerful Levante makes it to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 264 km/h, while the figures for the 350 hp version are 6.0 seconds and 251 km/h respectively.

The Levante is also available with a common-rail, direct injection turbodiesel V6 with reduced dwell time injectors. The 3-litre engine is capable of 275 hp and delivers 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a 230 km/h maximum speed while keeping the fuel economy as low as 7.2 litres/100 km under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

Both petrol and diesel versions of the Maserati Levante use the eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox that provides seamless comfort and fast gear shifting, depending on the selected drive mode.

Chassis

The Maserati engineers succeeded in keeping its weight under control to provide perfect 50:50 mass distribution. Light aluminium alloy has been used for the suspension frame, the wishbones, the hub strut, the suspension towers and the crossbeam reinforcement. Multi-link five-arm suspension is featured at the rear to provide exceptional comfort and performance. Both front and rear suspensions adopt a roll bar for less body roll and more driving pleasure. The Maserati Levante is equipped with a state-of-the-art air suspension system as standard. Apart from the obvious benefits, like the improvement of comfort and active safety, the air suspension contributes to the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, thanks to the lowering of the car and the reduced aerodynamic drag at medium to high speeds. The power-assisted steering system is hydraulic and prevents unpleasant resistance when turning the steering wheel quickly. The power assistance is speed-sensitive ensuring less steering effort during low speed manoeuvring and excellent high speed stability.

The 430 hp Levante S features a state-of-the-art braking system that deals superbly with its high performance. The front system adopts Brembo 6-piston aluminium mono-bloc calipers working on 380 mm drilled discs. The Maserati Levante 350 hp petrol and 275 hp diesel are equipped with 2-piston 48 mm floating callipers working on 345 mm x 32 mm ventilated discs at the front. The rear brakes are the same with the 430 hp version but without drilled discs.

Technology

The Maserati Levante has entered the SUV segment with a marked advantage in terms of new content. The innovative features of the car include: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View camera, capacitive 8.4" Touch Screen display with brand new rotary control, plus the AHA function, an addition to the Maserati Touch Control Plus which extends the AM, FM and DAB digital radio with a network connection option.

Using the Aux-in and USB sockets or the SD card reader, the user can play music or view images. The MTC Plus also controls front seat heating and ventilation, steering wheel heating and the rear window blinds, if fitted.

Safety

The Maserati Levante is equipped with a cruise control system as standard. The optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with integrated Stop & Go function further increases comfort and safety when driving on main roads and motorways. The Blind Spot Alert (BSA) monitors detection zones on both sides of the car at speeds above 10 km/h and alerts the driver when a vehicle enters the blind spot zones. The integrated Rear Cross Path (RCP) function aids the driver when backing out of parking spaces where vision of oncoming vehicles may be impaired or blocked. The Lane Departure Warning (LDW) has been designed specifically for motorway driving in order to reduce the risk of the vehicle accidentally departing from its current lane. The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) monitors vehicles ahead by means of a camera and warns the driver via visual, audible and haptic (brake jerk) alerts when in danger of a possible rear-end collision. The Surround View Camera system uses four cameras in total and provides a clear 360° view around the car on a top-down image in the 8.4" MTC Plus Display. The Park Assist system provides visual and audible indications of the distance between the rear or front bumper and a detected obstacle when reversing or moving forward. The Levante comes equipped with six airbags.

The F-PACE is a five seater and features a spacious, luxurious interior which utilizes premium materials, craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that gives every Jaguar vehicle its unique sense of occasion. The F-PACE is the latest Jaguar model, alongside the XE and XF, to benefit from the brand’s aluminum monocoques. In conjunction with the brand’s Lightweight Aluminum Architecture, new features such as the composite tailgate, magnesium cross-car beam and front-end carrier contribute to its outstanding driving dynamics.

Powertrain

• 3.0l V6 340hp
• 3.0L supercharged gasoline V6 380hp
• Torque-on-demand all-wheel drive system
• Both variants are matched to eight-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive.
• The 380hp engine is exclusive to the F-PACE S models - 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds
• Electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.
• Later in 2016, a 180hp four cylinder Ingenium diesel engine will also be added. All-aluminum 2.0-liter engine produces 180hp and 317 lb.ft. of torque.
• All six-cylinder engines are paired with the 8-speed 8HP70 transmission.

Chassis

• Double-wishbone front and Integral Link rear suspension
• Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system - features a variable steering ratio – as standard
• Aluminum is used almost exclusively to make the suspension as light as possible
• Torque Vectoring by Braking - can apply finely-metered braking to the inner wheels to mitigate understeer during corner entry.
• All models feature monotube dampers as standard.
• Available Adaptive Dynamics - designed to provide continuously variable damping to suit the conditions
• Jaguar Adaptive Surface Response (AdSR) technology. AdSR automatically adapts the maps of the throttle, transmission and DSC system according to the type of surface to maximize traction in a variety of conditions.

Technology

• Stereo Camera Technologies - forward-facing stereo camera – provides a 3D view of the road ahead
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist - will maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, all the way down to a standstill.
• Blind Spot Monitor and Reverse Traffic Detection - medium-range sensors warn the driver of other vehicles approaching fast from behind.
• Park Assist - semi-automated park assist functions for parallel and perpendicular parking maneuvers.
• Standard Jaguar InControl® Touch™ infotainment system - 8-inch capacitive touchscreen
• With navigation fitted to the vehicle - SD card storage of navigation data. Maps are rendered in 2D and 3D graphics. Turn-by-turn instructions can also be shown in the optional head-up display
• Optional Jaguar InControl® Touch Pro infotainment system - quad-core processor, a high-speed 60GB solid-state drive (SSD) and an ultra-fast Ethernet network
• Jaguar InControl® Touch Pro infotainment system - features a 10.2-inch touch-screen, no buttons; all controls are integrated into the bottom section of the touch-screen
• Commute Mode - learns an owner’s daily drive so that it can offer alternative routes to avoid congestion using historical and real-time traffic information.
• Approach Mode - adds a 360-deg interactive view of your destination alongside the map display when you’re approximately 656-ft (200m away)
• InControl Touch Pro™ is offered in conjunction with a Meridian® 17-speaker, 825W surround sound system
• Jaguar’s Activity Key - waterproof, shockproof wristband with an integrated transponder - allows the keyfob to be securely locked inside the vehicle, has no battery, so owners never have to worry about changing it.
• Jaguar InControl® Apps™ - enables drivers to access apps on Android™ and Apple® smartphones
• The F-PACE can be equipped to also function as a Wi-Fi hotspot, hosting up to eight devices simultaneously with a paid data plan
• Jaguar InControl® Remote™ functionality allows users of iOS® and Android™ smartphones to connect to the car remotely to control car functions

Safety

• All Surface Progress Control (ASPC) - delivers a step-change in capability by controlling the throttle and brakes. Standard on all engines.
• Low Traction Launch - changes the throttle map to one which results in a very progressive torque response from the engine, enabling the driver to pull away smoothly. Standard on all engines.
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems - determines that a collision with a vehicle or a pedestrian is imminent, it is designed to initiate full braking automatically.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
• Driver Condition Monitoring system - will show a multi-stage warning in the instrument cluster and give audible warnings to prompt the driver to take a break.
• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) system - uses the stereo camera to keep the driver informed of the speed limit
• Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL) - if the TSR system recognizes a higher speed limit ahead, the ISL system is designed to notify the driver and the vehicle can accelerate smoothly up to the new limit. If the speed limit is lower, the vehicle can be slowed down accordingly.
• InControl Protect™ will automatically notify the emergency services and provide the GPS location.
Pricing and Range Summary
The all-new F-PACE range will consist of: F-PACE, F-PACE Premium, F-PACE Prestige, F-PACE R-Sport, F-PACE S and F-PACE First Edition. The powertrain range will consist of a 180hp 2.0-liter Ingenium diesel as well as 340hp and 380hp 3.0-liter V6 gas variants priced from $40,990, $42,390 and $56,700 respectively.