Rather like a Randy Orton RKO (it's a WWE thing), news of the Maserati Levante Trofeo really did come, well, out of nowhere. There we were wondering what Maserati would do to spice up a perfectly alright, but rather unremarkable, luxury SUV and then - wham - the F-Pace SVR is no longer top SUV dog at New York.
Because the Maserati is more powerful. Quite a bit more powerful, in fact. Using a version of the 3.8-litre turbo V8 from the Quattroporte, the Levante Trofeo makes 590hp. Five ninety! With 538lb ft as well, it's said to be capable of 0 to 62mph in 3.8 seconds and exceeding 186mph. Crumbs.
Additional details are few and far between at the moment, though Maserati claims the Trofeo does maintain the 50:50 weight balance of the other Levantes. Note as well the new wheels - 21-inch as standard, with 22s an option - the black badges and the jazzier seats. A Corsa driving mode has also been introduced for the Trofeo, just to ensure you're getting the most dynamic potency from your 2,000kg 4x4.
Want one? Get nagging your dealer. Maserati hasn't yet revealed a launch date or pricing, but it's hard to imagine this Trofeo costing less than £100k. Look out for a rather conspicuous, 6.5-tonne, 1,800hp group test with a Cayenne Turbo and a Sport SVR in the not too distant future!
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