The Italian marque Maserati has confirmed that it will be bringing in the high-powered Trofeo variant of the Levante to India in end-2019. The Levante, the carmaker's first-ever SUV, has been on sale in our market for some time now with a 3.0-litre, diesel V6 engine that delivers 275hp and 600Nm of torque.

The Trofeo, on the other hand, is fitted with Ferrari’s award-winning 3.8-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol V8 engine that puts down a colossal 590hp and 730Nm of torque through an all-wheel drive system. With such firepower, the SUV is capable of hitting 100kph in a mere 3.9sec from zero and continue to accelerate to over 300kph. This effectively makes the SUV one of the most powerful and fastest models from the Maserati stable. 

To highlight its sporty intentions, the Trofeo gets a carbon-fibre lower splitter and inserts in the front air intakes and side skirts, accompanied by a restyled and lower front fascia and rear bumper. The twin-hood scoops on the bonnet are a neat touch which is unique to the red-blooded Levante. On the inside, design flourishes include sculpted sports seats with ‘Pieno Fiore’ natural leather and ‘Trofeo’ logos on the headrests.

Towards the end of 2019, India will become one of the first right-hand-drive markets to see the launch of the Trofeo. With an estimated 2.7 crore (ex-showroom) price tag, the Trofeo is expected to command a significant premium over the diesel Levante variant.