VIDEO: MASERATI'S LEVANTE TROFEO PUMPS OUT 590BHP AND CLAIMS FASTEST SUV TITLE

This is the Maserati Levante Trofeo – a new flagship performance SUV and the Italian brand’s answer to the Porsche Macan Turbo. Initially intended for the U.S. market, there are currently no plans to bring it the UK.

Revealed at the New York Motor Show, the Levante Trofeo is Maserati's answer to the Porsche Macan Turbo and is claimed to be ‘the world’s fastest SUV.’ It's powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 that pumps out a not insignificant 590bhp and 730Nm of torque through all four wheels via Maserati’s Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. This sees the SUV crack 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and hit a top speed of over 186mph.

New turbochargers increase airflow, there are redesigned cylinder heads with specific camshafts and valves, plus new pistons, connecting rods and remapped engine calibration too. Their engineers have also adjusted the crankcase design, crankshaft assembly, oil pump, auxiliary belt and a different wiring layout.

As per the standard model, the Levante Trofeo also has a 50:50 weight balance and low centre of gravity, while retuned front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension improves handling. A new ‘Corsa’ driving mode with launch control adds faster gearshifts, stiffer suspension and increased engine responses.

The styling is conservatively applied over the standard Levante, such as simple tweaks around the lower front end and rear bumper while the bonnet features two new vents to help engine cooling. The Trofeo sports full LED Matrix headlights with the Maserati grille finished in piano black.

The side air intakes have a more aggressive design while a pair of aerodynamic wings helps push the weight of the nose over the shiny, new 22-inch front wheels. The new carbon fibre horizontal element and a body coloured lower extractor that houses the quad exhausts gives the rear-end a wider and more muscular feel.

Hop aboard, and the sculpted sports seats with ‘Trofeo’ logos stitched into the headrests are now available in a natural premium full-grain leather in black, red or tan. Matte carbon fibre trim and paddle shifters, specific instrument cluster graphics, unique floor mats and a special clock help identify the Levante Trofeo from the standard Levante. And then there's the 1,280-watt, 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound audio system to get your head bopping.

Production is expected to start at Maserati’s refurbished Turin factory later this year.

Check out the video below for a quick overview of the car at the 2018 New York Auto Show by the guys at Roadshow.