Maserati Kubang crossover unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show

Italian luxury carmaker Maserati has confirmed their intentions of joining the crossover four-wheel-drive bandwagon with the debut of Maserati Kubang concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Kubang concept, which is in its second iteration, first one being the one that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show back in 2003, will be a high-end “sport-luxury” SUV aiming to provide supreme driving pleasure and a luxury atmosphere. While the Kubang’s engine, which shall be mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, is set to be developed by Ferrari, expect this Maserati SUV to borrow some basic 4×4 juice from its Fiat-owned sister brand Jeep; and rumours are that this may even roll out from the same plant as the Jeep Grand Cherokee since it will share the same platform.

There is no word on any specific details of the Kubang, nor there is any confirmation on when the Kubang shall go into production. And whether it really can roll in with a bang remains to be seen.

Maserati Kubang SUV: Super luxury vehicles belie gloomy outlook

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  Lamborghini's racy Gallardo, Maserati's concept SUV and the new hardtop Ferrari 458 Spider on display at the Frankfurt Auto Show immediately dispel any gloom emanating from the European Central Bank tower across town where bankers are trying to salvage Europe's single currency.

  The super luxury automakers are coming out in force — pledging higher sales and offering ever sexier models despite growing economic uncertainty.

  Maserati showed off its new sport luxury SUV Kubang, which it plans to start building in 2013, completing a range that currently includes the GranTurismo four-door sedan and the QuattroPorte two-door coupe. Maseratihas also announced plans to add a small sedan to the lineup.

  Maserati CEO Harald Wester's goal is to produce 20,000 of the SUVs a year in an ambitious bid to boostMaserati's worldwide sales to 40,000 by 2014, from 6,400 in 2010.