FCA boss confirms smaller crossover with Stelvio underpinnings

Maserati is planning to launch its second SUV by the turn of the decade, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) CEO Sergio Marchionne, has confirmed this week.

Speaking with industry journal Automotive News Europe, the Italian carmaker's boss said the new crossover will sit below the Levante in Maserati's line-up, based on Alfa Romeo's 'Giorgio' architecture – which currently underpins the Giulia sedan and the Stelvio SUV.

Marchionne told the publication the smaller SUV model will help to boost the company's annual volume to between 70,000-80,000 units – during the first three quarters of this year the company has clocked 36,000 units globally, up on last year's 23,900.

FCA's boss also said that the new Maserati will likely have a unique powertrain despite sharing its underpinnings with the Stelvio, which is offered with four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, along with the twin-turbo V6 shared with the Giulia QV.