According to the latest by Automotive News Europe, the Maserati SUV will make its first production debut in 2014 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. When the SUV named ‘Kubang’ made its debut at the IAA in Frankfurt last year and more recently in Detroit, it created a stir. The stylish SUV combines elements and technique from around the globe, in an exotic mix: a Jeep Grand Cherokee platform, a  sleek Maserati body work and a Ferrari-based engine should do the work. At the Beijing Auto Show, CEO Wester from Maserati confirmed that “our SUV will reappear in its production form and with its final name in due time”. Because the Maserati SUV shares the Jeep platform, manufacturing will take place at the Jefferson North plant, Detroit.

On top of that the SUV will be given a full blood Italian treatment, otherwise it won’t be considered a Maserati, CEO Marchionne told in Detroit. An authentic Maserati does not have a supercharged Hemi block, the CEO insisted so it will be “a pure Maserati with a Ferrari block”. More reason to get excited: Paolo Martinelli, believed to be involved in an Alfa Romeo racing project, was head of engine development at Ferrari’s Scuderia F1 and will now be responsible for the powertrain development. The luxury SUV segment is growing fast and with Lamborghini’s recent plans for an SUV, Maserati fully anticipates.

Enthusiasm for the Kubang is also confirmed these days in China. On the International Beijing Auto Show, the Kubang has just won the price for best concept car in the SUV segment, part of ”The Most Beautiful Automobile Award China 2012″.