Maser needs a partner

Maserati will share platforms with another manufacturer to develop its Kubang SUV, says boss Luca di Montezemolo.
Possible partners include Audi - itself planning a 4x4 for 2005 - and Alfa Romeo, whose Premium platform architecture allows front- and four-wheel-drive configurations, as well as transverse and longitudinal powertrains.
Maserati may also use the VM Motori V6 and V8 modular diesel currently under development, but di Montezemolo is denying any diesel for the Quattroporte.
"At this level of performance and exclusivity it would be a contradiction," he said. Some sources suggest otherwise, however, reckoning that a plan to install VW's V10 TDi "is a done deal".