Sure, "Maserati->ke51" name makes you think about sports car or luxury limousines. But you know, never say never! The company already confirmed plans to build a new crossover model in order to expand line-up and to enter to a new segment of the market. As Maserati itself said, the new model will be built on a Jeep Grand Cherokee platform and will be powered by a Ferrari V8 engine. All Maserati wants is to have a competitor for models like Porsche Cayenne.

Apparently the Kubang->ke334 concept revealed 2003 will finally become reality, is true 10 years later, but better later than never. While talking about the future model, Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler Group and Fiat, announced that it should debut sometime in 2012 and will carry a "rock and roll engine," possibly in both V8 and V12 variants.

Hit the jump to read more about the future Maserati Crossover.

The exterior and the interior

Kubang was no doubt a very impressive concept. For its time, but do not expect to see any of it in the production model. It will be built on the same transaxle platform as the Quattroporte->ke336, while exterior design will combine elements from both the sedan and the Gran Turismo->ke2326 model. Carbon fiber and aluminum insertions will no doubt make it lights, while the interior will be all about luxury and high technology.

The engine

Rumors say the future Maserati crossover will be offered in two trim levels: one powered by a V8 engine and one by a V12. While the V12 version will carry a huge price tag, the V8 version will be more affordable. Either way, expect to see at least 500 HP under the hood and a top speed in the 180 mph area.

The competition

With the new crossover model, Maserati will target models like Porsche Cayenne, but there are lots of "unexpected" makers that also announced plans to build crossover models.

Cayenne is offered in four different versions: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with an output of 300hp; the diesel one gets a 240 HP, 405 lb-ft 3-liter V6 engine; S version gets a 4.8-liter V8 with 400 hp; and finally the top version, Cayenne Turbo is powered by a 4.8-liter V8 biturbo with an impressive 500 hp.

When can I buy one?

The new Maserati crossover will be launched sometime in 2012 with sales to begin in 2013.