Maserati->ke51 has been preparing a new luxury sedan to be placed under the current Quattropotre->ke336 for longer than we're sure they'd care to admit, but a new ripple of news could be a sign that the planning is coming to an end. Up until now, we've all been referring to the future model as the "baby Quattropotre," but Maserati has now trademarked the "Levante" (Italian word for "East") name to be used for one of the three new models set to be unveiled in the upcoming years.

The three models ready to be named are a new generation Quattroporte - that will retain its name for sure -, a new SUV for which Maserati has already trademarked the "Cinqueporte" name, and the new baby Quattroporte. Logically speaking, the new baby sedan seems to be the only option without a name to call it's very own, so "Levante" may be the winner.

The new baby Quattroporte - or Levante - is set to be unveiled sometime in 2013-2014. It will be powered by a choice of V6 and V8 engines, both mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Prices will start in the $70,000 range.

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