New details emerge on Jeep-based Maserati SUV

Eh... the Porsche Cayenne is based on a VW, so a Maserati based on a 'Mercedes' is probably not the crappiest thing ever. I've driven the new Cherokee, and it's a solid vehicle. Don't let the Chrysler stigma fool you. And if you all have forgotten, the Cherokee SRT8 is no chump. My problem is the torque-less Ferrari based V8 motivating a 5000lb+ AWD SUV.

I agree, this has the potential to go AWFULLY wrong. However, considering the "new" GC is just an "old" Mercedes ML, the starting platform is actually good enough to be a Maserati. In the K-car days the K-car wasn't even good enough to be basic A to B transportation (K to L transport maybe...?). This time it could actually work (depending on detail execution, of course). It won't be doomed-from-jump to fall into the "pile of desire-less, plebeian transport". On another note, if they plan to fit it with the Ferrari sourced, 400HP, flat-crank V8 they put in EVERYTHING else it will be impossibly slow compared to the Cayenne Turbo (which is undoubtedly the vehicle to beat in this class). And, unlike VW products, they can't just smack two turbo's or a blower on it without extensive re-engineering to swap out the flat-crank, which would then ruin the engines aural presentation and linear, rev-happy power delivery. Seems Fiat may have backed themselves into a theoretical corner on this one...

Yes but the RRS can drive very well on the road and very well offroad this in no way will be able to go offroad.