Previous reports have indicated that the Maserati Levante SUV was to be based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and now the Italian automaker has squashed those reports saying that it won’t be.

Given the big deal between parent company Fiat and Chrysler, you can be forgiven for making the assumption. That’s all out the window though as Maserati is keeping mum about the car’s finer details.

The Italian automaker is yet to confirm another speculation that the luxury crossover SUV Levante which features styling cues from the Kubang concept vehicle (pictured above) that debuted in the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show will now be based on the same platform as the recent Quattroporte and Ghibli models including the Q4’s modified “Skyhook” suspension.

It’s also likely that engine options will include a 3.0-litre V6 with about 306 kW and a 3.8-litre V8 with 390 kW. This V8 is likely to be sourced from Ferrari, which bodes well for dynamic driving and aural satisfaction. It may also be offered in rear-wheel-drive as well as four-wheel-drive, with a nine-speed manual transmission or the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission form the sixth generation Maserati Quattroporte.

The Levante was first introduced in 2012 at the Paris Motor Show and is expected to take on the likes of the Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport, and BMW X5 when it’s launched possibly later this year or next year.