Diesel-powered Maseratis to feature artificial engine noise?

The noise would be transmitted through the stereo speakers.

It is no secret that Fiat-owned Maserati is planning on introducing its very first diesel-powered model in the very near future.

Although a diesel is a must on the European market, Maserati is worried that the distinct sound of a compression-ignition engine will not jive with the sporty image typically associated with its cars.

Roberto Corradi, Maserati's vice-president of product development, indicated that diesel-powered models might be equipped with a device that emits an artificial engine sound to make the car sound sportier.

The noise simulator will likely be similar to the Active Sound system that is found in the BMW M5, meaning that the noise will be channeled through the stereo speakers.

What kind of engine noise will be emitted was not specified and the entire system is still at the prototype stage. Maserati has not yet given it the green light for production.

Maserati's first diesel-powered model is expected to be a sub-Quattroporte sedan that will go head-to-head against the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The yet-unnamed car is scheduled to make its public debut in 2013.

Shortly after, the Italian automaker will launch the production version of the Jeep-based Kubang SUV that was displayed in Frankfurt last year. Range-topping models will be equipped with what Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne calls "a rock and roll engine" but entry-level models will rely on a more mundane oil-burner.