Trident tested formula
Maserati has just taken the wraps off its long-awaited Grecale SUV and revealed that it will be available initially as either a mild-hybrid or high-performance 523bhp Trofeo, with an all-electric version called the Grecale Folgore (“lightning” in Italian) due to join the line-up in 2023.
The Grecale, whichis named after a strong north-easterly Mediterranean wind, was originally scheduled for launch in 2021 but delayed until now due to the global semiconductor shortage hampering production.
It comes in at around the same size as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, its stablemate at the Stellantis group, and many of the Grecale’s underpinnings are shared with the Stelvio. However, Maserati will be pitching its version at the luxury end of the market, with increased use of premium materials and high technology while also having the dynamic nous to take on the Porsche Macan.
Once the Folgore electric version is launched, it will take on Lotus’ upcoming electric SUV, which still goes by the codename Type 132.
Styling is on the whole muted with the traditional Maserati trident forming the centrepiece of the grille, though it has a low, purposeful stance and pleasingly shrink-wrapped bodywork.
For those looking for something ever so slightly more exuberant, on Trofeo and Modena models (the latter being the more powerful of two mild-hybrid versions), the rear wheels have been pushed apart by 34mm, while side skirts and sportier bumpers have been added. Alloy wheels can be optioned up to 21in in diameter.
Three main screens adorn the cabin, the first being the driver’s instrument cluster, the second the 12.3in multimedia touchscreen in the middle and the third, an 8.8in “comfort panel” with extra controls. This has, according to Maserati, eliminated the need for buttons on the centre console, leaving more room for the central armrest and other storage space.
The infotainment system runs the latest version of Maserati Intelligent Assistant, its architecture and voice control system powered by Android Auto.
The interior furnishings and the use of materials such as leather, wood, brushed aluminium and carbon fibre are largely dictated by the spec chosen. Trofeo models get more in the way of carbon fibre interior accents, for example.
Opening the range, the GT delivers 296bhp from its 2-litre petrol engine and mild-hybrid system; Modena models get an extra 30bhp from the same power unit.
It’s the 523bhp Trofeo, with its twin-turbo 3-litre (detuned) version of the Nettuno V6 engine found in the MC20 supercar, that delivers serious punch with the 0-62mph sprint dispatched in 3.8 seconds. All models feature eight-speed automatic gearboxes and all-wheel drive.
Few technical details of the Folgore have been revealed so far, though Maserati has said that it will use a battery pack with a capacity of 105kWh, which is around 20kWh larger than the one found in the 255-mile Mercedes-Benz EQC, so the Maserati’s range between charges should be much more substantial.
The Grecale comes with a suite of driving modes to best suit the conditions and the driver’s requirements.
Comfort mode is claimed to be the best for everyday driving, offering the most economical performance; GT mode provides smoother, more refined driving; Sport mode sharpens everything up, lowering the car by 15mm, maximising electrical assistance and making the exhaust that bit more sonorous; and Off-road mode jacks up the air suspension (when fitted) and optimises the car for the best performance in moderately rough or slippery conditions.
In the Trofeo, an extra “Corsa” mode renders the controls and pedals a lot more sensitive, speeds up the gear change, switches on launch control and allows the traction control to take a back seat for track-based driving.
UK pricing has yet to be announced.
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