Maserati hasn’t let up in its push towards a larger and more diverse lineup – say hello to the Maserati Grecale
The fan favourite MC20 enthralled the automotive masses and drew the spotlight to Neptune’s trident once again and now, in a dramatic and theatrical premiere, the world has finally been properly introduced to the firm’s latest SUV addition, the Maserati Grecale. The Grecale variants range from the top-spec Trofeo to the GT and Modena models, which will feature hybrid powertrains. The Grecale Folgore – Maserati’s first all-electric SUV – will be released next year.
Drawing from numerous design elements found on Maserati’s latest supercar, the MC20, Grecale is positioned as a proper middle ground offering, featuring a plentiful mixture of comfort, performance, and practicality. The front end of the Grecale adopts the same styling found on the face of the MC20, in particular the high-mounted headlights and low-mounted grille. In line with Maserati’s design language, the latest addition to the lineup will feature – as Head of Design for Maserati, Klau Busse said – “great proportions, clean surfaces, and iconic details.”
The interior is spacious and designed to provide optimum room for its passengers. A 12,3-inch digital instrument cluster and equally sized central display to improve immersion and synchronicity with the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA). The gear selector has been replaced with a PRNDL button to allow for “a more intense in-car experience.”
Following in the tyre tracks of the MC20, the Grecale will be given Maserati’s all-new twin-turbocharged V6 Nettuno engine derived from the aforementioned supercar. According to Maserati, the powertrain will produce 390 kW and 620 N.m in this application. These outputs will allow for a 0-100 km/h sprint of just 3,8 seconds and a top speed of 385 km/h. The car will have perfect weight balance to improve handling and driving experience. Weight saving in mind, many bits and pieces have been swaped out for carbon fibre items. During the premiere, it was mentioned that the Grecale has the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, as well as top speed and acceleration.
Words: Ryan de Villiers
