Maserati Grecale: mild hybrid, V6 and electric

Highlights

• Smaller than the Levante
• Always 4WD and 8-speed automatic
• Mild-hybrid four-cylinder: 300 or 330 hp
• Biturbo V6: 530 hp
• On the market in the second half of 2022
• Fully electric version in 2023

First let’s talk about the correct pronunciation of Grecale: the g and the c are pronounced like a soft k, so a kind of ‘Crekale’. In 2016 Maserati introduced the Levante and that quickly became the best-selling model, just like the SUVs are leading the way with Porsche. The Grecale is 17 centimeters longer than the Alfa Romeo Stelvio with which it shares the Giorgio platform and both cars are built at the same factory. The Grecale is the second car to be developed under the banner of the new Maserati DNA, the MC20 being the first. Quentin Amore, Head of Exterior Design: “Especially the front of the Grecale speaks the same language as the MC20. The grille is low and large, the headlight units are vertical with their own light signature unique to Maserati. You will find the trident of our brand in the design of all types of wheels. The lines of the Grecale are timeless and therefore of a lasting beauty. All future models will follow this trend.”

Maserati Grecale

Trofeo with F1 technology

It is not for nothing that Maserati is now introducing the Grecale. The mid-sized luxury SUV is the fastest growing segment worldwide for a broad customer base. The range consists of three versions: the GT, the Modena and the Trofeo. They differ from each other in design details and interior decoration, and also in terms of powertrain. The current crown jewel of Maserati, which we already know from the spectacular MC20, is the beating heart of the Trofeo and listens to the name Nettuno. A 3.0-liter V6 with in this case 530 hp and 620 Nm of torque, two turbos, cylinder deactivation, pre-chamber injection and an injection pressure of 350 bar. Sounds like Formula 1 technology and it is. Perhaps not as spectacular as the Ferrari V8 from the Levante Trofeo, among others, but certainly an impressive piece of technology. The top speed of this version is 285 km/h, from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Maserati Grecale

Mild hybrids, no diesel, no plug-in

The other two versions have to make do with a four-cylinder, two-liter turbo engine. The GT has 300 hp, the Modena 330 hp. The turbo is equipped with a so-called e-booster and is therefore not only driven by the exhaust gases. Like the Trofeo, power is transferred to all four wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. To somewhat dampen the probably above-average thirst of the almost two-ton SUV, these versions are equipped with a 48 Volt system and a starter/generator (mild hybrid) that provides the crankshaft with electrical support. No room for a diesel or a plug-in hybrid? No, according to Maserati, the mild hybrid fits better with the customer’s wishes and a phev is too heavy. During the development, a lot of effort was put into recuperation, so that as little braking energy as possible is lost and as much electricity as possible is generated to charge the battery pack. Both 2.0 liters are good for 450 Nm of torque and a top speed of 240 km/h. The fastest goes from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, the slightly less powerful in 5.6 seconds. In short, with the four-cylinder you are already well served.

Boomerang taillights

Depending on the version, the Grecale has 19, 20 or 21 inch wheels and active shock absorbers are standard. The Trofeo has air suspension, which is optional on the other versions. The GT is more based on comfort, the Modena – with a wider track at the rear – on sportiness and the Trofeo is ultra-sporty. Also making a comeback and already applied to more Maserati models, are the boomerang-shaped rear lights, as a tribute to the first generation 3200 GT. Another nod to the rich past are the three small ventilation grilles in the front fenders, which also adorned the sides of the 1947 A6 GT 1500 and actually had a function at the time. The luggage compartment measures 570 liters, with the GT and Modena that is 535 liters, because of the battery pack.

Maserati Grecale

Digitization and individualization

Digitization has clearly continued in the interior of the Grecale. The instrument panel consists of a 12.3-inch screen, the same size as that in front of the infotainment system. A slightly smaller screen (8.8 inches) in the center console provides quick access to all comfort functions. The well-known round clock also moved with the times and has been digitized. The small, round screen can display an analog clock, but also a compass or the G-forces that arise during braking, acceleration or cornering. In addition, it ‘communicates’ with you when you enter voice commands. The transmission is operated by means of push buttons between the two screens in the middle and the opening of the doors is also electronic, with a mechanical backup in the front. If you don’t think your Grecale is exclusive or enough, then you can go to Modena for the Fuoroserie program, with almost limitless possibilities.

Maserati Grecale Folgore

Fully electric: the Grecale Folgore

A year after the introduction of the petrol versions, there will be a fully electric Grecale, the Folgore. What we already know about the technology: it will get a 105 kWh battery pack, an 800 Nm strong motor and is equipped with 400 Volt technology. A hefty range and high-speed charging seem thus guaranteed. The electrification of the brand will take place under the title ‘Folgore’ (Italian for lightning, thunderstorm) and the Grecale will be the second electric Maserati, after the MC20. The GranTurismo and the GranCabrio will follow later. The ambiance in the interior should reflect the sustainable character of the electric version. The seats and doors are covered with a material that feels and looks like a diving suit. It is made from recycled fishing nets. Copper-coloured accents characterize the electric character.