The concept and design of new Maserati SUV, Grecale

Maserati revealed its new SUV, the Grecale. Three versions will be rolled out at launch: GT, powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid engine capable of delivering 300 hp; Modena, with a four-cylinder 330-hp mild hybrid engine; and the powerful Trofeo, equipped with a high-performance 3.0L 530-hp petrol V6 based on the Nettuno engine fitted to the MC20.

At launch, the Grecale is also available in the PrimaSerie Launch Edition, a limited edition featuring exclusive content.  To complete the range, the Grecale Folgore, the 100% electric version with 400V technology.

The design of Grecale embraces Maserati’s new visual symbol, which distinguishes every new model since the MC20. The front features a low and imposing grille. The profile is notable for its contrast between purity and technique, with a highly fluid body featuring meandering, visual forms and its technical components highlighted by the use of carbon fibre. In the rear, the boomerang taillights are inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT and fit in with the trapezoidal line.  Grecale comes with five different drive modes: COMFORT, GT, SPORT, CORSA and OFF-ROAD.

COMFORT mode: this is the ideal drive mode for everyday use, guaranteeing maximum usability and comfort. Engine boost and kickdown are limited and improve peak efficiency, while gear change is gradual. The suspension is reduced in rigidity and the electric power steering is set to ensure maximum, effortless driving pleasure.

GT mode: the Pedal Map enables structured acceleration without compromising efficiency. Gear change is regular and smooth. Engine boost is normal. Kickdown and pedal sensitivity are moderate.

SPORT mode: pedal sensitivity and gear change are set to peak performance. The active exhaust valves are always open. Maximum engine boost. 

The driving position is lowered by 15 mm in “Aero Mode” and the steering wheel is more rigid and responsive when the car is set to Sport mode.

CORSA mode (Trofeo only): offers the driver the most extreme experience and the option of enjoying the true embodiment of the Grecale without any compromises. The pedals are highly sensitive and responsive. Gear change is faster than ever. Kickdown is powerful enough for maximum enjoyment. Traction control is much less active and Launch Control is switched on.

OFF-ROAD mode: to improve all-terrain performance and driving control, efficiency is slightly reduced compared to the Comfort and GT modes. Gear change is gradual. The rev limiter is activated and driving height is set to “High”, +20 mm.

Like the MC20, the Grecale now takes on a vertical rather than a horizontal aspect, adapted here for the requirements of an SUV. The front is the new model’s most distinctive side, featuring a low and imposing grille without being excessive, a sign that emphasizes the fact the car is a Maserati. In the Trofeo, the grille is shifted slightly forward, to make it bolder and accentuate its sporty character. 

Looking at the profile, the continuous contrast between purity of design and technology jumps out at you, much attention having been paid to the movement from the bonnet to the rear to bring out its sporty character. The contrast is clear between its highly fluid, soft body with meandering, visual forms and its technical components emphasized by the use of carbon fiber. 

The distinction is highlighted between bodywork, finding purity in its most evident aspect and technical specifications. 

In the rear, the boomerang taillights – inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT – take on a characteristically Maserati appearance and trapezoidal lines. 

The sporty trapezoidal appearance is an intrinsic feature across the entire car and is made more striking by the coupé effect of the cabin that finishes like a sports car’s, a sleek rear window, the strong and bold wings and the car’s weight pushed downwards.

Last but not least, a new exhaust design, split in the Trofeo by the addition of a special design feature.

The Modena and Trofeo versions accentuate their sporty character even more, with rear wheel track augmented by 34 mm compared to the GT model. This gives the Grecale a more dynamic aspect, further highlighted by certain chromatic details, the side skirts and the specially designed bumpers. The design of the grille remains the same for all versions, if with chrome-plated lines in the GT and black in the Modena and Trofeo to bring out their sporty character.

Overall, the stylistic vernacular is pure and athletic, fitting perfectly with the iconic elements of the brand, including the trapezoidal C pillar and the Maserati family’s new Trident-inspired alloy wheels. 

Inside, in the cabin, the tech specs include the traditional Maserati clockface. Digital for the first time, it transforms into a veritable in-car concierge, courtesy of voice control with everything becomes touch-based. The technology is controlled from the displays: the large 12.3” central screen, the largest ever seen in a Maserati, another 8.8” display for the extra controls and a third for the passengers in the rear seats.  The in-car experience is managed from the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) Multimedia system, from the infotainment and from Maserati Connect.  The in-car sound is powered by the Sonus faber system – as standard at Premium level – includes 14 speakers, or 21 speakers on demand at High Premium level.

The GT. The GT version embodies the brand’s most urban, minimal and contemporary spirit. It is well suited to dynamic and curious global citizens who pay attention to fashion, yet have a refined style of their own.

The interiors reflect this character: an environment that draws its inspiration less from the automotive sector than from interior design: sophisticated, unexpected and unconventional. The cabin features a Saffiano leatherwork-inspired leather dashboard insert, combined with burnished inserts on the central console and door panel. These are characterized by an unusual laser processing that re-interprets from a Maserati perspective the iconic Maglia Milano, a characteristic of the best jewelry and watchmaking.

For the GT version, the hues selected are warm and enveloping: as an alternative to Black Leather, premium leather in a rich chocolate color, sophisticated greige or bold black with contrasting stitching is available as an option.

The steering wheel is upholstered in leather, with aluminum fixed shift paddles.  To complete the external look, the car features 19” alloy wheels (20” or 21” available as options), body-color bumpers and side skirts, window shades and front grille inserts in brushed chrome and dual chrome-plated exhausts.

The Modena. The Modena version is for those with an innate, timeless elegance, for fans of sport in the great outdoors. It is intended as a means to make the very best of your time and surroundings.

The interiors feature an embroidered and stitched graphic motif, which develops harmoniously across the dashboard, panels and seats. Inspired by the recurring design in the architecture of Luigi Nervi, this motif enlivens and enhances the surfaces. The inserts are available in Dark Ash Burl, an unusual, contemporary wood with a grey tone and an open-pore finish, which enhances the tactile quality of the design cues.

The colors on offer are energetic and elegant: alongside the classic black leather, the other options available are a bold dark red or ice, a bright, fresh and light shade.

The Grigio Cangiante launch color will not go unnoticed either: an interposed three-layer color, it is the result of years of technological research on pigments and effects and is inspired by the freshness of summer light and the peace of mind that instils. The light, slightly amber background, paired with a cool mica tending towards blue, makes this color light and technical, while remaining unaffected. The body features 20” alloy wheels, gloss black finish logos, front splitter, grille, window shades and inserts on the side skirts and dark exhausts.

The Trofeo. The Trofeo embodies the most extreme aspect of Maserati, with the explicit focus on performance while never sacrificing comfort. This trim level is suited to sports enthusiasts who consider it in terms of performance and a constant personal challenge. The Trofeo version expresses the coolness that can emanate from an object built around the disruptive force of the engine; the material research focuses on high-performance materials, such as the exposed, three-dimensional carbon fibre and perforated leather, paired with chevron motifs that emphasize the car’s dynamism. The contrasts become bolder: the black environments feature contrasting stitching, in yellow or red, but are also available in two-tone black/dark red and black/ice.

The Giallo Corse launch color is highly assertive and tells of the unbreakable bond between Maserati and Modena: indeed, this yellow combines the city’s two heraldic colors (yellow and blue), by mixing a yellow base with a blue mica, for a sporty, advanced look.

Last but not least, the body features 21” alloy wheels, specific sports exhausts and carbon fibre inserts on the front and rear bumpers, and on the side skirts.

The GT, Modena and Trofeo trims will be launched across the range from the MY22 model, and are also available with differing features on the Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante.

Powertrain and driving experience

The engine

The Grecale’s six-cylinder 3000-cc twin-turbo engine revolves around Maserati Twin Combustion (MTC) technology, which made its first appearance on the Nettuno engine, the driving force behind the MC20 with technology inherited from Formula One, based on pre-chamber architecture. 

Compared to the MC20 Nettuno, the six-cylinder Grecale comes with a wet sump rather than a dry one. But most of all, it is an engine fitted with cylinder deactivation, with completely redesigned and optimized technology. In certain operating conditions, the right cylinder bank can be deactivated, with its entire valvetrain kept disabled with a system of collapsible tappets.

A complete redesign, due to the inclusion of a dual chamber and therefore new dimensions in the crown of the Grecale’s engine.

The hybrid Grecale 

In its hybrid version, the Grecale combines a four-cylinder internal combustion engine with a 48-V mild hybrid system. Maserati has selected a hybrid solution that aims most of all at improving performance, whilst simultaneously reducing consumption. The result achieved guarantees higher performance and lower consumption. The same engine excellence and performance of every Maserati model is maintained, although consumption is reduced, making the hybrid Grecale even more efficient than its counterparts fitted with the V6 engine.

The Maserati hybrid system consists of four components: a Belt Starter Generator (BSG), a 48-V battery, an e-Booster and a DC/DC converter. The BSG acts as an alternator, charging the battery located in the boot, which in turn powers the e-Booster fitted to the engine. The engine features dual turbochargers, where the internal combustion component is combined with the e-Booster, powered by either the BSG or the battery. An electric compressor has been included in the car to compensate for the lack of a conventional turbocharger in the early engine cycles, when the electric motor comes into play.

Maserati’s first 100% electric SUV: Grecale Folgore 

Grecale will be the first full-electric SUV in the brand’s history. It will provide an “everyday exceptional” experience, including for customers who are fans of zero emissions and do not wish to sacrifice performance in pure Maserati style.  The upcoming 100% electric version of the Grecale will be named Folgore, the identifier of Maserati BEVs.