The Italian company Maserati, which is part of Stellantis, has introduced the Grecale compact sports crossover. It was named after the gregal, the cold Mediterranean wind. The novelty is a competitor to the Porsche Macan, Jaguar F-Pace and BMW X3.
Grecale has a five-door body with a massive C-pillar, a long hood and a sloping roofline. The exterior of the car is in the typical Maserati style: there are massive three-dimensional shapes, a large radiator grille with vertical teeth, an original configuration of headlights and lanterns, as well as elegant detailing. In the product hierarchy, Grecale has taken a position one step below the mid-size Maserati Levante, produced since 2016.
The length, width and height of Grecale are 4846, 1948 and 1670 mm respectively, the wheelbase is 2901 mm. These data are valid only for the basic version of the GT, when choosing Modena and Trofeo, the car will be a few millimeters longer, wider and lower due to a different body kit and suspension.
The new Maserati crossover is based on the Stellantis Giorgio platform (it is known from Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia). She has a classic layout, that is, a longitudinally located engine and the main rear-wheel drive. Each version corresponds to only one power unit. The Grecale GT and Grecale Modena are moderate hybrids based on a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that delivers 300 hp. and 450 Nm in the first case and 330 hp. and 450 Nm - in the second. From 0 to 100 km/h, cars accelerate in 5.6 and 5.3 seconds, respectively, and the top speed is limited to 240 km/h.
The Grecale Trofeo is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 known from the Maserati MC20 supercar. It produces 530 hp. and 620 Nm. Acceleration 0-100 km/h takes 3.8 seconds, top speed is 285 km/h.
All versions are equipped with an eight-speed ZF “automatic” and all-wheel drive with a carbon fiber driveshaft. The VDCM (Vehicle Dynamic Control Module) is also standard. As an option, an air suspension with the ability to change the ride height is offered (it is standard on the Grecale Trofeo).
The Italians also talked about the electric version of the Grecale Folgore, although not all the characteristics have been disclosed so far. It is only known that the traction battery with a capacity of 105 kWh operates at a voltage of 400 V, and the thrust of the electric motors is 800 Nm.
The Maserati Intelligent Assistant media system based on Android Automotive is installed inside. A 10.25-inch touch screen is located in the center of the front panel, a second display of the same size replaced the instrument panel. For a surcharge, a Sonus faber speaker system with 21 speakers with a power of 1285 watts is offered.
The start of sales of Maserati Grecale in Europe is scheduled for the first half of the year, the crossover will reach the USA by autumn. A purely electric version will have to wait a little longer. Prices have not yet been announced.
Maserati showed the Grecale crossover with an engine power up to 530 hp.
