Maserati Grecale coming to SA with V6 Trofeo, four displays

Slotted below the Levante and rivalling the Porsche Macan, Maserati unveiled the all-new Grecale at the start of 2022. The entry point into the range and named after the north-easterly Mediterranean wind, this midsize SUV is due in South Africa this month.

Maserati South Africa launched the luxury SUV in December and promised to offer it in three flavours – entry-level GT, mid-level Modena, and the flagship Trofeo. An all-electric Grecale Folgore will be available at a later stage.

The base Grecale GT will use a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol mill assisted by a mild hybrid technology. The powertrain will create 224 kW (300 hp) at 5,750 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from 2,000 rpm.

The Modena gets the same turbo four as the GT, but here it produces an additional 22 kW to deliver 246 kW (330 hp) while keeping the 450 Nm torque. Both versions of the engine pair with 8-speed automatic transmission. The automaker claims the GT can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, while the Modena is 0.3 seconds faster to 100 km/h. The top speed is limited to 240 km/h (149 mph). 

The top-of-the-line Grecale Trofeo borrows the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine from the MC20 supercar. It pumps out a whopping 390 kW (523 hp) and 620 Nm of torque. The engine mates to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drivetrain with an electronic rear limited-slip differential. Maserati notes a maximum speed of 285 km/h (177 mph). 

While Maserati South Africa didn’t tell if they will bring the Grecale EV here, they have revealed a few initial specs. It will come sporting an exclusive Rame Folgore paint, fitted with a reasonably big 105-kWh battery pack supporting 400V technology. Maserati claims a combined near-prompt torque of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft).

The legendary Italian automaker says their new SUV is 4,846 mm (191 inches) long, 1,979 mm (77.9 inches) wide, and 1,670 mm (66 inches) tall. The rear wheel footprint of 1,948 mm (77 inches) is 34 mm (1.34 inches) broader for the mid-level Modena and the range-topping Trofeo. The wheelbase remains the same for all models at a generous 2,901 mm (114 inches), offering rear occupants plenty of legroom.

The Grecale boasts a smooth, coupe-like design with a low-slung bonnet and an ominous upturn grille bordered by huge air intakes. At the back, we see boomerang taillights inspired by Giugiaro 320 GT.

The interior welcomes you with plenty of screen real estate - a new 12.3-inch (31cm) infotainment display, a smaller 8.8-inch diagonal screen below it, a 12.3 inches instrument cluster, and a new digital clock face. Besides, a 21-speaker Sonus Faber sound system with 1,000 watts of power, an HUD, and larger 20- or 21-inch wheels are optional.

The 2023 Maserati Grecale GT will arrive wearing a starting price tag of R1 650 000. The Modena will bump the price to R1 950 000, while the range topping Trofeo will set you back R2 550 000. The deliveries should start this month. (Prices correct at time of publication.)

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Please note the imagery supplied in this blog was taken off www.caranddriver.com