Maserati’s answer to the Porsche Macan called Grecale will arrive early next year in Australia. Grecale shares a platform with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and fifth generation Jeep Grand Cherokee. The compact luxury SUV takes its name from the cool Mediterranean wind, Gregale.
Joining the larger Levante, launched here in 2016, it will be offered with options of hybrid, full electric and petrol drivetrains. Of the 351 Maseratis sold so far this year in Australia, 259 of them have been Levantes.
The second most popular model in the lineup is the Ghibli sedan with 70 sales. Quattroporte and the Coupe convertible make up the remainder.
Kicking off the Grecale range is the GT, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and 48 volt mild hybrid system that produces 221kW of power and 450Nm of torque. This is followed by the Modena which features an identical powertrain but delivers 242kW and 450Nm. Top of the range Trofeo features the Maserati-built Nettuno V6 (currently winning rave reviews in the MC20 super sportscar) with an impressive 390kW and 620Nm.
A fully electric version Folgore is also promised, but unlikely to make it here.
Even the entry Grecale GT is able to put away the dash from 0-100km/h in a rapid 5.6 seconds. Trofeo does it in 3.8 seconds.
Pricing and specification is close to being finalised and due to be released in the coming weeks. “The all-new Maserati Grecale will represent the start of a significant roll-out of new product,” Maserati’s Grant Barling said. “The ‘Unique by Design’ ethos is found in every Grecale and guarantees a timeless aesthetic unique to the Trident marque.
“Whether it be Grecale GT, Modena or Trofeo, each will be highly specified as standard, with significant opportunities for Maserati customers to personalise and bespoke their vehicles to their own individual style.”
Barling predicts Grecale will quickly becoming a best seller for Maserati here in Australia and New Zealand.
