MASERATI GRECALE Maserati’s Newest SUV Paves the Road for the Future.

Last year’s introduction of Maserati’s MC20 sports car marked the reinvention of this storied Italian brand and now comes its newest SUV, the Grecale, a vehicle whose design marries sportiness with elegance and challenges similar vehicles in its segment. The name Grecale means a north-easterly Mediterranean wind, and true to the name, the vehicle is a breath of fresh air for this historic Italian brand. Maserati says this new SUV is the forerunner of an entire family of cars whose identity and innovation have a genetic link to the MC20. Utility vehicles continue to gain popularity because they offer an upright seating position, cargo flexibility, and all-weather versatility. Grecale slots into Maserati’s lineup beneath the Levante SUV, whose name also comes from a Mediterranean wind. The Grecale’s 114inch wheelbase is comparable to competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, and the Porsche Macan, although the cabin seems to be slightly larger. The trunk is deep, there is a cargo box under the flat floor, and the rear seat folds down for additional cargo space.

There are three models: GT, Modena, and Trofeo. Prices begin at $63,400 for the GT and $72,900 for the Modena. Pricing for the Trofeo, that arrives later in the year, will start at $102,500. I drove a Modena with the Premium Plus package of ventilated front seats, 14way power seats, heated rear seats, trizone climate control, heated steering wheel, and premium Sonus faber sound system. Its sticker price was $82,197.

The GT and Modena share a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter, mild hybrid four-cylinder. The GT has 296 horsepower and the Modena has 325. The Trofeo, when it gets here, will have a 3.0-liter V-6 with 523 horsepower. Allwheel drive and an eight-speed transmission are standard on all models. An all-electric Grecale named Folgore will be forthcoming, as well.

For all but the most serious enthusiasts, the four-cylinder is more than adequate. It zips to 60 miles per hour in fine-tune the aerodynamics and arrive at a chassis that has a curb weight of just over 3,300 pounds. car, with functionality and visibility paramount.” The central tunnel is clad with carbon fiber and only carries the switches that are necessary.

5.3 or 5.0 seconds, depending on the model, and both have top track speeds of 149 mph. Acceleration is brisk and accompanied by a throaty, but not overly loud, exhaust. This is an Italian car, remember, and sound is an important part of the car’s personality. Select Sport setting with the dial on the steering wheel and the Grecale tingles with anticipation, anxious to show off its energetic personality at a moment’s notice.

The four-cylinder’s mild hybrid system consists of a 48-volt battery and Belt-Starter Generator (BSG), e-Booster, and a DC/AC converter. The BSG functions as an alternator to charge the 48-volt battery and that, in turn, powers the e-Booster fitted to the engine. The beauty of this system is both improved performance and fuel economy. An electric compressor adds lowspeed boost before the turbocharger can spin up additional horsepower.

The Start/Stop button is located on the steering like a race car, as is the knob for selecting one of the three drive modes. Comfort is the default mode, intended for everyday use with a softer ride, easier steering, and a shift program meant for maximum efficiency. GT bumps up the throttle sensitivity for slightly more vigorous acceleration, and Sport is the most fun of all, because it not only opens the exhaust valves for maximum sound and performance but also lowers the suspension by roughly half and inch. Steering input is sharper and gear changes are snappier, as well.

The Grecale’s Italian heritage is obvious once you step inside. The choice of materials is both stylish and upscale. The car I drove had a red interior that might sound gaudy but was, in fact, quite appealing. Attention to detail, such as the laser-cut metal grilles for the new Sonus faber sound system’s speakers, or the chrome-plated finish of the central air vents, and digital smart watch atop the dash reflect modern design with classic style. The top level of the Sonus faber system contains 21 speakers and 3D sound.

The carbon-fiber chassis makes use of underbody aerodynamics that help keep the top of the car sleek and sensual with rounded contours that echo classic design. The nose contains a grille that is recognizably Maserati complete with the Trident emblem.

Two 12.3-inch touchscreens, one for the instrument cluster and one for navigation and various displays, dominate the instrument panel. A smaller, 8.8-inch screen set below the center screen contains controls for almost all vehicle functions such as climate, lights, defrost, and the like. Gear selection is done by large flat buttons in between the two center console screens, and while buttons are increasingly becoming standard for shifting, it takes a bit of adjusting to the lack of a shift lever on the console or steering column. After a few minutes behind the wheel, the buttons become second nature. The same can be said for using the center screen to turn on the headlights, seat heaters, and adjusting cabin airflow.

Upward-opening “butterfly” doors pivot forward to so the driver and passenger can get into the cabin with a minimum of interference. The cabin is understated, and driver focused. The interior shapes are simple, with few sharp corners and the upholstery and interior materials are black to prevent reflections on the steep sloping windscreen. Plus, black lends a feeling of understated elegance. There are two LCD screens in the instrument panel, one in front of the driver for gauges and one in the center above the console. Maserati emphasizes that “everything is laid out just like the cockpit of a racing

The benefit of not having a central shift lever means the console between the seats has large storage compartments, cupholders, and a mobile phone charging area.

Maserati and Sabelt collaborated on the design and creation of the MC20 seats. A composite structural shell, equipped with power adjustments and lumbar system, represents the essence of the MC20 project: sportiveness at a high quality and performance level.

The MC20’s Sonus faber audio embodies the translation of its name, “handmade sound” that illustrates how both brands desire to pair innovative technologies and skillful craftsmanship.

Committing the MC20 to production is a bold statement from Maserati about how it sees itself, both today and in the future when an all-electric version will be available. That forward vision is necessary for a company that has such a long and storied history.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be configured for up to five user profiles. Each person can build a profile with their personal details, including music preferences and vehicle operation functions. The system also links other vehicle settings to the driver’s profile, such as temperature and seat/mirror positioning. Voice control of on-board functions prevents driver distraction. The navigation system displays real-time traffic information as well as map updates.

The Grecale points the way to Maserati’s future product line and is evidence that Mediterranean breezes will continue to bring good fortune.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR / PHOTOGRAPHER

ABOUT THE AUTHOR / PHOTOGRAPHER

Tom Strongman has a degree in photojournalism from the University of Missouri and was formerly the director of photography and then the automotive editor of The Kansas City Star. Tom, a member of the Missouri Press Association Photojournalism Hall of Fame, has written about and photographed cars for more than three decades.

Tom Strongman has a degree in photojournalism from the University of Missouri and was formerly the director of photography and then the automotive editor of The Kansas City Star. Tom, a member of the Missouri Press Association Photojournalism Hall of Fame, has written about and photographed cars for more than three decades.