KUALA LUMPUR: The Maserati Grecale SUV was previewed here last June and then it was all quiet after that. Naza Italia - Maserati today broke the silence on the SUV with the launch of the 300hp Grecale GT.
The base variant is priced from RM598,000 (inclusive of local duties and taxes, before customisation options, road tax and insurance). The price includes 3 years' standard warranty coverage with unlimited mileage.
The Grecale is also available as a mid-range 330hp Modena variant, topped by a 530hp Trofeo variant. These two other variants would be launched in Malaysia later this year.
To complete the model line-up, an all-electric all-wheel drive Grecale Folgore is set for a world premiere in 2023. Packed with a 105kWh battery, it should offer at least 480km per charge and be the most powerful Grecale variant. However, it uses a modified version of the platform which underpins the combustion engine variants instead of a dedicated electric platform.
It was the Trofeo variant that was previewed here last June. It uses a 3.0 litre twin turbo V6 Nettuno engine, producing 530hp and capable of a top speed of 285kph.
The Grecale, which takes its name from a north-easterly Mediterranean wind, is developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena and produced at the Cassino plant in Italy.
Launched globally in 2022, it opened a new SUV segment that represents the Trident brand’s fullest range ever with three engine variants – conventional internal combustion, hybrid and full-electric.
The Grecale GT is powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid petrol engine that produces 300hp at 5,750rpm and peak torque of 450Nm from 2,000 - 4000rpm.
Using the 48V mild hybrid system is not just about reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Grecale employs an innovative e-Booster that backs up the conventional turbocharger to maintain peak performance when summoned.
In the Maserati mild hybrid model, the 48V Belt Starter Generator (BSG) supports the engine when more power is needed, recuperating energy during braking and deceleration. This recovered energy is subsequently used to charge the battery, which then powers the e-Booster.
As the name suggests, the e-Booster provides an energy boost for a faster start and more exciting ride. It works in tandem with the turbocharger, sustaining the engine's power output even at low rpm. Together with the BSG, it also heightens performance when the Grecale is at peak engine speed in Sport mode.
Another interesting detail of the mild hybrid system is that the DC converter and the 48V battery are positioned in the rear for optimal weight distribution.
Design-wise, the 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.
In the rear, the boomerang taillights are inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT and fit in with the trapezoidal line, made even more striking by the coupé effect of the cabin and its finish like a sports car's.
The external look is completed with 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, body-colour bumpers and side skirts and front grille insert in brushed chrome and dual chrome-plated exhausts.
The new SUV boasts a set of “best-in-class” features, including interior space, driveability, handling, acceleration, sound quality and extensive
use of fine materials such as wood, carbon fibre and leather.
Its dimensions are a major factor.
In the GT version, Grecale is 4,846 mm long with a generous 2,901mm wheelbase, a height of 1,670 mm, a width of 2,163 mm (including wing mirrors), with a rear wheel track of 1,948 mm.
It has made it possible to achieve remarkable roominess in the rear, plus the 535-litre space in the boot with a flat loading platform, a cargo box under the platform and rear seats that can be folded down by pressing a button in the boot.
The cabin features a Saffiano leatherwork-inspired leather dashboard insert, combined with burnished inserts on the central console and
door panel.
These are characterised by an unusual laser processing that re-interprets from a Maserati perspective the iconic Maglia Milano, a characteristic of the best jewellery 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 colour, and sophisticated greige or bold black with contrasting stitching is available as an option.
The steering wheel is upholstered in leather, with aluminium fixed shift paddles.
Inside the cabin, the standout tech specs include the traditional Maserati clockface.
Digital for the first time, it transforms into an in-car concierge, courtesy of voice control.
Everything becomes touch-based, resulting in a clean look.
The technology is controlled from the displays: the large 12.3-inch central screen, the largest ever seen in a Maserati, another 8.8-inch display for the extra controls and a third for the passengers in the rear seats.
An optional heads-up display is available, taking its place among the best currently available in terms of brightness, contrast and viewing angles.
The in-car experience is managed from the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) Multimedia system, from the state-of-the-art infotainment and from Maserati Connect (not yet available in Malaysia).
The in-car sound is pushed to the limits of enjoyment by an all-round sound experience, ensured by the typical Maserati roar and the immersive Sonus Faber 3D sound system, up to 21 speakers.
The onboard Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) system ensures a combination of enhanced comfort, driving experience and handling.
With the VDCM, the drive modes offered are Comfort, GT, Sport and Offroad. The Trofeo variant gets the extra Corsa or Race mode.
The Grecale is available for viewing and test-drives at the launch event in Sentul Depot here until this Sunday.
According to Naza Italia - Maserati chief operating officer Farid Sulaiman, the Grecale GT has attracted 20 bookings to date. He expects the GT variant to remain the volume seller out of the three versions.
Contact Naza Italia at 03-7956 8599 in Petaling Jaya for more information on the Grecale.
