“The Everyday Exceptional.” This is the Grecale, Italian supercar maker Maserati’s latest luxury SUV, which it has described as a “right balance between versatility, elegance, performance and innovation.”
During the media launch held last June 21 at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier in BGC, two versions were introduced, the Grecale GT with a mild hybrid, 4 cylinder, that produces 300hp. Indicative price is P8.5M. A second version, the Trofeo is equipped with a V6 530-hp petrol V6 based on the Nettuno engine fitted to the MC20, capable of 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds. No price was mentioned for the Trofeo. The cars are distributed locally by Modena Motorsports, Inc.
“Grecale embodies a perfect blend of sportiness and sophistication. As the inaugural offering for a new segment of Maserati, we are very excited to bring Grecale to the Philippines to turn everyday journeys into extraordinary driving experiences,” Takayuki Kimura, Head of Maserati Asia Pacific said in his welcome speech.
Interviewed separately, Kimura told Malaya Business Insight that the Maserati is prepared to offer Filipino buyers with the full line-up of variants–this includes the 330 hp, 4 cylinder, mild hybrid Modena which will be available for indent ordering, and the limited edition Grecale PrimaSerie featuring exclusive content, the importation of which will be announced soon. The all-electric Folgare with electric version with 400V technology, can be made available upon customer’s request.
Modena Motorsports, Inc. President Sam Versoza proudly introduced the vehicle. Speaking casually to the media, he said that his very own experience with the marque give him the “total confidence” to talk about what to expect with the Grecale.
“The experience is very different, almost unreal. If you have driven and relished the Levante, the Grecale elevates that experience many times over. It is a level of performance that comes as close as possible to super car,” Versoza told Malaya Business Insight. He also mentioned that the new luxury SUV is the Trident brand’s fullest ever. By this he meant that for the price the Grecale line-up will deliver not only a level of luxury that is hard-to-beat, but also a guaranteeing performance, comfort and safety, all at the same time. These features are combined with off-road capabilities and uncompromising driving pleasure.
“As a product of tradition, innovation, and concrete vision, Grecale ushers in a luxurious new standard for its class,” said Sam Versoza, President of Modena Motorsports, Inc., the official Maserati importer, and dealer in the Philippines. “We at Modena Motorsports Inc. are beyond elated to deliver Grecale to our shores, and with it, a new driving experience that takes the elegance, style, and performance of a Maserati to a bold, new direction.”
Kimura is elated with the launch in the Philippines, saying that the country is an important pin in Maserati’s global brand map. The Grecale was eveloped at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena, the new SUV is produced at the Cassino plant.
Each Grecale is equipped with Maserati Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) system and the 360° control it offers over the car. The option of complete control translates into a clear distinction between the various drive modes: Comfort, GT, Sport, Corsa (Trofeo only) and off-road.
The new SUV stands out in terms of spaciousness and comfort. It sports best-in-class levels of interior space, driveability, handling, acceleration (0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 285 km/h–on the Trofeo), sound quality and extensive use of fine materials such as wood, carbon fiber and leather.
Talking about in-car sound, the Maserati roar is accentuated by the immersive Sonus faber 3D sound system which at Premium level, includes 14 speakers, or 21 speakers on demand at High Premium level.
The design of 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 and its technical components highlighted with carbon fibre. 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.
Its dimensions are a major factor: in the GT version, Grecale is 4,846 mm long with a wheelbase of 2,901 mm, a height of 1,670 mm, a width of 2,163 mm (including wing mirrors), with a rear wheel track of 1,948 mm (and even greater in the Trofeo).
In the cabin, standout tech specs include the traditional Maserati clockface. Digital for the first time, it transforms into a veritable in-car concierge, courtesy of voice control. Everything is touch-based, with extreme aesthetic cleanliness. The technology is controlled from the displays: the large 12.3” central screen, the largest ever seen in a Maserati, another 8.8” display for the extra controls and a third for the passengers in the rear seats.
