The wind cries Maserati
Maserati has been undergoing something of a renaissance in recent years and key to that is the new Grecale SUV. Ben Selby reports. 
The Grecale is initially made up of a three-tier model lineup, with a fourth, the all-electric Folgore due here mid-2024. Currently we have the GT, Modena, and Trofeo. Price wise, the GT sits at $124,000, the mid-range Modena at $145,000 and the flagship Trofeo at $186,000.
Both GT and Modena are powered by a 2L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, mated to an 48v mild-hybrid system. Power for the GT is rated at 221kW/450Nm while the Modena has an extra 22kW. Zero to 100km/h sits at 5.6 seconds and 5.2 seconds, respectively.
The Trofeo is the hottest Grecale you can buy. Hidden behind that very pretty nose is the same Nettuno 3L twin-turbo V6 engine from the MC20 supercar. This means the same F1 style pre-chamber combustion system and having 390kW/630Nm and 0 to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.
All Grecale models come with Maserati’s second generation eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD system.
Drivers can choose from a variety of drive modes too including Comfort, GT Sport and in the case of Trofeo and those with air suspension, Corsa and Off-Road mode.
These modes are controlled by Maserati’s new Vehicle Domain Control Module.
VDCM allows the Grecale to predict rather than react to road conditions and adapt the car in each drive mode to suit the situation.
Hop inside and the level of refinement here is stunning. The Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system is also miles better than the old FCA system.
Being a mild-hybrid, the GT is happy to store electric drive within its 48v battery pack, and use it to aid in acceleration and fuel efficiency. This when combined with the 2L turbo four pot equates to some pretty decent get-up-and-go.
It even sounds nice high in the rev range. When in Sport mode, the steering weights up and hunkers down to be as slippery through the air as possible.
The eight-speed automatic transmission feels slick. It is up there with the MC20 in terms of crispness and responsiveness.
As a passenger, I can safely say the Trofeo’s Nettuno V6 straight out of the MC20 is a gem of an engine.
It also makes a fabulous turbo six pot burble from idle right the way to the near 7000rpm redline.
My last Maserati test drive was in the mid-range Modena, and you do feel the extra power. In comfort mode, the ride is supple, and it feels solid and planted whether in the bends or on the straights.
I found it hard not to be rather smitten with Maserati’s latest creation.
