The upcoming mid-sized Maserati Grecale SUV will offer a detuned version of the MC20 supercar’s engine.
Autocar reports the range will open with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that’s turbocharged and features an electric supercharger and a mild-hybrid system – likely a 48V system, as seen in the Ghibli Hybrid.
The UK publication test drove a prototype of the vehicle, which produces 220kW of power at 5750rpm and 450Nm of torque between 2000 and 4000rpm.
Kerb weight is 1870kg, with a 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds, 0.1 seconds quicker than a Ghibli Hybrid that produces 26kW more power.
Optional is a detuned version of the MC20’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 that Maserati developed in-house.
It’s unclear just how detuned it’ll be – the MC20 pumps out 463kW and 730Nm.
All Grecales will feature the Q4 all-wheel drive set-up of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, with which the car shares its Giorgio platform, plus a ZF-sourced eight-speed torque-converter automatic.
Maserati says the all-wheel drive system can split torque 50:50 between the axles, but in certain drive modes and for certain models it can send torque solely to the rear axle – that sounds like a party trick for the confirmed Grecale Trofeo.
The company will also debut an electric version of the Grecale in 2022, which will wear the brand’s new Folgore (‘lightning’) badge.
It’ll join electric versions of the MC20 and upcoming GranTurismo replacement, and will give Maserati a rival to the likes of the upcoming Porsche Macan EV.
The twin-turbo V6 model will give Maserati a rival to the likes of the BMW X3 M and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S, which put out 375kW/650Nm and 375kW/700Nm, respectively.
19-inch, 20-inch and 21-inch alloy wheels will be available, as will a choice of traditional coil-spring suspension, with passive or adaptive dampers, and three-chamber air suspension.
The Grecale also has wider tracks than the Stelvio.
Autocar’s tester was still a pre-production prototype wearing disguise inside and out, but it was able to confirm the Grecale has rotary drive mode selector on the steering wheel, as well as a distinctive new clock that’s now digital and can be switched between showing the time and performance metrics like g-force and brake pressure.
Semiconductor shortages have led Maserati to delay the premiere of its important crossover.
Originally set to be revealed on November 16, 2021, the Grecale’s premiere has now been delayed to “spring 2022” – in other words, somewhere between March and May of next year.
“Due to the shortage of semiconductors, the quantity of production would not allow us to respond properly to the expected global demand,” the company said.
Maserati is evidently unwilling to drop features that require semiconductor chips, as some brands have been doing, boasting the Grecale has “ground-breaking contents, particularly in the connectivity and human-machine interface areas”.
The Grecale is a crucial new model for Maserati as it could represent a new entry point to the brand, depending on how it’s priced.
The base Ghibli is Maserati’s most affordable model in many markets, though here it’s undercut by the entry-level Levante 350.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
There’s been no indication yet of pricing for the Grecale, however it’ll likely undercut the Levante 350 which opens at $127,000 before on-roads.
It’ll also likely be priced above the Stelvio, the core model range of which is priced from $64,950 to $78,950 before on-roads.
The flagship Quadrifoglio rings up at $146,950 before on-roads, while the 2022 Porsche Macan range slots neatly in between this price gap.
