These illustrations were made by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes. They are speculative drawings based on prototype models we’ve spied as well as information we’ve obtained that are not related to or endorsed by Maserati.
Maserati is expanding their lineup with an all-new luxury compact SUV called the Grecale. Named after a fierce north-east wind in the Mediterranean, it follows the Italian carmaker’s convention of labeling their range after the very same stuff that’ll blow your washing off the line.
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While it isn’t ready to show us the final product, Maserati has dropped a few blurry teasers that nevertheless give a good indication of how their smallest SUV to date will look like So let’s sharpen the focus and illustratively reveal its design, plus everything else we know before the covers are lifted later this year.
Italian Flair
Although it’s physically smaller than the Levante, the Grecale still adopts styling traits seen on other trident-badged models. For example, the business end features a long hood, large intakes and aggressive, shark-nosed grille combined with a powerful dash-to-axle ratio.
Shapely fenders draw your eye along the side profile, with tasteful chrome flourishes (also available in black) on the fender vents, door handles and window trim. The rear haunches emphasize width, and the back end features slim LED taillights and performance-orientated quad exhaust pipes.
View From Within
The Grecale has been developed with best-in-class practicality, design and features in mind. Occupants will be treated to a luxury, high-quality cabin with an emphasis on technology and connectivity. Expect high-definition touch-screen displays, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as OTA (over-the-air updates).
Many driver-assists will further aid Maserati’s strong fundamentals in driving dynamics. They include forward collision alert, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian-detection, cross-traffic alert, and full-range, dynamic cruise control.
Power To Please
Expected to borrow parts from the similarly-sized Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the Grecale should offer a range of petrol, hybrid, and possibly down the line, electric powertrains. A 272 horsepower, 2.0-litre inline-four borrowed from the Alfa Romeo Stelvio will likely be the lineup’s entry-point. Next is a volcanic Trofeo variant with either a Ferrari-designed and Alfa Romeo-derived 503-hp 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 or (less likely) a detuned version of the twin-turbocharged 630 hp 3.0-litre V6 found in the new MC20 supercar. Power will be sent to the rear wheels (or optionally all-four) via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
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The ‘Giorgio’ platform-based Grecale will form part of the automaker’s strategy to electrify all its lineup by 2025. Reports suggest that the Grecale EV will feature an 800-volt architecture and, in the right conditions, will allow up to 300 kW of rapid-charging.
Rivals & Reveal
Rivals include the Porsche Macan, BMW X3, Genesis GV70, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60 and Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The all-electric variant will compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi Q4 E-Tron, Tesla Model Y, and Jaguar i-Pace.
The Grecale will be manufactured alongside the Stelvio in Cassino, Italy. Maserati plans to fully unveil the compact SUV before year’s end, with sales kicking off in early 2022.
So, what are your thoughts: will the Grecale will breath new life into the Italian carmaker? Tell us in the comments below.