Maserati is on the comeback trail and this blurry machine could be its most important new model.
The Italian brand released these obscure images of the all-new Grecale, the brand’s second SUV that will sit beneath its existing Levante and compete against the popular Porsche Macan, BMW X3 and Audi Q5.
It’s one of 16 new or updated models Maserati is aiming to launch by 2024 and the one that offers the biggest potential growth for the brand. Mid-size SUVs like the Macan, X3 and Q5 have become popular for all brands as buyers embrace luxury and performance-biased SUVs.
READ MORE: How Maserati plans to take on Porsche
Aside from the images Maserati hasn’t released any significant technical information about the Grecale other than it’s about to embark on “intensive road, circuit and off-road tests” ahead of its official reveal later this year.
Maserati did reveal one key piece of information about the new model, which reveals a lot of what we can expect from it. The company confirmed it will be built at the Cassino factory in Italy, the same facility that builds the Alfa Romeo Stelvio – that brand’s X3/Q5 rival. That all-but-confirms the earlier theory that the Grecale will be based on the Stelvio underpinnings (or an evolution of) and will likely feature some shared engines.
As we laid out last year when Maserati revealed the new MC20, the company has plans to renew its performance credentials with a new twin-turbo V6 engine (dubbed Nettuno) and begin implementing its future strategy with an all-new, all-electric powertrain (dubbed Folgore).
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The Grecale is expected to use both the Nettuno V6 and the Folgore EV powertrain, which would allow Maserati to compete with both the current Porsche Macan and the brand’s upcoming electric version.
Maserati, now under the merged Stellantis banner, is clearly looking to emulate Porsche’s successful business plan, with a push towards greater volume with popular SUVs while retaining sports cars, like the MC20 and the upcoming new GranTurismo, to keep enthusiasts happy.
The Folgore powertrain is believed to be modular and will be fitted to every model in the range, including the MC20 and GranTurismo; plus the Levante as well as the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans.
Grecale, in case you’re curious, is understood to be the name of a strong wind in the Mediterranean.
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