Introducing the new Maserati Grecale - The everyday exceptional car

Maserati recently unveiled its latest creation, the Grecale SUV, embodying the perfect blend of sportiness and elegance. This remarkable vehicle marks the beginning of a new segment for the renowned brand while capturing the essence of innovation, versatility, and luxury. With its unrivalled spaciousness and comfort, the Grecale stands out as best-in-class for those in the market for an SUV. 

Friend of Remix and photographer, Josh Hilliam recently attended the Maserati drive day for the new Grecale model.

“In my profession, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to drive a wide variety of vehicles, and recently, I had the pleasure of adding the Maserati Grecale to my repertoire. It was my first encounter with the Maserati brand, and the team made me feel incredibly welcomed, providing me with fresh insights and perspectives on their story. The day commenced at Winger Maserati in Newmarket, with the sun shining brightly after a rather gloomy week of weather. Tim Stanton, the marketing manager, and Grant Barling, the general manager of Maserati Australia and New Zealand, promptly introduced themselves. They offered a comprehensive overview of the car and briefed us on the day's agenda. To truly appreciate the vehicle's comfort, we embarked on a journey to Muriwai. Upon our arrival, we received a warm welcome from celebrity chef Michael Van De Elzen and his delightful wife, Bee at the stunning venue and cooking school known as Good From Scratch. 

The Grecale GT's luxurious interior provided a comfortable yet grounded experience, and alongside it, we also had the opportunity to see the Modena and Trofeo models on display. We immediately immersed ourselves in the culinary experience, getting our hands dirty and preparing food. Fortunately, the dishes had already been pre-prepared, ensuring we didn't solely rely on our own culinary skills. Throughout the Maserati-themed event, we were treated to an incredible three-course meal inspired by Modena, the birthplace of Maserati. It truly transported our taste buds straight to Italy. On the return journey to central Auckland, this time in the passenger seat, I had the chance to appreciate the interior details of the car and found no sense of negativity even amidst the Auckland traffic. I extend a big thanks to the Maserati team and Winger Maserati for an amazing day!” - Josh Hilliam, photographer

THE DESIGN

Maserati's design philosophy is firmly rooted in the concept of being "Unique by Design." Five pillars stand at the core of the Maserati design ethos covering all new Trident-brand models from the MC20 onwards, including the Grecale. Visual longevity, unique by design, a balance of opposites, colours and innovation by nature are all key factors in the design process. Drawing inspiration from the brand's Italian roots, the design elements undergo an innovative reinterpretation of Italian architecture and craftsmanship. Their distinctive characteristics transcend the trends of time and fashion, resulting in cars that will never go out of style.

Instantly recognizable, Maserati's approach ensures that each vehicle bears the unmistakable hallmarks of the brand. Starting with the iconic Maserati Trident badge and extending to design cues that reflect the brand's identity. From the trapezoidal C pillar to the Trident-inspired rim designs, these elements seamlessly integrate into the overall stylistic language, embodying the essence of Maserati's heritage. Size-wise, the Grecale takes on a vertical rather than a horizontal aspect, adapted for the requirements of an SUV. The front is the new model’s most distinctive side, featuring a low and imposing grille without being excessive. While the rear of the car features boomerang taillights, inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT, and is a take on a characteristically Maserati appearance.

Colours also play a vital role in Maserati's design ethos. Drawing inspiration from nature the colour choices for the Grecale's interior offer unexpected yet contemporary tones that add an extra layer of sophistication. 

TECHNOLOGY

The Maserati Grecale seamlessly integrates technical excellence with its distinctive style, elevating the driving experience to new heights. As you step into the Grecale cabin, you're greeted by the revolutionary digital clock, marking a historic first for the Trident brand. Beyond its timekeeping function, this clock transforms into a driver-car interface, responding to voice commands with subtle signals. Blending classic aesthetics with a futuristic outlook, it serves as an indicator of the car's responsiveness, actively engaging with the driver's voice.

Embracing a minimalistic approach, the Grecale adopts touch-controlled interfaces for nearly all its functions. With a simple brush of the finger, drivers can effortlessly access a range of technical features and shortcuts, eliminating the need for time-consuming searches for specific controls and making it a less distracting and safer way of operating the technical options.

Thanks to its generous 2,901-mm wheelbase, the Grecale provides rear-seat roominess and ample cargo space that is unmatched. Perfect for busy families on the go, the kids will have enough leg room to stretch out on long car drives without kicking the back of your seat in an “are we there yet?” fit of rage. With a flat loading platform, a practical cargo box beneath it, and rear seats that can be effortlessly folded down with a touch of a button in the boot, you can ensure that all of your luggage will fit in effortlessly. Whether that be a double pram or an extra large chilli bin for all of your beverage needs while en route to the family batch.

Pioneering research has also been dedicated to the Grecale's interior sound design. Uniquely crafted welcome sounds, distinct from other Maserati models, enhance the auditory experience. Additionally, special alerts for seat belts ensure passenger safety is prioritized without compromising on the Grecale's immersive ambience.

THE ENGINE

The Grecale’s six-cylinder 3000-cc twin-turbo engine revolves around Maserati Twin Combustion (MTC) technology, which made its first appearance on the Nettuno engine, the driving force behind the MC20 with technology inherited from Formula One. More than a technological evolution, the Grecale engines are the true forerunners of the Nettuno and this new family of powertrains. 

The MTC engine used in the Grecale shows how technology created for Formula One, then mounted onto a super sports car with extraordinary performance such as the MC20, can also be exploited to improve the performance and efficiency of an SUV. Although it provides for outstanding performance, the technology used pushes consumption down to the levels of a subcompact and significantly reduces CO2 emissions - a fantastic option for those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint.

For more information on the new Maserati Grecale range you can visit their website here.