In the E-Car Original Stellantis Group, Maserati is a relatively independent presence, positioning itself as a super luxury brand. Under the latest strategy, it is defined as "The Best in Performance Luxury, Electrified".
The flagship model MC20 debuted in China in 2020, the worst of the epidemic, and few fans discussed it on social platforms, and delivery was even more difficult. After the sword was lit, Grecale was the pusher, because he was determined to participate in the battle for the biggest cake. Maserati believes that medium and large luxury SUVs are currently the largest segment, the fastest growing segment, and it is also a global market.
Luxury and sports are everyone's perception of Maserati, and in the eyes of the people, it may be higher than the Porsche brand. After Cayenne's success, macan became the new favorite, delivering 88,362 units worldwide in 2021. It is worth noting that the replacement of Macan will launch a pure electric version, and Maserati will also have to come up with a solution to deal with it.
The Grecale, like the rest of maserati, takes its name from a fierce northeast wind in the Mediterranean. The design is bold, using the same elements as the MC20. The shape is different from the traditional SUV, the luggage compartment is weakened, and the body and visual center of gravity are very low and solid. In short, the new car does not look different, it is easier to accept, but it is only the kind that cannot be faulted, and it feels not brilliant enough.
The use of intense colour highlights its Italian fashion and is also the distinguishing point that distinguishes the three models. The 2.0T 4-cylinder light hybrid is the foundation, offering 300/330 hp tunings with a peak torque of 450 Nm, corresponding to GT and Modena models, with a 5.6/5.3 second acceleration time per 100 km/h.
The top Trofeo model is equipped with the MC20 homologous 3.0T engine, which has a closed cylinder function, a maximum power of 530 hp, a peak torque of 620 Nm, and an acceleration time of 3.8 seconds per 100 km/h. It also comes standard with air suspension, electronically controlled steering, Brembro front 6 rear 4-piston brake calipers, electronic limited slip differentials, and tire sizes of 255/40 R21 and rear 295/35 R21.
For reference, the Porsche Macan GTS's 2.9T engine has a maximum power of 441 horsepower and an acceleration time of 4.5 seconds from 100 kilometers. The advantage of the new Maserati car is that the Grecale is more than 10 centimeters longer than the Macan, and the wheelbase of 2901 mm is longer than the Cayenne. Could it be that Grecale wants to kill two birds with one stone?
Obviously, Maserati hopes to accurately hit the Porsche Macan with a high-half-spec positioning, in addition to the brand, styling design and configuration, the driving performance is worth looking forward to. We can see Maserati's efforts in terms of car mechanics and connectivity, and the focus is on functionality and experience. In terms of time, the new car project should be established before the merger of PSA and FCA Group, and the replacement of Macan is after The Gregale, which is slightly embarrassing even for new cars.
The same problem arises a year later with the upcoming Grecale Folgore (pure electric model). 400V technology is obviously the technical line before, 105 kWh battery capacity, 800 Nm peak torque, can only show Maserati's electrification transformation is firm. Compared with the information revealed by pure electric Macan, there is no advantage.
The release of new cars has been repeatedly delayed due to the epidemic, and chip supply and mass production delivery are also major problems that need to be faced for a period of time. According to the plan, the new car will be announced at the Beijing Auto Show this year, and the author predicts that the starting price will be higher than that of the Macan, which is about 600,000 yuan, but the top Trofeo version may reach 1.2 million yuan.
Maserati sold 24,269 vehicles worldwide in 2021, an increase of 41%, and a net profit of 2.021 billion euros. Grecale needs to be perfectly interpreted in the most powerful Chinese market, and pricing, service and branding need to be sincere, enhanced and expanded. In the future, the new Gran Turismo will be launched in 2023 as Maserati's first 100% all-electric version.
For the author, the Grecale Trofeo model is a must-experience model, especially at a time when everyone has clearly defined the electrification transformation, and the charming sound wave is not something that every model can provide.