Maserati Grecale Has Porsche Macan In Its Sights

Apr. 26, 2021 9:47 AM ET by Martin Bigg Spy Shots / 4 Comments

Here's your first look at the Maserati Grecale undergoing prototype testing.

Maserati is finally starting to reinvent itself. The Italian automaker has a bold plan to electrify its entire model lineup and recently hired David Beckham as its new global brand ambassador to give the company more global exposure. It also has a new halo car in the form of the new MC20 supercar, but Maserati needs a new model that will appeal to a wider market and increase global sales.

Enter the Grecale, arguably Maserati's most important new model in many years. This will be Maserati's second SUV and will slot below the Levante. And now prototype testing has begun.

For the first time, our spies have caught Maserati testing a prototype of its new Porsche Macan fighter, which was spotted parked next to several other Stellantis prototypes. The lack of license plates and a sticker on the windshield indicate this prototype is fresh off the line. Unfortunately, a fence is blocking the view and the prototype is extensively camouflaged, but this first sighting gives us an idea of what to expect.

While we thought the Grecale would share design cues with its larger Levante sibling, the headlights and taillights appear to have been redesigned. We don't get a clear look at the front fascia, but Maserati's signature grille with vertical slats will carry over and the camouflaged can't disguise the SUV's aggressive air intakes and sculpted hood.

Prominent body creases and a sloping roofline give the SUV a sharp-looking side profile, while the subtle rear spoiler and a quad exhaust system hint at the Grecale's performance prowess.

Riding on the same platform as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the range-topping Grecale is expected to use the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 as the MC20. In the MC20, this unit develops 621 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, but will detuned for Maserati's entry-level SUV.

Maserati has also confirmed that an electric version of the Grecale will be available and a plug-in hybrid variant is also expected to join the lineup. Maserati could also offer a base model with the same 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder that powers the entry-level Stelvio. The Maserati Grecale is expected to break cover at the end of the year and go on sale in 2022.

Maserati Grecale Has Porsche Macan In Its Sights

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Maserati Grecale Has Porsche Macan In Its Sights

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