Do you know what Porsche's best-selling models are? It's the Cayenne and Macan. While the brand's diehard enthusiasts prefer to ignore these high-riding SUVs, consumers can't seem to get enough of them, the high ride height and luxury badge combo proving too strong to ignore.

Italian rival Maserati seems to have been taking notice. First came the Levante and now, the long-awaited Grecale SUV. Designed to take on the Macan, the Italian contender was expected to debut as far back as November last year. Citing the semiconductor chip shortage as the reason, it seems the luxury carmaker is putting these launch delays to good use, slotting in some extra snow and ice testing for the Grecale.

According to the Modena-based carmaker, its upcoming SUV didn't break a sweat in the freezing temperatures. The prototypes spent a prolonged time in the wintry elements, the units tested to fine-tune their drivability at extreme temperatures.

Grecale's shod with various types and sizes of wheels were sent out onto the frosty roads to see how different rim/tire combinations affect understeer and oversteer in these very specific conditions. "Even in extreme conditions, the Grecale extols its exceptional soul on low grip handling tracks, completing high-performance laps on various circuits, from steering pads to more demanding routes featuring corners, slopes, long straights, and drops, on snowy or icy surfaces."

Maserati's newcomer will likely offer a range of engines, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with hybrid technology. The high-performance Trofeo may possibly use the glorious-sounding twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 used in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which shares its platform with the Maserati. In European markets and elsewhere, Maserati offers diesel-powered derivatives of its current vehicle range. The Grecale will most likely receive a diesel powertrain option, too.

While we can't see much with the camouflage applied, the overall shape is attractive and not that dissimilar to the Alfa upon which it's based. The large radiator grille gives the facia plenty of presence, while the slim, boomerang-like taillights pay tribute to the late '90s 3200 GT sportscar. Spy shots also show the cabin to be inviting, with plenty of rich leather trim on the door cards, center console, and seats.

If the spy shots and teasers are anything to go by, Maserati's Macan competitor may be just the thing it needs to finally make a dent in the US luxury car market, something the Ghibli and Levante have not managed to do.