New Maserati Grecale SUV shown in new teaser images
Blurred photographs, claimed to have been taken by employees, show prototype version of new small SUV
Maserati has teased the Grecale, its new small SUV due to be revealed later this year, with a handful of blurry teaser images of a prototype model.
The Italian firm claims the photographs were taken outside its Modena factory by employees, which then posted them on social media. Maserati added it has decided to "share" the images by officially distributing them.
The brand's important second SUV, following the larger Levante, the Grecale is named after the "fierce north-east wind of the Mediterranean Sea". It forms a key part of Maserati's bold revival plan that it launched last year with the reveal of the MC20 supercar.
Maserati says prototype versions of the Grecale sare currently undergoing road, circuit and off-road testing as part of work on the final setup.
Destined to play "a key role in the brand's development", the Porsche Macan rival will be built on the same production line as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio in the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) plant in Cassino, Italy. Maserati is planning an investment of around €800 million (£790m) in the plant.
It will also share much of its underpinnings with the Stelvio, and a fully electric version is also due to arrive by 2022. However, the combustion engined models will use Maserati rather than Alfa-sourced engines.
Maserati global planning boss Francesco Tonon told Autocar that the Grecale will be "the most practical in its class, but it will also be luxurious", adding: "It will feature the best in class design and features. Of course it's still a Maserati, but it will also offer best-in-class performance and handling".
SUVs are expected to account for 70% of Maserati's sales by 2025, with saloons reduced to 15% and sports cars, such as the newly launched MC20, making up 5%.
The new SUV was first confirmed back in 2018 by former FCA boss Sergio Marchionne as part of a total overhaul of its product line-up. Also included are the MC20 in three variants: coupé, 'Spider' convertible and fully electric, plus a new Granturismo and Grancabrio, due in both internal-combustion and electric forms.
By 2023/2024, the brand will also have a new-generation Levante and Quattroporte, also both available with an electric powertrain. In top-spec form, this will use an 800V electrical system and three motors.
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