Maserati Grecale Trofeo arrives in Normandy

Almost all the major brands that specialize in supercars, supercars, have included SUVs in their lineup. Maserati is also no different with several versions of its Grecale, of which the name Troféo is the main difference. An autumn weekend on the roads of Normandy can only be pleasant in the comfort of a Premium car.

By Dominique Busso

In fact, this Grecale, an SUV with “reasonable” dimensions (4.859 x 1.979 x 1.659) and controlled weight (2,027 kg equivalent) took from the Levante. So this is not the company’s first 4X4 with Trident and Maserati has learned a lot from this first experience. There are several versions; The “basic” Grecale, already very good, this version of the Trofeo, and finally the 100% electric Folgore (Tonnerre) with 410 kW (557 hp), its 105 kWh battery and its declared autonomy of 500 km… and it will be watched . Finally, and for the story, when the film is an amazing success, the Maserati Grecale Barbie, wearing a pink dress, will be produced in only two copies, of course one for Ken as well.

Our Trofeo of the day embodies Maserati’s most advanced feature, with a focus on performance without sacrificing comfort. This trim level is suitable for people who like to drive with a focus on performance and luxury. It is the most powerful engine (530 hp, 0 to 100 in 3.8 s, 285 km / h) thanks to the famous engine that already drives the sultry – and wonderful – MC20, V6 Bi-turbo Nettuno of 3 liters (2992). cm3) in which the torque of 620 Nm gives a real sensation.

The model I have is a beautiful matte gray metallic, Grigio Lava Matt (Matt Lava Gray) to be precise (Option: €4,536), and a Rosso/Rosso interior, red therefore, for the best effect. In terms of color, Grecale also has Bianco Astro, Nero Tempesta or even Blu Intenso as standard, but you can have “your” color created thanks to the Fuoriserie software. The “Machine” remains discreet despite its 21-inch Matt Aluminum rims, its large black anodized toilets, its conspicuous red brake levers, and the ubiquitous Trident, like the Trofeo’s signature silver, to claim the pedigree , such as gameplay and optimization. , one does not preclude the other.

Communication is easy. I appreciate the attention to detail and the few details that provide a good complement, such as the 3D carbon fiber finish for example, perforated leather, associated with chevron patterns that emphasize the speed of the car. The interior looks great in this Rosso color. Beautiful leather steering wheel (optionally heated: €252 option), 360° camera system (Option: €1,008), head-up display, 12.3″ touch screen with comfortable 8.8″ display and navigation system (Europe ), Velvet floor mats (front and rear), brushed stainless steel sport pedals…

All that remains is to take your seat after adjusting the electrically adjustable sports seats (14 places) with driver memory, plug in my iPhone and turn on the high-quality Sonus Faber sound system with its 21 speakers (Option: €2,520) . Although autumn had set in, and the warmth that accompanies it, I could easily take three extra passengers who would also benefit from the heated rear seats (Option: €504) and find room for this short trip to Deauville, or indeed to Manoirs de Tourgéville a few kilometers away.

The trip is short, 194 kilometers from my office in the 8th street, but it has enough road sections to understand all the aspects of this Grecale. The exit from Paris isn’t the most spectacular part but the car flows quietly through heavy traffic. The highway to follow shows true off road driving qualities but I preferred to leave it as soon as possible to drive on the beautiful roads with beautiful natural colors in this season. The opportunity also to see that the acceleration, even to a degree, as handling, are those that we expect to discover in such a car. Joining this beautiful hotel to spend some time by the fireplace in the bar before returning to Emmanuel Andrieu’s cuisine at the 1899 restaurant was another joy of this short trip.

If the Grecale range starts at €84,000, the Trofeo version will increase with a base price of €117,200. We add a few options, and here we are, in the tested model, for €134,628. With 254 g of CO², this beautiful SUV does not avoid the ecological penalty (€ 60,000 since January). Still guaranteed for 3 years, unlimited mileage, and first 3 services included. And it’s a Maserati!

Also read: Apple abandons its electric car project “Titan”.