The brand’s SUV is now also available as the Stromer

The trend among car manufacturers is currently moving from conventional to fully electric drives. But this transition is easier for some automakers than others.

Manufacturers of small cars, which are usually represented at higher price levels, such as Maserati, seem to have to pull the lever to realize the car’s evolution. In addition to the Coupé Gran Turismo and the open version of the Gran Cabrio, the SUV Grecale now also has the option of a fully electric drive train as well as conventional combustion engines.

The challenge for Maserati in electrifying the Grecale was not only to combine the SUV body concept with the new electric drive, but also to create a convincing exterior design. When it comes to body design, manufacturers have fundamentally different opinions.

While some want to transfer as much of the brand’s standard design elements as possible to the new drive concept, others take the path towards a special electronic look that offers completely new design features. However, they run the risk of being confused with new models from entry-level products.

At Maserati’s headquarters in Modena, the point was clear: the battery-powered Grecale, which, like the electric versions of the Gran Turismo and Gran Cabrio models, is called Folgore, should be immediately recognizable as a Maserati according to the brand’s philosophy. – that is, to preserve its structural characteristics.

At 4.87 meters long, the “small” model of the SUV from Maserati is only 13 centimeters shorter than its big brother Levante. Only a few minor but minor exterior differences to the standard running models give it a unique visual appeal. For example, the copper-red color Rame Folgore, which looks different depending on the environment and light events. The designers were inspired by the facade of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

Aerodynamics are not optimized for range

The custom Folgore front grill features gloss black grills on a lightly anodized black base. The front spoilers, door handles, window frames and side skirts are also finished in black. Depending on the market and equipment line, the electric Grecale is offered with 19-, 20- or 21-inch aero wheels. With aerodynamics modifications and a new rear diffuser, the Folgore has a coefficient of air resistance c_W non-primary 0.33.

There are new materials in the interior. The embedded carbon-bronze pattern and 3D feel on the dashboard and door panels are characteristic. The electrically adjustable sports seats with black and brown Econyl covers can be heated and ventilated. The new fibers, which are also used in headboards and carpets, are made from plastic waste such as old fishing nets and industrial waste. The overall impression is that the interior appears to be of a very high quality.

The new Folgore shares the platform with the Giulia and Stelvio models from the Stellantis sister brand Alfa Romeo – in a modified version, because the wheelbase is 2.90 meters. That’s eight centimeters more than the Alfa. At least a 105 kWh battery pack can be placed between the axles.

As with all electric vehicles, the weight of the battery requires a lot of driving force. Two identical permanent magnet motors are installed on the Grecale, which results in a maximum system output of 410 kW (557 hp) and with a maximum torque of 820 Nm, the vehicle, which weighs around 2.5 tons, can go from standstill to kilometers 100. /h in 4.1 seconds h can accelerate.

Folgore customers receive a car with an all-inclusive offer for charging at home and at public stations. The purchase price of 135,400 francs includes a wall box that provides charging power between 3 and 22 kW and has a charge balancer for efficient use of the electrical network. The app on the smartphone searches for charging points and manages charging processes.

The desired engine sound comes from the speakers

For Maserati, traditionally known for its socially unacceptable V8 sound, the electric drive represents a certain challenge, As was evident from the first tests, the Grecale Folgore solved this problem successfully. Sound monitors found a good compromise between the exhausting sound of space and a synthetic simulation of the sound of a combustion engine. The driver and passengers hear car noises that go well with different driving programs – depending on the driving situation, they are more or less subtle.

In addition to the standard GT mode, Sport, Offroad and Max Range are available. Driving modes are selected using a rotary switch on the steering wheel. The blue start button is also on the steering wheel, and the direction of travel is selected using a push button on the center console. The recovery rate is adjusted using long rocker switches on the operating column.

In the Max Range economy mode, the maximum speed is reduced to 130 km / h, the response of the accelerator pedal is reduced and the climate performance is limited. In sports mode, the weight of the car is no longer noticeable – 400 kilowatts provide a powerful impulse, the steering is very precise and provides a lot of feedback from the road.

Equipped with air suspension as standard, the Grecale Folgore offers a high level of ride comfort and the durability required for sporty driving. The chassis does not transmit any annoying noises or vibrations into the interior, and even wind noise on the highway is not audible. The touch operation on the central screen is similar to the current standard. However, they would still like to have a few more standard switches or buttons for more important operating functions.