Maserati names new small SUV 'Grecale' for 2021 launch
Maserati's bold relaunch plan is details new sub-Levante SUV to arrive next year, with a fully electric version due in 2022
Maserati has outlined further details of its bold revival plan, including the name of its new, smaller SUV model due in 2021.
The brand's important second SUV, following the larger Levante, will be called Grecale - named after the "fierce north-east wind of the Mediterranean Sea".
Destined to play "a key role in the brand's development", it will be built on the same production line as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio in FCA's Cassion plant. It will also share much of its underpinnings with that car, although a fully electric version is also due to arrive by 2022.
Maserati global planning boss Francesco Tonon told Autocar that the new SUV will be "the most practical in its class, but it will also be luxurious. 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". Further details are yet to be revealed.
SUVs are expected to account for 70% of the brand's sales by 2025, with saloons reduced to 15% and sports cars, such as the newly launched MC20, making up 5% of total volume.
The new SUV was first confirmed back in 2018 by former, and late, FCA boss Sergio Marchionne as part of a total overhaul of its product lineup. Also included are the MC20 in three variants: coupe, 'Spider' convertible and fully electric form, plus a new GranTurismo and GranCabrio due in both combustion engined and electric form.
By 2023/2024 the brand will also have a new generation Levante and Quattroporte, also both available with an EV variant. In top-spec form the battery propulsion will use an 800V electrical system and tri-motor setup.
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