Some time ago we tested the Maserati Grecale in its simplest version, the GT, which with its 2.0 gasoline engine and 300 CV mini-hybridization system already offered us more than decent performance, but an approach that has little to do with this Trofeo finish. , an Italian thoroughbred with a V6 gasoline engine and 530 CV, the same as that of the Maserati MC20.
It is the top of the range of the Grecale and also its maximum performance and passionate exponent. As we have already said, it is equipped with the same Nettuno 3.0 V6 engine from the MC20, although in this crossover body it is lowered by 100 CV to those 530 CV and 10 Nm to 620 Nm. The dual-clutch transmission of the supercar is also renounced for the same eight-speed automatic gearbox and torque converter as the rest of the Grecale range, except for some more closed developments for this more radical version.
Its frame also adapts to these benefits with a pneumatic suspension with height and firmness adjustment according to the driving modes or manually. In this case to the four driving modes of the rest of the range; Comfort, GT, Sport and Off-road, the Corsa mode is added, this being a really radical configuration.
As you can imagine, it is the one that configures the response of the engine, the gearbox and transmissions, the suspensions, the steering and the brakes in their most sporty exponent, in addition to giving access to the Launch Control mode and releasing the restrictions of the controls of traction and completely disconnecting the driving aids. This combination allows an acceleration of 3.8 seconds for 0 to 100 km/h and a top speed of 285 km/h, almost nothing.
The brakes are signed by Brembo with huge 360 mm diameter discs and a six-piston caliper at the front and 340 mm and a four-piston caliper at the rear that ensure very forceful braking that is resistant to demanding use, something absolutely necessary for a Grecale Trofeo that offers us a very outstanding dynamic response in curved areas, with power to link them very quickly and precise steering to guarantee the precision of the ideal trajectory.
In fact, this car gives us heart-stopping performance, with an engine that accelerates decisively from any point on the rev counter, as well as doing so with an attractive sound in the most standard and intoxicating modes for Sport modes and especially in the Corsa. Its all-wheel drive, supported by an electronically-managed self-locking rear differential, decisively transmits all this potential to the ground, with a clear preponderance in the rear axle in Corsa mode and more balanced in the other modes.
Obviously its best asset is on asphalt since, despite its Off-road mode and the possibility of raising its body by 22 mm in this position, the ground is not its ideal environment, especially due to the mounting of its huge rubber tires. asphalt philosophy with a low profile and 21-inch tires (255/40R21 in front and 295/35R21 in the rear) that are not the most suitable for entering more or less broken tracks, while the suspension raised to the maximum becomes more rigid, which It doesn't help the level of ride comfort either.
Returning to the asphalt, it is clear that performance-wise its frame is up to the task, but despite this it is still a car with a point of comfort, capable of taking care of its occupants with a little more care (even in their more radical ways) than most of their German rivals. From Maserati they are clear that they want to offer a sports car like few others but that does not mean giving up premium comfort in which the Italian brand also stands out.
Added to this is the fact that the Grecale, even in its Trofeo finish, is still a crossover halfway between the C and D segments and therefore with a concept far removed from the brand's grand tourers and supercars, with all the advantages and disadvantages that this entails.
It is a car 4.84 meters long, 1.98 meters wide and 1.66 meters high, with five doors that give access to a truly functional interior, even for a family to use. Its trunk is also very generous, 570 liters, 35 liters more by dispensing in this case with the battery of the mini-hybrid system of its little brothers, but above all with the highest commitment to quality and exclusivity of the brand.
The materials used are noble in almost every detail, with the quality and exquisite assembly that is expected of any product that sports a trident on its front. The controls and their configuration are simple, intuitive to use and impeccable in operation, except perhaps for the push-button selectors on the center console that have a touch, sometimes inaccurate and that clashes with the practicality of managing this very function ( once in motion) with the huge and practical paddles behind the wheel.
The Trophy also provides us with exclusive details for this version, such as the carbon-style finishes inside and outside the passenger compartment, the dials on the steering wheel for the driving modes, the sports seats, with good support but better comfort, the customizable ambient light or the panoramic roof among other aspects.
Of course, all this has a price and that is that the Maserati Grecale Trofeo, the maximum performance and finish exponent of the range, starts its price from 132,000 euros, leaving that yes, as an option a series of technological packs that could well be standard, such as adaptive cruise control with Stop
