The ongoing global semiconductor shortage has forced Maserati to push back the reveal date for Grecale from November 16 to Spring 2022.
- Maserati Grecale to share bulk of its underpinnings with Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- Grecale named after fierce north-east Mediterranean wind
- SUVs expected to account for 70 percent of Maserati’s sales by 2025
The company said it made the decision “in view of the background problems that have caused interruptions in the supply chain for key components necessary to complete the car’s production process.” Production limitations imposed by the crisis mean it would not be able to cater to the anticipated global demand for the car currently.
A new date is yet to be revealed, but the brand has hinted at an announcement on the Grecale's originally planned unveil date. The Grecale is similar in size to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and will share the bulk of its underpinnings with it. And despite heavy camouflaging and a fence obscuring most of the car's design, the influence of the larger Levante is evident.
The brand’s important second SUV is named after the fierce north-east wind of the Mediterranean Sea. The model forms a key part of Maserati’s bold revival plan that it launched last year with the reveal of the MC20 supercar.
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 FCA plant in Cassino, Italy. Maserati is planning an investment of around €800 million (£790m or over Rs 820 crore) in the plant.
A fully electric version of the Grecale is also due by 2022, but the combustion-engined models will use Maserati rather than Alfa-sourced engines and will likely include the mild-hybridised 2.0-litre turbo offered in the Ghibli and Levante. It could also offer a detuned version of the MC20’s new Nettuno V6 for the most potent variant.
Maserati global planning boss Francesco Tonon told our sister publication Autocar UK that the Grecale will be “the most practical in its class, but it will also be luxurious”, adding: “It will feature 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 percent of Maserati’s sales by 2025, with saloons reduced to 15 percent and sports cars, such as the newly launched MC20, making up five percent. The new SUV was first confirmed back in 2018 by former FCA boss Sergio Marchionne as part of a total overhaul of its product lineup. Also included are the MC20 in three variants – coupé, Spider convertible and fully electric, plus a new Granturismo and Grancabrio due in both combustion and electric forms.
Within the next two to three years, the brand will also have a new-generation Levante and Quattroporte, which will also be available with an electric powertrain. In top-spec form, this will use an 800V electrical system and three motors.
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