Fast Maserati Grecale Trofeo on the way

Maserati has confirmed it will launch a high-performance version of its upcoming 2022 Maserati Grecale that will challenge the fastest mid-size SUVs on the market.

According to Maserati North America chief executive (and former Nissan Australia boss) Bill Peffer, the Grecale will be fun to drive and offered in GT, Modena and range-topping Trofeo spec.

Speaking to US blog The Drive, Peffer said: "One of the ways you do that is you’re consistent with that product within your line-up.

"For us, that means the three trims. So we will have a Trofeo version of [the Grecale], we will have a Modena version of that. We will have a GT version."

Peffer wouldn't be drawn on what exactly would power the fastest Porsche Macan GTS or BMW X3 M rival, but since the Grecale is based on the same Giorgio architecture as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, it makes sense the quickest Maserati will get a development of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio's 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that, under the Alfa's bonnet, produces 375kW and 600Nm.

Another less likely option is Maserati could shoehorn into the Grecale its larger 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces a mightier 441kW and 730Nm in the Levante Trofeo.

It's thought the second option is less viable over new stricter emissions regulations that are on the horizon.

The third possible option is the Grecale will be gifted a more advanced mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid version of the Maserati MC20 supercar's Nettuno 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6.

If that's true expect it to produce around 400kW and 700Nm of torque. Even factoring in a kerb weight of around 1800kg, combined with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive the Grecale Trofeo should be capable of a 0-100km/h sprint time of less than 3.6 seconds and a top speed of around 300km/h.

Alongside the flagship powertrain, the entry Gracale will come equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol powerplant that will be assisted by an e-turbo 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The same engine is already available in the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid and should see the Grecale pump out 245kW in base GT trim and possibly more in the mid-range Modena trim.

Within the cabin, expect in-car technology to match that of the MC20 with an infotainment system sourced from Harman Kardon and the car-maker’s latest driver assist tech.

The Grecale will be built at Alfa Romeo’s Cassino, Italy, factory alongside the Stelvio.

Once it arrives, executives predict combined sales of the Grecale and Levante will account for 70 per cent of all Maserati sales by 2025.