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Enjoying our brand’s rich persona and luster is an ideal spring treat here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis, and the Grecale Trofeo is front and center along with the budding trees and green grass! The writers from The Drive thrive on searching out a car’s living and breathing personality, and this past week took a close look at this lovely 5-seater. The Grecale comes in the GT, Modena, and Trofeo trims, with this Trofeo coming fantastically equipped with the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Nettuno engine. Still ferocious and track-worthy but now exploring its domesticated side, the Nettuno struck writer Nico Dematta as flaunting exciting design right off the bat. Immediately remarking that the Grecale can “take on the best in the world”. The Grecale is built on a modified version of the Giorgio platform, which is shared with the Stelvio and Giulia. It comes in immediately visually swinging with an aesthetic that is a bit larger, boasting a longer wheelbase and more interior room. Once inside, the cabin is striking with undeniable upper-end charm; sophistication that only Italian craftsmanship can evoke. The leather boasts a lavish quality that conjured up mental images of first-class flying’s glory days, while the carbon fiber trim offered an alluring and exotic touch. Here Nico excitedly elaborates on the vehicle’s glowing individuality, and how it is “delightfully unlike anything German, Japanese, or American.” The engine is wholeheartedly the star of the show, as foregoing a V8 was undoubtedly the right choice. Even though the V8 is heralded for being “sensational” and emitting a world-class sound symphony, the Nettuno powertrain has a character delightfully and impeccably all its own. It cranks out 523 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque and while tasked with the duty of powering such a high-end metallic creature, is still very mechanical and lightly salted with anger! It works perfectly in conjunction with the ZF 8-speed automatic, which is controlled by some very sweet metal pedals that are borrowed straight from the Alfa Romeo pack. After driving the Grecale Trofeo for just two minutes, it was evident that its special qualities blew anything else nipping its heels directly and astutely out of the water! The steering proved to be not at all like anything else this expert drive tester had ever had his hands on, with a front end that was a bit unpredictable, but edgy and enjoyable out on the open pavement. The bite from the front tires puts the car nearly into blissful and globe-dominating supercar territory, with an on-center steering weight that builds up precisely as you gradually add lock and consistently lurch forward. The Skyhook suspension and air shocks are tuned for an unparalleled blend of nimble handling and ride comfort, and things feel mighty and rock-solid at high speed. The XXL Brembo brakes have a distinctly hard bite directly at the top, with a beyond textbook-perfect linear pressure buildup as you make your way further down. As this skilled writer allowed his wife to join in on the test drive excitement, she claimed that the Grecale provided more overall room for her to sprawl out and feel comfortable than her first-generation Honda Pilot. If you have already decided on a performance SUV you love every bit of spirited driving adventures, and the Grecale Trofeo serves up unbridled excellence at every monumental mile!

High-end SUVs are situated within a quite unusual segment of the auto hierarchy here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis! While many competing brands have done a fair job of offering up feature-rich and athletic models, our passion for top-tier craftsmanship has resulted in a physique that would be perfect for a formal night out. It’s not just the symphony or formal product reveal that we’re talking about, although both are exquisite opportunities. The spellbinding 2023 Maserati Grecale Trofeo was the subject of attention during a recent test drive for the car pros at Motor1.com. Under the hood is a twin-turbo V6 that is shared with our immaculate and unearthly MC20 sports car, but the excited writer wanted to take a large visual drink of the exterior before getting to that! He first remarks that there is a bit of mid-century styling sprinkled nicely with the SUV’s proportions, with a sloping hood, peaked fenders, and lower-slung grille looking fantastic. Fitting and formal enough for the “essempio a fini didattici” or Milan runway show, there are also some sweet elements here that are a bit reminiscent of what you’ll see on the latest Gran Turismo. The stance is wide and low, with a long wheelbase and a strapped-down yet scuffle-ready stature. The counters are chiseled, and everything at first glance has a way of being inviting and unique. The interior was billed here as “suitably fabulous”, with compelling touchpoints and the lovely aroma of brand-new red leather stitching. The 3d carbon trim provides a dazzling sense of visual pop and comes as standard on the Grecale. The 8.8-inch comfort display mounted low on the center stack offers responsive control for climate and seat massage adjustments, along with the very cool ambient lighting. The V6 came to life after a quick push of the steering wheel button, with a sound “suited to a Monaco Boulevardier.” At this point, it’s clarified that the engine’s sporty sounds are excellent in the default “GT” drive mode and that the throttle tip-in immediately gives way to a quality of thrust that’s ideal for around-town excursions. Hitting 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and capable of a 177-mph top speed, the Grecale’s available thrust is ready and waiting at nearly any engine speed on the spectrum. One of the defining additives that allows for such excellent performance is the Nettuno V6, which features a pre-combustion chamber with a dedicated spark plug. Fuel populates the pre-chamber during the compression stroke, and the resulting ignition is distributed to the main combustion chamber with a trailblazing caliber of efficiency. The four-corner air suspension with adaptive dampers is all-in as a means of managing excellent ride comfort. Dialing up the “Comfort” drive mode offers a floaty and refined sense of cruising, while the Sport mode unleashes the spry dimensions of the V6 for a brisk throttle response. The 8-speed automatic offers shifts with a firm and reliable characteristic, with overruns emitting a telltale and exhilarating crackle from the exhaust. As writer Brett Evans continued down a challenging stretch of road to gauge whether the Grecale Trofeo was truly worth its salt, he began to unwind and love how the vehicle always provided the means he needed to extract peak performance. With the industry undergoing intense change and future Maserati models will be adapting to the environment’s demands, the Grecale Trofeo is a prime opportunity to roll up one’s sleeves and enjoy a helping of current-day zealous perfection!

Monterey, CA is a city that offers an unforgettable coastal experience, with an optimal climate and beautiful vistas. Every summer here, enthusiasts from all over the world gather on the Peninsula to take part in seeing what is coming next in the innovative and exciting world of engineering and design. One of our pristine new creations ready to be unleashed is the MCXtrema, and this setting with charming shops and natural beauty is where it was first unveiled to the public. The MCXtrema is ready to fully unleash 730 horsepower and is housed in a modern design that has track-like charm with a swooping front end that must be seen to closely comprehend. At this point, just 62 units of the limited edition have been produced, and they will surely benefit from a driving experience that was just a decade ago purely unimaginable. Presented illustriously and proudly as our outright most powerful car to contend with corners and straightaways, it will no doubt serve as an outright amazing and very inspiring addition for loyal Trident purists. The partnership between the genius team at Centro Stile and our Maserati engineering team has made this model possible: it will be thrilling to see the legacy of the Maserati MC12 be passed on in an environment of very stiff track competition, and consistently inspire future racing worldwide. There is no doubt that this will be a model that will achieve the highest level of distinction in the details, displaying innovative and refined design. The MCXtrema goes all-in to embody an aggressive and very free spirit that is typical of Maserati’s DNA, and the thrilling beginnings of a new chapter for our brand. Maserati MCXtrema Interior Luxury engine production is still in its prime, even as the future of electrification has ushered in a new set of expectations and potential boundaries for the future. As the original symbols of heritage such as the Grecale and Levante had shown that the highest-quality materials and world-class technical engineering would always remain exceptional, the lofty goal of fully-electric versions for each model will be accomplished within two years. The MCXtrema’s streamlined aesthetics provide an enthusiastic nod to the iconic Birdcage, with safety and high performance as key high-quality components. Inside there’s an amazing racing seat with a 6-point belt and roll cage for the utmost in safety, with ergonomic engineering brazed to perfection offering maximum comfort. The carbon steering wheel itself is an alluring design masterpiece with its 5-inch central display, buttons, rotary selectors, and satisfying trademark grip. Ultimately stacking up with a fully flat underfloor, minimal ride height, incredible rear wing and shark fin, and intensified cooling system for the engine, this exhilarating and corner-hugging racer is just waiting to be primally pushed into the red. A power-to-weight ratio of 1.8 kg/CV and a resounding dry weight of about 1,300 kg, the MCXtrema is going to truly evoke a “feather-light” driving character and presence. The carbon-fiber racing brakes have been adapted for extreme track usage, and the brand-new double wishbone suspension geometry allows for conquering every imaginable road condition. The racing world will be thrilled to usher in this car dedicated to the presence of gentleman drivers and diehard enthusiasts everywhere and to properly carry the torch for extreme racing passion. From the steering wheel, the driver will be able to adjust the traction control and ABS, solidifying the qualities that will make an elite group thrilled to “contend and qualify” each day! Maserati MCXtrema Exhaust

The 24 Hours of Spa is one of the most anticipated racing events of the season, enjoying a very thrilling and longstanding run since 1924. Held under the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, the honorable cup is won by the manufacturer boasting the most points, with our esteemed MC12 racing teams winning in 2005, 2006, and 2008. Just under two weeks ago during this event, we officially unveiled to the world our latest and most exciting track creation yet! The Maserati GT2 has seen a very intensive testing regimen to properly tune this new release, after the prowess and exciting achievements of the Maserati MC12 had slowly subsided (but still inspired many!) over the years. The GT2 resides at a very thrilling junction where our brand’s past, present, and future meet, and takes a few exotic bits from the racing version of the MC20 sports car. The stealth and track-commanding 621-horsepower Nettuno V6 engine will be used as a starting point for this model that will undoubtedly provide both the ink AND the ballpoint for writing very exciting new chapters of Trident history. Dignified private teams along with esteemed gentleman drivers have participated in showing off their skills with our assortment of past models. Everyone here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis is thrilled to witness the evolution and very exciting touring appeal that this arrival will bring, as our purest form of DNA has always been positioned within the racing genre. Our origins were conceived and thoroughly developed from the track to everyday driving conditions, and returning to the track’s challenges will, in many ways, feel as the calling we have always heeded! It will be thrilling to return to the world of GT competitions with such a stealth and capable product, and this is where the pure genius and innovation of our advanced driving simulator enters the picture. Our Innovation Lab is responsible for the final quality, functionality, dynamics, and user experience of all Maseratis at various stages of development. The setup used here is even more realistic than the F1 system used by Scuderia Ferrari and offers “nine degrees of freedom” while floating on an air cushion to accomplish absolute silence. Cars such as this marvelous incoming GT2 are driven by FIA GT Champion Andres Bertolini, who claims that this experience is 90 percent real. This simulator “knows” the Nurburgring, Mugello, and Stelvio Pass to the T, and expert engineers can experience up to 40 different weather conditions a day. FCA still puts a startling 1.9 million miles of real-world testing into its cars each year, while obtaining data in the U.S, Norway, Sweden, China, Brazil, South Africa, Dubai, and New Zealand. Flawless mechanics and a unique charm will exist as not only a passport to motorsports’ future but a rise to the challenge of being the best in a market that is constantly shifting. The MC20 was beyond ideal to act as a starting point, as it had been decided that the GT2 was going to exist as purely sculpted adrenaline. Long standing touring and track fans will be anxious to get their first glimpse of the GT2’s aggressive rear diffuser, fully-adjustable rear wing, extended front splitter, and numerous measures taken to provide game-changing cooling capability.

The always-memorable models we provide here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis have long catered to a luxe-aware and unique driver. This month, Tim Huber of the HiConsumption blog reported on the exciting debut of the Fuoriserie Essentials Collection. No detail has been spared while partnering with our loyal brand ambassadors that have their own affluent and eclectic reasons for loving the trident brand, and style icon David Beckham is lending his expert hand with this collection’s details. Italian for “Custom-Built”, the Fuoriserie collection draws esteemed inspiration from Beckham’s deep love of stylish Savile Row Suits. This very unique collection also evokes the influence of Beckham’s passion for some of the most stylish vintage Maserati sports cars, as is evident in the two-color hues available for the DB essentials collection. There is a “Night Interaction Blue” sporting a tan leather interior, and a very dark green “Verde Royale” livery complemented with a brown leather upholstery. The former is based on the iconic 1967 Maserati Ghibli coupe, while the latter draws influence from the 1986 Maserati Quattroporte Royale. The Quattroporte Royal only officially saw 51 units ever produced, and it was a special edition that was an ultra-luxury version of the Quattroporte, which was a festive means of celebrating our 60 th birthday that year. The Royale offered a 4.9-liter V8 that was cranking out 296 horsepower and a top speed of 147 mph, a feat of sheer bravado during the years when “Miami Vice” was situated at the top of the Nielsen Ratings assortment. Each of these special cars can also be optioned with a large selection of different items from the brand’s unique Fuorisserie Corse collection, which have all been influenced by our longstanding racing heritage. Both configurations are now available on request on the stunning MC20, and combine sportiness, performance, and luxury tastes to render the Grecale SUV “everyday exceptional.” The MC20 was billed by the Cnet auto review staff as “the visceral halo car Maserati deserves”, while claiming that the 8- speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is perfectly in sync with the Nettuno 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. Consistently rocketing forward with pure authority, the MC20 almost seems to shrink around you when driven hard, signifying its relevance as a choice for this stylish collection. The 2023 Maserati Grecale immediately won the top-tier approval of the Us News auto review team for its beautiful trim, room enough for family-hauling, and excellent assortment of high-tech features. It’s very relaxing and comfortable to drive, yet still provides exhilarating thrills through mandatory twists and turns. The turbocharged engine options are particularly feisty and responsive, with the Trofeo’s V6 solidly establishing itself as the kingly star of the show. Facing off astutely with the likes of the BMX X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and the Genesis GV70, the Grecale exclusively specializes in offering an unforgettable driving experience at a price with some breathing room. Over the past century, there have been so many opportunities for our brand’s ambassadors to take a few monumental steps forward and be thrilled enough with the performance that they become a beacon of inspiration for life. Embracing the polar opposite of mass-produced and not-so-magnetic, this pair will exude originality and innovation at every turn. As the temperatures warm up and the city teems with social events, we hope you make a test drive at Jim Butler a high priority during this wonderful summer!

Since the very first 4.9-liter V8 was mounted under the hood of the 5000 GT in 1959, the brand we enjoy providing and supporting so much here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis has seen over 100,000 V8-powered models roll onto lots worldwide. We know that diehard aficionados may be a little reluctant to embellish this moment, but we are officially commemorating the V8’s legendary existence with special editions of the Levante and Ghibli coming soon. The Goodwood Festival of Speed will be the site of the official reveal for this eclectic pair, which is an exhilarating event that is an extended tribute to the world’s most glamorous sport. As the various cars and bikes blast up the Hillclimb track, this is an ideal setting for the public to catch their first glimpse of this iconic pair in action. The earth-conscious promise that we set out to make a reality is to have a fully electric lineup by 2030, with the ceasing of V8 production existing as one of our ways to lend a hand to the planet. The most recent version of the 3.8-liter V8 has Ferrari origins and has been available under the high-powered hood of Ghibli and Levante models for the last three years. Our launch of the superpowered and phenomenal MC20 was launched with our game-changing 90-degree Nettuno V6 powertrain. It is so very important to keep in mind that we won’t discontinue the V8 overnight, but as the changes in the industry dictate many auto entities’ future, this could still be seen as a massive and heartwarming commemoration of sorts. The 2023 Ghibli was praised highly by the Edmunds.com auto review team for its “evocative exhaust note, one-of-a-kind Italian styling, and handling quality that is segment leading.” Rivals from the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E Class have definitely tried hard to keep their technology game up, but the Ghibli has the heartwarmingly wicked advantage of sensational Italian charm. Those who have come away pleased with test drives and brand-new ownership have also enjoyed the option of adding all-wheel drive courtesy of the Modena Trim. The 2023 Maserati Levante is on tap and ready just in time for the summer heat with very sporty driving experience and star-studded interior. Consistently offering up a driving experience that is very quick on its feet along with a very civilized ride, the Levante has always been first in mind as an SUV that gives sport sedans a true run for their money. The Levante is offered with a pair of Ferrari-built engines, boasting A class-leading high-end output of 572 horsepower. The top spec Trofeo model shows up with a rumbling twin turbo V8 and an overabundance of rich available power. During a press conference a few years back, CEO Davide Grasso clarified that the phasing out of internal combustion engines by 2030 may depend on individual markets and unique customer demands. We can firmly attest here that the future of electrification is already upon us, and we think that the timetable we have laid out is completely attainable. We recognize that the shift to electrification has been a little slow within the outright luxury segment, but also realize that we have long depended on superhuman V8 and V12 engines for inspiration. We hope to see you this summer as the golf courses are freshly trimmed, the twisting Missouri roads are always inviting, and there are so many unique and sustainable models to choose from here at Jim Butler Maserati!

Many consumers “in the know” choose to try to be rational when they make their decisions with a sensible influence dictating the outcome of any large purchase.  If you are in the market for a brand-new car, there are issues such as usability, space and comfort, and reliability that all have their own deciding factors in what you may take home with you off a car lot. Much like a Christmas tree itself, there are numerous different varieties and options to mull over! Along with sugar plums and holiday wish lists, there may be a fast large sedan dancing in your head as a perfect shaken snowglobe of a New Year’s dream come true. If that just happens to be the case, all of us here at Jim Butler Maserati of Saint Louis know the perfect item for you to unwrap that just might not quite fit under the tree. The Maserati Quattroporte in its top-shelf trim is the pavement trouncing and luxurious Trofeo, waiting to find its way into your holiday to-do-list as appealing as gingerbread and that ski trip to Aspen you have been putting off since the pandemic! In a world where more sedans are becoming what gear patrol referred to as “optimized bars of soap”, the Quattroporte is guaranteed to evoke a sense of nostalgia that is always memorable and deserted Highway focused. It may not be as sappy as Chevy Chase watching old movies in the Attic during the famed “Christmas Vacation” film, but the sultry Italian looks that slightly resemble its relative in the form of the Ghibli have the undeniable power to win many over immediately. After firing it up, one will notice that the steering is very light, and there is a type of delicacy that is possessed by the car’s rivals off the line. The brake pedal has a sponginess to it that is a bit strange at first, but once you locate just where the recalibration has led to pedal bite, there’s a noticeable and airy reassurance much like landing gear in a plane. The exciting act of pitching the Quattroporte aggressively in a corner doesn’t result in “flat” handling, compared by the test driver of the hour to an expertly engineered sled that can rip through turns ruthlessly and quietly. Unlike many other sedans of the time, the Trofeo sends all its power to the rear wheels, resulting in what many driving connoisseurs enjoy as “consistently wicked fun”. Once you find a long enough road, the Quattroporte Trofeo tops out at 203 miles an hour, ravishingly bringing to life everything pure and good left in the driving world today. We know that as your loved ones and friends are preparing to spend the greatest time of year with you, there will always be a positive use for acceleration that qualifies as not only icebreaking, but mistletoe and gift-wrapped Earthshaking!

As the senses are awakened and the calendars are filled to the brim with social events during one of the busiest seasons of the year, fall has been a season of celebration and anticipation for us here at Jim Butler Maserati of Saint Louis. As the staff of Autoweek claimed on their blog this month, our Maserati MC20 Cielo is excitingly a member of an exclusive and thrilling group of “last hurrah” cars. Even though the future of electrification is promising, some of the offerings before its official roll-out are going to be meant to savor with a true petrol-lover’s skill! The MC20 is on track to receive its full-electric version shortly down the line, with the Folgore slated to use an elaborate triple-motor system and penning an action story ripe with performance that will earn a place in automotive folklore immediately. The Cielo is equipped with a glass hardtop that can be folded away in just 12 seconds, adding a mere 143 pounds to the carbon-fiber-rich finished product. Here the review staff claims that they are so happy that the rugged touring spirit still lives on here, and not just a futuristic show and tell “because Maserati can”. Reprogramming the UI to allow for this simple roof operation took quite a bit of time and meticulous effort, but in this review, we are shown that for better and more opportunistic times after such global turmoil, “every little bit of this car is pure excellence.” The existence of the Nettuno V6 happens to be the starring feature that makes everything glossy while still raucous, eagerly achieving a 621-horsepower output. The pre-ignition system is heavily inspired by all the greatness the motorsports genre has provided drivers over the years, and both turbos on board deliver peaks of up to 43.5 psi. This is an engine that unapologetically heaps on unique layers of character, with a noise that is thick with induction and a unique hiss every time you ease up on the gas. The MC20 Coupe is already a very raw and grunty persona, but the Cielo just adds to the excellence factor with the ability to lower the roof on a whim. The Bridgestone S007 tires feel relentlessly on point and grounded and using the three included dynamic modes change specs drastically to properly adapt to the terrain. The GT Mode softens the adaptive dampers and puts the torque converter on swing shift to assist with transmission shifting ratios. Sport Mode firms things up in the Chassis neighborhood, and allows for gears to shift a necessary instant quicker. The most aggressive Corsa Mode has the well-dialed in chops to toggle the dampers to a softer setting, and torque bumps for each precision-timed shift up. Happy to be hurtling at speeds everyday drives don’t demand, the MC20 Cielo is going to drive desire, on-pavement antics, and upper-end quality quite obviously at a pace and fervor that the public is starved for.

So many cars of both the past and present have achieved legendary status the minute that they caught the public’s eye, the 2023 Maserati GranTurismo was the hot topic getting ready to do so on the Man of Many blog this past week. A concept that was years in the making and one that will surely see many drivers abandoning a “dreadfully ordinary” sedan for a wildly enriched and adventuresome drive, this long-awaited car is slated to debut with three epic and very potent engine configurations. Two of these will consist of the hot-blooded V6 Nettuno, with the third sporting a massively powerful all-electric battery-based powertrain that sends an astonishing 760 horsepower to the wheels. The Folgore is going to make history as the first all-electric vehicle we will offer here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis, an integral and groundbreaking step along the way for our plan to be fully electric in 8 years. A phenomenal testament to what can be accomplished when some of the best minds in engineering and development join forces, this ferocious coupe reintroduces the longer bonnet and four-fender design that have long been characteristic of Maserati staples. The 3.0-liter V6 Nettuno Twin Turbo engine found in the Modena boasts 490 HP and the Trofeo version sees the upgrade up to a maximum power of 550 hp. This rich combo provides brand-new and loyal patrons of Maserati alike the opportunity to experience the classic feel that only an internal combustion engine can offer as you nudge it into gear. The Folgore model is neck and neck with the power offerings of the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, strutting loftily with its segment-leading 760 horsepower and tri motor 300-kW permanent magnet motor arrangement. The Folgore’s battery capacity is around 92.5 kWh, tightly situated underneath the vehicle and rightfully avoiding the age-old dilemma of placing the battery modules directly under the seat. Much like the eclectically individual and characteristic Mini Cooper SE, this makes the task of replacing the driveshaft and exhaust with EV batteries and motors easier. This vehicle has undergone a “multi-material” approach that created the need for an entirely new manufacturing process to be implemented, with all three of these models being produced at the Mirafiori manufacturing hub in Turin, Italy. Some of our colleagues who have seen the GranTurismo up close and in person say it is quite a bit larger than they expected, which will provide a very commanding on-pavement presence. Built to provide the ultimate balance between functionality and beauty, the GranTurismo is the ultimate bearer of great tidings holding true to Italian luxury performance standards. What is a perfectly-timed and extensive return to lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium is going to exist as a thorough ode to not just the touring mantra, but the thrill of a stress-relieving time on the pavement to clear your head. Make sure that you ask us during your test drive about what we consider the “all-around sound experience”: larger than life due to the signature note of the engine, it is rounded out with the Sonus faber 3D sound that must be experienced to be fully appreciated!

It is not just the fierce sense of rivalry that inspires the 2023 Maserati Grecale’s legendary design elements and performance: Grecale is the Italian word for “Greek Wind”, celebrating the tranquil and inspiring breezes derived from some of the world’s most beautiful and tranquil islands. The new Grecale is both smaller and less costly than the very first SUV we released in the form of the Levante, which officially launched in 2016. The Grecale is composed of three different trim levels, beginning with the fuel-efficient 4-cylinder GT and ending with the “all-stops pulled out” appeal of the Trofeo, sporting a 523-horsepower V6 engine. Later in 2023, there are now official plans to release an all-electric variant by the name of the Folgore. Translated into the ferocious and lethally powerful meaning of “lightning”, the Grecale remains a stunning and influential choice no matter which variety you select. For years Maserati has amazed the most proficient of car enthusiasts by delivering fully on the promise of providing startling stats and design, and the 2023 Grecale blasts off fantastically to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. You’ll be screeching past onlookers and any other less than ordinary facet of daily life you’re eager to leave behind with a top speed of 177 mph, and as you careen by everyone will take notice of the characteristically low grille stamped with the familiar Maserati Trident front and center. From the side view, the Grecale’s trademark boomerang rear taillights and carbon-fiber rear diffuser round off the look perfectly, easily avoiding the pitfall of being mistaken for a mainstream offering with rather plastic and run-of-the-mill features. It's exciting to witness the amazing prowess and flair that is so evident after decades of hard work and a wide array of precisely tuned parts as soon as you push the start/stop button, situated directly on the steering wheel, and inspired by supercar great Ferrari. This new Grecale model sees the introduction of Maserati’s very first digital clock, which also has a chronometer, G-force meter, compass, and a very cool variety of different watch faces that you can select for display. You can also conveniently now use voice commands to adjust interior elements such as climate control, and destination input. On top of the 12.3-inch instrument cluster, you’ll also be selecting from two touch screens in the center stack: one is where you find all the pertinent navigation, tunes, and vehicle settings, while the other is a smaller 8.8-inch model where you access climate control. Some aficionados had once claimed that Maserati was a bit lacking in the infotainment department, but these quickly responding screens and well-organized layout provide the perfect contrast on either side of the shift buttons situated between the two. With characteristics such as “leather that looks sourced from a gorgeous Italian handbag” and well-defined bundle of reasonably attainable high hopes, the Grecale is poised to be the mid-sized SUV of the discerning driver with a love for every single thrilling curve in the road!

As the changing of seasons is coming close once again and we take the time to look back at Maserati's illustrious history here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis, it was more than 100 years ago when two brothers set out to lay the groundwork for such a high-performing and memorable line of cars. Even if the hard-working duo could envision the company still thriving in 2022, they could never imagine the caliber and intricate candor of vehicles now being built. The Forbes automotive experts recently took the Maserati Levante Trofeo for a lengthy test drive, and picked the very scenic northern Michigan for the location. The 197.6-inch-long Levante takes up residence in a category that has become more populated over the past two decades, with brands jumping in on the action that no one would have previously thought would be there. Even Ferrari will still soon add to the roster of high-end brands that have jumped on the crossover SUV bandwagon, and so many experts and diehard enthusiasts are wondering what sets the Levante apart from the competition. The overall design style has been breathed into the Levante well, with the addition of a bolder-shaped grille and rear glass with a characteristic forward slope. Every trim level now also features the presence of twin-turbocharged engines sourced from the supercar genius-level known as Ferrari, with the GT and Modena getting V6s with 345 of 424 horsepower. The Modena S brandishes 550-horsepower from a 3.8-liter V8, while the high-presiding and sensationally performing Trofeo doles out 580 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. This engine also asserts its all-around superiority with a pair of twin-scroll turbos and a separate intercooler that provides a higher threshold of peak power and overall responsiveness. Each of these models offers All-wheel-drive as standard, and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The driving modes on the Trofeo are normal, I.C.E., off-road, and Corsa. The off-road mode kicks in and lifts the body up a couple of inches, and the Trofeo variant also comes with 380-mm diameter cross-drilled rotors and six-piston calipers on the front. We must give the Forbes crew massive props for recognizing that taking advantage of those who have long been established in northern Italy’s region’s skills at craftsmanship is one of the most rewarding opportunities in the modern auto world: grave attention to detail and longstanding quality is evident at each mile marker. Paint selections are applied entirely by hand in three different coats, then the final layer is a red-tinted form of glossy clear coat. We’d have to fully recommend the Corsa drive mode to savor the characteristic crackle and throaty growl these engines have always been known for.