Jim Butler Maserati

Maserati Levante Trofeo


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.

With so many promising releases coming soon and efficiency as well as performance high on consumers’ current wish lists, all of us at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis have been working hard to keep YOU as our top priority. Any Maserati owner has already decided that they only want to settle for the finer things in life, and we believe that this should apply to every facet of your new vehicle. As the need for reliability mounts in the current automotive market, we have wanted to find different ways to assure that your ownership experience is phenomenal!

Maserati’s Extra10 Warranty Program will soon be offered worldwide, providing world-class and longstanding coverage for the health of the engine and transmission. This stellar coverage will not only be available for North and South American buyers but as current owners also whose Maserati is no more than 9.5 years old will be eligible, without any restrictive limits on mileage regarding the warranty. This benefit will be offered as an official add-on to the existing extended warranty offerings, which will currently act to cover a powertrain from up to seven years and unlimited mileage if you meet the condition of purchasing within the stated mileage and warranty periods.

Currently, you can receive benefits such as roadside assistance and help with the next leg of travel, and the extra 10 form of warranty coverage adds other convenient perks such as pick up and return service, as well as a courtesy car. We have also made the decision to make this Extra10 form of coverage transferable, which will provide a heightened peace of mind and enhance the everyday driving pleasure characteristic of every Trident car. 

There will also be the option of purchasing extended powertrain coverage in annual increments, alleviating the demand for lump-sum transactions. Once October arrives, interested owners can visit us here at Jim Butler to find out if your vehicle is eligible, and begin to enjoy the benefits of coverage! Brand-new models such as the 2023 Maserati Grecale are nailing down rave reviews from the experts on staff at Car and Driver, who immediately were impressed with its “high-end cabin prowess, powerful V6, and well-balanced handling”. 

This feature-rich and lavish model will be situated directly beneath the larger mid-size Levante, with a distinctive grille and the rest of its body bearing likeness to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, The BMW X3, and Porsche Macan, all other very sought-after members of the high-end and eclectic club. The 2023 Grecale comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 296-horsepower turbo 4, with a 523-horsepower twin-turbo V6 as the upper end and exhilarating engine option. 

We have long known that our vehicles stand the test of time and provide the utmost in satisfaction, but the fall of 2022 will provide a fitting opportunity to forego even the smallest hassle during ownership, and iron the kinks out on a deserted two-lane road while enjoying the fruits of full-blown Maserati culture!

Here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis, we have always been engaged in and mesmerized by any form of racing: from Grand Touring to the excitement of the annual Indy 500, it’s always a thrill to see perfectly tuned cars facing off against each other on the blazing hot concrete. With the MC12, we had very memorable races in the FIA GT2 championship during a modern form of glory days between 2004 and 2010. 

This week the Motor1.com blog officially announced our esteemed brand’s return to very thrilling closed-wheel competitions with the brand-new MC20 GT2. Hailed as the MC 12 successor on road and track, the official debut is during the Fanatec GT2 European Series championship in 2023. The GT2 car meets FIA regulations as a single-seater non-road legal race car, and under the hood is the powerful presence of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. The official power output is yet to be announced, but manufacturer spokespeople have claimed a base version with 630 horsepower is already in the meticulous process of development. 

This amazing “Nettuno” is the dreamy and precision-engineered stuff that modern folklore is absolutely made of and is paired with a 6-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters. A limited-slip differential and racing clutch helps the car with crucial elements of success in the traction department, while a GT2-homologated racing body kit ensures maximum aerodynamic downforce. After meeting the very thorough requirements for a motorsport’s governing body, the MC20 GT2 comes equipped with a carbon fiber steering wheel, in-car camera, air conditioning, adjustable racing ABS, and tire pressure monitor. 

This coming weekend as viewers enjoy the 2022 24 Hours of Spa, Maserati will present an official experience that is dedicated to the glorious milestones in its sporting history, appropriately joining the past successes of the MC12 with the future victories of the MC20. The MC12 still takes ultimate pride in the claim of winning the races in Belgium in 2005, 2006, and 2008, a living and breathing example of the passion we instill in every model that arrives here for the ultimate test drives and excitement. The MC20 will undoubtedly continue a tradition of longstanding excellence and prowess through the straightaways and tight corners, combining aesthetic elements of the future with valiant and speed-hungry themes of the past. Deemed appropriately as “everything a Maserati supercar should be” by the Car and Driver crew, there is much to admire about the carbon-fiber structure, amazingly powerful V6, and exotic appearance. Don’t forget to check out the exclusive Acquamarina paint color for the convertible Cielo Spyder model, as well as the additive of the optional front suspension lift mechanism, that helps this characteristically lower nose with clearance and optimal cruising on the open road!

The luxury SUV segment has lately been quite populated, as we couldn’t help but notice this summer here at Jim Butler Maserati of Saint Louis as we check out just what we’re up against on our daily docket! There’s a choice of 21 very capable models on the market right now considered higher end, but it was no surprise that the 2022 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid had won over the hard-working and knowledgeable staff at CarExpert after a thorough test drive. They also recognized that anyone used to the highly renowned sounds of the Maserati V8 or twin-turbo V6 at full noise will be pleasantly surprised at the 4-cylinder version’s tone while roaring and running fully upright. 

It may not quite have the boisterous boom of its larger displacement relatives but is a fitting and perfectly rounded-out sound that announces when the floating Trident badge is showing up behind you on the road. This review team was also very impressed with the side air intakes that were designed in cobalt blue, which was a visual hint-dropping to the hybrid powertrain. This future-embracing and hybrid theme also is continued on the brake calipers, as on the base Levante they sport a nice Gloss Blue color and are available as an optional extra. 

It can clearly be seen that the fat piping under the rear diffuser is not used along with any amplifiers for the great-sounding exhaust note, as the dynamics of this piping and the use of resonators make the best of this smaller-but mighty engine’s sound. We have long known which rivals are the key competition up against the Levante GT Hybrid: Just a few are the Porsche Cayenne Coupe, the Range Rover Velar, The Mercedes GLE450, the BMW X5, and the Audi Q7 55 TFSI S Line quattro. 

Frequently billed as “one of the most comfortable cabins you’ll ever experience”, the inside of the Levante has a driving position that is a bit reminiscent of the raucous rival in the form of the Porsche Macan. It leaves you deep inside the vehicle, but with a dominating and controlled view of the road ahead and with ergonomics that would make a dedicated and 12-hour shift working desk jockey comfortably thrilled! There is also the telltale and very distinguished Maserati trident in the center of the soft leather steering wheel, along with the classy clock on the dash much like what you see in our salacious sedan that is the Ghibli Modena. 

The weight of the steering and the precise handling accuracy go together with the first-rate tuning job on the suspension, and it provides the perfect opportunity for the driver to just keep pushing the limits higher and higher during the perfect weekend moments when you get to drive it through the ideal twisting and open road. There are also six different ride heights to choose from, and you get the “perfectionist’s enjoyment” of feeling the car lower the second you engage the sport and suspension button. 

With a ride that is stiffer than one would suspect of an SUV and world-class track-inspired chops at every turn, we you pay us a mid-summer’s visit to see just how amazing and lavish “this one of the 21’s” road time treats you!

The time of the year here at Jim Butler Maserati of Saint Louis is the BEST time to enjoy the presence up close and personal or on TV of all the top-notch athletes out there giving it 110% around the globe every day. Soccer star David Beckham is hailed as a master of soccer passing, crossing ability, and mind-blowing bending free-kicks as a star right-winger. He has long been a treasured ambassador for our esteemed brand and now has another exciting task on his hands this summer.

Our latest SUV is the stunning Grecale, and it is making its debut in the UK at the very thrill infused Goodwood 28th Festival of Speed. Its first task will be ravenously tackling the famous hill climb in the first glance run and will then be put to the test on the 1.16-mile course four of massively extreme and demanding driving challenges. This year in May, this soccer prodigy conveyed just how bad he wanted to get out and try out the Grecale and then he couldn’t wait to take it out for a spin to push the limits and enjoy its superior engineering and craftsmanship. 

Beckham did indeed arrive at this star-studded and high-octane event aboard a Grecale in the Trofeo version, which is ultimately equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 that cranks out 532 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. This is the same primo power unit that the MC20 boasts, enabling a top speed of 177 mph and the zero to 60 mph thunderstrike at an astonishing 3.8 seconds. Aside from the alluring and always track-ready Trofeo version, the Grecale is also available in the Modena and GT trims, which both offer a 4-cylinder mild-hybrid engine. 

During this year’s long-awaited Goodwood Festival of Speed, the MC20 will also make its appearance on the incredibly challenging and touring folklore icon of the hill climb route, and so will the MC20 Cielo convertible. The MC20 Ciele saw its official launch to the public in May of this year, when it arrived on the scene with the same pavement blasting Formula One drive 3.0-liter V6 Nettuno engine as the MC20, with just a touch of added weight of 65 kilograms more than it’s sibling. 

Its twin-turbo power source dutifully cranks out 621 horsepower in 538 lb-ft of torque, sent rapidly to the rear wheels with a finely tuned 8-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. One of the most awesome features on this beautiful and nearly supernatural-appearing model is the retractable glass which can go up or down in just 12 seconds while the vehicle is doing its thing. This completely game changing and alluringly futuristic convertible can also hit a top speed of 199 mph. It is always inspiring to see the popular figures in the world that pushed themselves the hardest also rapidly obsessed with driving a Maserati: 2022 will no doubt offer an abundance of opportunities to shine on the hot pavement properly!

We are so excited for summer for many reasons here at Jim Butler Maserati of Saint Louis, as the pavement is usually dry, the days are sunny, and the best driving opportunities of the year are finally right in front of us. These are the most amazing times to engage the throttle, enjoy the astute steering characteristics that all our fine offerings possess, and enjoy every corner of scenic and engaging driving that only a high-end model can provide the well-designated chops for.

The Motor1.com automobile staff had chosen to take a very close look at the 2022 Maserati Grecale, which is a very game-changing model for us regarding facing our German rivals directly in the eye with vigor and an astronomical product. As Maserati’s very first true compact crossover, the Grecale provides an ideal and glamorous number to compete in the wildly popular smaller-sized medium, and it’s also the first model that showcases’ our brand’s very improved interior.

The Motor1.com troupe brought a film crew along this time and journeyed back to our Italian homeland to the lush hills of Umbria to open the accelerator, check out the SUVs overall vibe, and bring back home a glowing A+ report card. It was first heavily noted how much the team enjoyed the 530-horsepower derived from the MC20 sourced 3.5-liter V6 engine, not only packing a powerful punch but putting out a driving experience of an aggressive and historically vicious character. With the pairing from the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, the V6 is ripe with energy, and the Corsa mode unlocks its full potential while adding dramatic dynamics with a very robust engine note.

This is where we will stand on our hard-earned laurels and explain just how much love we have for the symphony that originates from the exhaust! It remains very lively and still pays homage to the touring days of yesteryear, and we are thrilled to offer models of this caliber before the incoming changes of full-on electrification pose a drastic difference within the entire automotive landscape. Beating out the GTS-branded German and fully-flexed competition’s peak output by 89 horsepower, this version boasts the additives of cylinder deactivation on the right bank as well as twin-combustion and wet-sump lubrication to boost efficiency.

This very evolved Giorgio platform comes with all-wheel drive, a quadrilateral front suspension and a multilink setup at the rear, air springs, and a limited-slip self-locking electronic rear differential. The taillights resemble the boomerang units that the Original Maserati 3200 GT circa 1998 looked like, and the rest of the Grecale’s infotainment is all now accessible via 12.3-inch and 8.8-inch touchscreens, with the larger one being an angled hexagon in the center, showing the most important functions directly on the front page. You’ll be amply blessed with plenty of leg and shoulder room, and always be enjoying the essence of one of America’s finest, most furious, and final existing examples of raw performance and exciting power.

We fully admit here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis that we are blowing full speed ahead with the SUV fever that so much of the world has been overtaken by. Sedans are blistering-fast and amazing, and fully responsive on the road, and will always be the life blood and true original source of adrenaline-laced driving excitement. Named after a pristinely blowing Mediterranean wind, the Grecale is positioned below the Levante.

The staff on duty at Autoblog.com thought that the Grecale is quite possibly the most important car that Maserati has ever released, and traveled to Reno, Italy to get a feel for what the trident vehicle on the smaller size handles and drives like. We began with the trademark and quite solid Giorgio architecture, then added the features that are usually found in the highest tier of segments such as a lofty and precisely engineered air suspension. Along with a few other very valuable electronic tweaks, the wheelbase was also increased by about 3 inches, and the base Grecale GT stretches at just 190.8 inches long.

One brief look at the Grecale’s front end depicts what was meant when it announced that the supercar in the form of the MC20’s exterior design would have a very noticeable influence on the rest of the range, with its swept-back headlights and traditional trident emblem proudly positioned front and center. Inside, the Grecale offers a well-spaced-out digital instrument cluster and many other traits that try to not make it feel like a modern smartphone making its way through the current landscape on 4 harried wheels.

As many cars of the current era are known for their primo screen power, the Grecale wants to take the lead with a bit less clutter and breathe an ideal dose of high-performance life into what it feels like to sit and get ready to drive very fast in this well-crafted crossover. You can score the Grecale in GT, Modena, and Trofeo trims, with the power from the GT derived from a turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that pairs with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to crank out 298 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Graduating on up to the Modena model powerfully unlocks a 325-horse evolution of this drivetrain, with both being mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The Trofeo is where any seasoned driver gets to enjoy a model-specific Nettuno V6, and in the Grecale the six-cylinder features a patented wet-sump oiling system, revised turbochargers, and cylinder deactivation technology that will completely shut off the right bank in low-load conditions, such as on the highway. The polished opinion from the Autoblog team was that this is a very serious, well-thought-out attempt to grow by attracting customers with the things drivers want instead of skewed incentives unrelated to performance. The first number makes the Grecale the most affordable model ever released in the states, as we are confident that discerning and dedicated customers will line up excitedly to follow suit and sample the roadworthy goods!

The roots we celebrate here every day at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis can be traced back to the 1910s when 3 brothers founded an ingeniously- laid out company that constructed aircraft engine parts and spark plugs. Immediately after WWI, it was decided that the business should now undergo expansion to build the entire automobile. This is how the Maserati company that is known today saw its roots, with brothers Ernesto and Ettore joining forces to construct the Tipo 26. Here is a sampling of the most memorable models we’ve ever let off the line, and just how many ways they have raised adrenaline levels on tracks worldwide.

The Maserati 8CTF was key in engraving a consistent success in the exciting and demanding duty of motorsport. The 8CTF was built in direct response to an abrupt change in Grand Prix racing rules that mandated engine size to a maximum of 3,000 CC, making every eligible racer before it no longer able to compete. It debuted in 1938 and began winning big soon after its exciting introduction. Its most memorable win was at the 1939 Indy 500, with the very brilliant and skilled Wilbur Shaw at the wheel. 

The MC12 was developed with F1-inspired aerodynamics, as well as a powerful and sinister V12 engine. The MC12 was built with the purpose to take the world by storm and possess true supercar status, then being allowed to enter the FIA GT Championship, boasting some of the most memorable visual cues a car has ever achieved. It remains as the fastest accelerating Maserati road car to ever exist, and excited buyers had to be selected from an incredibly elite group.

The Maserati Tipo 60/61 Birdcage was developed for privateer teams that were set to compete in the exciting two-liter category of sports car racing and gained much notoriety from its slightly unusual design features. As British car manufacturers were beginning to move away from the common traditional ladder frame chassis and towards pricier monocoque numbers, this was the result of a more cost-effective way of doing things. At the time there were rules stating just how each windshield had to adhere to a certain sizing, and so it was decided to incline the windshield of the Tipo 60 far back to boost aerodynamics. 

The Maserati A6 1500 Gran Turismo was officially unveiled at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show, and featured exquisite styling courtesy of Pinin Farina, and a luxurious interior with distinct elements such as a clock situated in the lid of the glove box. This was one of the earliest models to use the new Maserati Trident logo, and enjoyed characteristics that made it ideal as a roadster. Helping lay the foundation for Maserati’s future and many other road-focused models to come, it was a perfect example of a very distinguished and dapper gem for its time.

The Maserati 250F was a very high-profile Formula 1 model that ended up playing a very noted role in one of the sport’s most intense rivalries during the 1950s. The car was introduced just in time for the 1954 season, and Argentinian master at the wheel Juan Manuel Fangio saw a victory with the car as he snagged that year’s coveted driver’s title. This was a car that was known for possessing expert-level balance and was at the forefront of a very intense rivalry on the track to claim victory. 

The Maserati Bora was a unique model that found its way to the market after the brand was sold to French carmaker Citroen. It was also a two-seater coupe which was the first mid-engineered Maserati ever and sported the very unique wedge shape that Italian manufacturers had frequently featured during the 1970s. One of the other brand-new features was the use of a hydraulic system that provided operation for the very adjustable headlights, pedals, and driver’s seat positioning. Some compared its looks to those of a Corvette, but we all agree they are much more unique and discerning!

The Maserati MC20 is the car that will truly represent the beginning of a new and very modern era for the brand and will be its first mass-produced supercar. After the Car and Driver crew got their hands on it they gave it an excellent 9.5/10 rating, praising it for its lightning-fast acceleration and astronomical handling. This will be the brand’s first mid-engine sports car since the MC12, and it doesn’t take a seasoned expert to know full-on that this will be one of the greatest and personality-rich Maseratis of the past few decades.

From the Via Della Conciliazione to the scenic western banks of the Tiber River, Rome is one fine city to blast around in with the always endearing and pervasive chops of a supercar. Here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis we have been excited to witness what benefits and heightened awareness for the plight of the planet will bring in terms of new models, and the Motor Authority blog just reported on the test drive that our esteemed CEO Carlos Tavares took in Rome as the brand we love to represent here every day promises to be fully-electric by 2030, and have an electric option on every vehicle in our lineup by 2025.

Some of the plans we are most excited about are all related to the Formula E World Championship, and our detailed docket we will roll out to have grade-A contenders on the track to vie for the win. The powertrain in the GranTurismo Folgore is now officially confirmed as a 3-engine setup with one motor up front and two at the rear, running at a consistent 800 volts with a peak output of over 1,200 hp. We love the term “hypercar”, and excitedly accept the responsibility of claiming to bring such esteemed lead-foot frenzy to the table.

This car will likely come equipped with our patented 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that saw its debut in the 2022 MC20 Supercar, perhaps with a mild-hybrid setup attached. The V6 delivers 621 hp in the MC20, and a convertible variant is also in the works to arrive in the next year or so. The GranTurismo Folgore will not be the only electric Maserati available next year, as the smaller crossover in the form of the Grecale will soon be available and based on our wildly popular Stelvio’s Giorgio platform. The Grecale will go on sale later this year touting standard internal combustion power, but will also provide an all-electric version during 2023.

These Folgore models will be immediately recognized by the appearance of their unique front fascias that are now more streamlined with fewer openings, including in the signature trident grille. Eventually, there will be a full-fledged launch of a Folgore version for the MC20, and fully redesigned versions of the Levante and Quattroporte with only electric power. The MC20 is sure to completely redefine the boundaries of what can be accomplished with carbon-fiber structure and aluminum subframe construction, with a powertrain and suspension that is set to make history once and for all.

There has not been much space to adapt and create plentifully over the past few years, with the present now wide open for change and redevelopment. Maserati ownership not only provides a feeling of exclusivity and a consistently ahead-of-the-curve mantra, but will lead the future with bold, breathtaking, and always sophisticated persona.

2023 Maserati Grecale

Italian brands like ours have long enjoyed a passionate and emotion-stirring presentation, as customers here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis have noticed that a hundred years of legendary racing performance have laid the pathway to success. Customers purchase foreign-made cars because they want to indulge in a savory taste of an exotic lifestyle, and the sheer thrill one can only properly drink in when taking corners with one of the best-constructed engines and chassis ever built.
These are just a few of the reasons why the 2023 Maserati Grecale won over Brandon Turkus of Motor1.com automotive editorial greatness. During an exciting trip to beautiful Milan, Italy, he put in the time behind the wheel to rightfully declare that the Grecale has the most spacious cabin in its segment, and is superior to its rivals as far as pure material ruling class.
Where Brandon thought the Grecale took a giant and very cosmetic leap forward was by embracing the day-to-day composure that luxury crossovers need to possess, and by remaining “unabashedly Italian”. The base GT and volume-spec Modena trims carry the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that pairs with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to confidently crank out 300 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The Trofeo is always the kingly and range-topping number, which unapologetically takes down the competition in every way.
This car expert was able to turn out 530 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque in the Grecale Trofeo, with a quick spring to 62 mph taking only 3.8 seconds. This test drive specialist spent most of the day in Italy flaunting a Giallo Yellow Grecale Trofeo, bouncing proudly around Milan and with a destination of Lake Maggiore, 60 miles north of the capital.
Let it be noted here that the Nettuno flaunts the dry-sump oil pump in favor of a wet-sump system, and still holds on tight with both hands to the very modern and innovative Twin Combustion system. Enjoying the supercar-sourced, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 proved to be much fun on the roads just outside the city, and this is where the world-class performance and wonderful note of the V6 took hold undeniably. On top of the abundant room inside, there were well-padded leather accents, along with contrast stitching and unvarnished carbon-fiber trim. As far as straight-line high-speed stability we were not surprised at the high regards doled out upon the Trofeo, as it oozed real appeal and a delightfully menacing composure.