When Flights Fail, The Trident Brand Prevails: The Thrill of Driving Across France in a Grecale Trofeo
The allure of the open road is a constant inspiration at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis. Imagine a spontaneous drive from the bustling Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to the luxurious streets of Monaco, spanning approximately 620 miles across the stunning French landscape. What was intended as a leisurely weekend getaway quickly unraveled due to a series of travel mishaps, including a canceled flight from JFK and frustrating delays, transforming the trip into a race against time in a Maserati Grecale Trofeo.
The hope for a relaxed Top Gear auto journalist’s journey dissipated upon landing in Paris. With a tight schedule and unexpected detours, the new plan focused on reaching Monaco with minimal fuel stops while navigating the numerous speed cameras dotting the French highways. The vehicle chosen for this ambitious journey? The 2024 Maserati Grecale Trofeo is a high-performance SUV that offers an enticing blend of speed and comfort. What was initially envisioned as a scenic adventure turned into a high-octane sprint across France.
Maserati Grecale Trofeo: A High-Performance SUV Ready for Adventure
This scenario felt reminiscent of an episode from Top Gear, albeit one not meticulously planned for excitement. After enduring 36 exhausting hours of airport delays, mediocre food, and fragmented sleep, I found the drive behind the wheel anything but leisurely. However, the opportunity to speed through picturesque French landscapes in a $125,000 Maserati added an exhilarating dimension to the challenge.
Equipped with impressive tools, the Grecale Trofeo was well-suited for this type of journey. Beneath its sleek exterior lies a formidable Nettuno twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers 523 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Even at 4,650 pounds, the Grecale can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a breathtaking 3.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 180 mph. However, with traffic enforcement in mind, the focus shifted to enjoying the grand touring aspect of the vehicle.
Inside, the Grecale Trofeo features a luxurious cabin designed for long-distance comfort. The six-level adjustable air suspension and adaptive dampers provide a plush ride, allowing drivers to switch between five driving modes: Comfort, GT, Sport, Off-Road, and Corsa. For this journey, GT mode proved to be the ideal choice, seamlessly combining power, comfort, and versatility.
Since 2019, Maserati has made significant strides in enhancing its vehicles, and the Grecale is no exception. A standout feature is the conveniently placed engine start button on the steering wheel, reminiscent of Alfa Romeo’s performance models. This thoughtful design fosters a strong connection between driver and machine. Additionally, the dual touchscreen system simplifies controls for climate, media, and navigation, ensuring intuitive interaction.
From Paris to Monaco: A Race Against Time on Scenic French Roads
The trip commenced early in the morning, heading southeast from Paris toward Dijon. As city lights faded in the rearview mirror, the serene French countryside welcomed the drive. The Grecale’s expertly designed headlights illuminated the path ahead, providing exceptional visibility during darker hours. Transitioning from multi-lane highways to narrower two-lane roads demanded greater focus, but the advanced lighting system enabled safe overtaking.
With fewer cars on the road, a sense of freedom took over, even while remaining cautious of wildlife warnings. The Grecale’s performance and safety features instilled confidence during the drive through the French countryside. After a couple of hours, the vehicle revealed its masterfully crafted design, with thoughtful ergonomics enhancing the overall experience.
Luxury Meets Power: Exploring the Grecale Trofeo’s Impressive Features
The Grecale’s adaptive cruise control and automatic headlights integrate seamlessly into the driving experience. The dual touchscreen system allowed for effortless navigation through entertainment and vehicle settings. Even without using Apple CarPlay, the system displays essential vehicle information with clarity.
The learning curve for advanced settings is minimal, keeping the overall experience fluid and engaging. Maserati designed the Grecale to prioritize user convenience, ensuring that even the most complex features were accessible without disrupting the driving rhythm.
As the journey continued, the Grecale’s EPA fuel efficiency ratings—18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and a combined 20 mpg—proved beneficial upon approaching the historic city of Dijon. Known for its rich history and culinary delights, the city served as a reminder of the cultural landmarks along the route, though time constraints limited exploration.
Navigating the French Countryside: Comfort, Speed, and Precision in Every Mile
Continuing south, Beaune emerged, celebrated for its medieval architecture and as the heart of the Burgundy wine region. While the schedule didn’t allow for indulgence in local wines, the allure of these towns highlighted the journey’s richness. The Grecale Trofeo effortlessly maintained its reputation as a grand tourer, providing a relaxing drive even during the late hours of the night.
Switching from Comfort to GT mode enhanced the driving experience. Subtle adjustments improved stability and aerodynamics, while sharper throttle response allowed for more refined acceleration. The transmission became more responsive, and the engine’s roar filled the cabin, transforming the journey into a symphonic experience.
With dawn breaking and visibility improving, the road stretched invitingly ahead. The accelerator presses deeper, aiming for the shimmering waters of the Côte d’Azur. The Grecale Trofeo’s impressive 523 horsepower beckoned, and the thrill of the journey was palpable. Maneuvering through the French landscape underscored that Maserati had crafted more than just a luxury SUV; they created a finely-tuned machine that balances comfort, performance, and elegance in every detail.
This drive across France in the Grecale Trofeo was more than just a means to an end; it celebrated the journey itself, showcasing Maserati’s remarkable capabilities and the beauty of the open road.
As nearby two-lane drives will become crisper and cooler soon, we are gearing up to unveil two stunning special editions celebrating our legacy of grand touring perfection! The MC20 Iris and the Quattroporte Grand Finale are exclusive one-off models that highlight the brand’s unmatched craftsmanship in custom builds and signal the end of an era for the Quattroporte. This final edition at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis marks the last model powered by the iconic V8 engine as Maserati shifts gears toward an electrified future.
Maserati strengthens its legacy of innovation with two exceptional custom-built models from the renowned Fuoriserie division. The Quattroporte Grand Finale leads the way, marking the iconic sedan’s final chapter and the end of its V8 era. Alongside it is the MC20 Iris, a bold, visually striking version of Maserati’s cutting-edge mid-engine supercar. These two bespoke masterpieces reflect the brand’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries while honoring its storied history.
A Grand Farewell: The Quattroporte Grand Finale Marks the End of Maserati’s V8 Era
The Grand Finale makes a bold statement as Maserati’s farewell to the V8. Its exclusive vehicle ID number, 999999, is displayed on the windshield and driver’s door. Adding to its one-of-a-kind appeal, the engine cover is adorned with signatures from the Fuoriserie team and the engineers behind this iconic creation. Under the hood, the 572-horsepower engine features brushed aluminum brake calipers and a sleek carbon fiber body kit. Paired with elegant Blu Nobile paint, it creates a true masterpiece of design and performance.
The MC20 Iris commands attention with its vibrant, rainbow-inspired design, embodying the essence of its namesake. The custom Al Aqua Rainbow color, selected by the owner, is a striking highlight gracing the iconic Trident emblem and the center of the hubcaps. This bold color choice gives the MC20 Iris an unmistakable presence, making it a standout among Maserati’s exclusive one-off creations.
The final Quattroporte showcases Italian craftsmanship at its finest, with luxurious materials chosen to meet the customer’s vision. The cabin boasts a leather-lined trunk, with burl wood accents on the door handles, steering wheel, and tan door panels. Elegant touches include the exclusive ‘Grand Finale’ badge on the central tunnel and door sills, enhancing the design. Black leather wraps the A-pillar, providing a sleek contrast.
Bold and Unforgettable: The Vibrant MC20 Iris Redefines Maserati’s Custom Creations
Completing the interior, the iconic Trident logo is expertly stitched in black on the headrests, embodying the brand’s legacy of sophistication. The MC20 Iris takes attention to detail to a whole new level. The steering wheel paddle shifters feature color-matched “+” and “-” symbols, aligned with the custom viewfinder along the wheel’s upper edge, breaking away from the usual white.
Laser-cut MC20 Iris lettering adds a sleek touch to the door sills, while the striking Al Aqua Rainbow stitching flows seamlessly through the engine compartment and trunk, emphasizing the car’s one-of-a-kind craftsmanship. The Iris extends its signature design theme into the cabin, where the Al Aqua Rainbow color pops through the armrest stitching and central tunnel, both wrapped in plush ICE leather. This marks a first for the model, debuting ICE leather on the central tunnel.
The luxurious material also adorns the steering wheel, amplifying this vehicle’s unique flavor. Our current lineup features four remarkable models that set new standards in luxury and performance. The Grecale, a versatile SUV, seamlessly combines everyday practicality with refined elegance. The GranTurismo, an iconic Italian masterpiece, embodies the essence of grand touring with timeless style. The Levante, a thrilling SUV in the Trident family, offers an exhilarating driving experience. Finally, the Ghibli adds bold flair to the lineup, delivering power and sophistication with unmistakable Maserati charm.
The Maserati GT2 Stradale is the perfect blend of raw power and sleek design here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis. “Race Cars For the Road” have always captured our imagination, and the GT2 Stradale is no exception. Car and Driver recently praised this new model as a dream come true for car enthusiasts. Positioned between the lightning-fast GT2 race car and the iconic MC20, the Stradale is built for speed and style.
Starting on the same production line as the standard supercar, the GT2 Stradale undergoes significant upgrades. Its twin-turbocharged “Nettuno” V6 engine delivers 10 more horsepower than the MC20, allowing the Stradale to reach 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, all on a rear-wheel-drive setup.
Designers have also managed to shave off 132 pounds compared to the MC20, making the Stradale even more aerodynamic. The carbon-fiber spoiler not only adds a striking visual touch but also features three adjustable positions. With its track-ready setup, the Stradale generates over 1,100 pounds of downforce at 173 mph.
The front end of the Stradale now sports a “shark nose” design, enhancing airflow. The hood vents and front fenders pay tribute to Maserati’s iconic trident logo, while the rear fender vents improve engine cooling by 16%.
Inside, the GT2 Stradale strikes a perfect balance between the GT2 and MC20. The interior is minimalist, with only a few buttons outside the touchscreen for essential functions like volume, drive mode, and reverse. For those who crave even more performance, the “Corsa Evo” mode offers four levels of intensity.
The Performance Package adds semi-slick Michelin tires, an electronic limited-slip differential with custom calibrations, and carbon-ceramic brakes. The Performance Pack Plus includes these features and adds a fire extinguisher and 4-point harness for the ultimate driving experience.
Evo.co.UK praised the flat-topped steering wheel with integrated shift lights, carbon bucket seats, and Alcantara-topped dash. Motor Trend excitedly noted that “a more extreme version of an existing supercar always comes.” With a top speed of around 201 mph, the Stradale is ready to compete with the Porsche GT3 RS and Ferrari 292 GTB.
The Maserati GT2 Stradale is a 21st-century supercar designed to thrill, offering increasingly extreme versions to satisfy even the most demanding drivers.
Break Away from the Pack: The 2025 Maserati Levante Redefines Luxury with V6 and V8 Power
Here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis, we have come to recognize that the current market has offerings for just about any taste. If the current crop of German and Japanese luxury midsize SUVs just don’t happen to be your thing, we’ve been busy cultivating models boasting pure power and a very rich flair! The 2025 Levante was reviewed in the CarCarPro blog last week, which detailed just how it met the expectations of their high-end fantasy.
The cabin is covered in rich materials such as unique silk and leather upholstery from the renowned Ermenegildo Zegna. It offers an impressive performance that speaks volumes and makes good on a decades-old promise to always offer a finished product that is undeniably exclusive. The familiar GranLusso, GranSport, and GTS models have been replaced with an entirely new 3-trim arrangement. The GT is now the starting point, extending upward to the sportier Modena and range-topping Trofeo.
New Trim Levels and Performance Upgrades
The twin-turbo V6 now powers the GT with a slight boost to 350 hp. The Modena has a 430-hp V6, while the Modena S packs a 550-hp twin-turbo V8. The Trofeo rightfully enjoys life at the top with a 580-horsepower version of this piston puncher! All the models will be sporting updated Maserati logos along with some cool trim stripes directly above the fender-mounted vents. The Modena S slaps on classy 20-inch wheels and offers a leather interior with unique dash and door panels.
The Modena S models don’t leave the brake calipers out either, dipping them in sweet red paint. The Nerissimo Pack appearance package channels the thrill of stepping out after nightfall with cool darkened exterior panels. During testing, a 2024 GTS launched up to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. The Trofeo tackled the same feat in a snappy 3.6 seconds. Setting the active dampers to Sport mode allows you to “feel” all the sensations that stoked your love for the grand touring segment in the first place!
Luxurious Interior and Advanced Features
The interior speaks volumes about any car model, and the Maserati Levante instantly strikes even the most discerning driver as incredibly classy! This tester’s test vehicle came in a rich dark brown full-leather treatment and open-pore wood trim. The chrome accents along with the leather-covered dashboard pop nicely, and the analog clock makes for a delightfully old-school feel. The Levante offers excellent ergonomics for driving and enough cargo space for 8 carry-on bags.
An 8-speaker stereo system is standard, with the upgraded 14-speaker Harman/Kardon model providing the colossally kicked-up jams. Car and Driver praised this model for its “designer duds, operatic engines, and muscly power from the available V8s”. It’s a solid performer with a quite lusty engine. Many diehard fans are expressing appreciation for the recurring respect this model has for what some deem as yesteryear’s power. The Newcars.com review staff claimed that the Levante does a much better transmitting power to the wheels than the BMW X7, and the “Nero Assoluto” paint hue is truly indicative of our brand’s strength and prowess.
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Coupe and MC20 Cielo Convertible mark a long-awaited return to form for an enduring legacy. True petrol heads worldwide have not been able to enjoy a ground-up mid-engine supercar in more than 50 years! The Motor Trend team remarked that the MC20 Cielo is “very stunning with the roof up or down.” They also were very enthusiastic about its purity of form and aerodynamic function.
Our sales and service experts here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis have not seen many examples of clean classical designs lately on the market. This pair looks very sleek and sophisticated without projecting an intense, in-your-face attitude. The launch-control button on the steering wheel immediately lets you know that you are in the presence of supercar greatness. Editorial operations director Mike Floyd claimed the car effortlessly won the program’s best-dressed award.
The Cielo’s Performance and Handling
The power and delivery characteristics of the twin-turbo V6 can compete with a Ferrari or Lamborghini on the road. The transmission provided an incredibly smooth and on-point shift regimen, and Sport mode provided the snappiest on-limit handling. The weight management is closely related to how much bite the front end has. The brake pedal is stiff, and the steering wheel is light. It is ideal for the speeds at which the car is fun to drive. The TopGear staff remarked it as a “car with lots of talents and dimensions: it’s quick, engaging, and friendly.”
They claimed that too many of its rivals are so fast and stiffly suspended that they can pose a bit of frustration during a session on the open road. The MC20 Cielo was relaxed and very comfortable at normal speeds. It is also an all-out blast when you have a chance to open things up for fun. A convertible version makes good sense, and it widens the scope while providing a chance to enjoy the passing scenery.
The MC20 Cielo: Innovative Features
The electrochromic glass roof switches between near-opaque and clear with a touch of a button in the screen menus. The powertrain is a 90-degree V-angle with two turbos and boasts an 11-to-one compression ratio. The Cielo’s carbon construction comes in handy for drives where the roof is off, and the car’s handling maintains rigidity. The group claims it doesn’t feel like a take-out food container when things on the road get a bit bumpy!
The rear downforce consistently fares well at staying intact, and the drag reduction and cooling are top-notch. The upper colored panels evoke a very classical sense of aesthetic beauty. This is where some of the car’s unique character shines through and is great at not being too flashy. It does not feel like a “serious race car” in all ways, offering very tight traction on the way out of tight bends. When you approach the higher side of speed limits, it feels perfectly engaging.
The final verdict from this test drive was that you can use this car for a recreational blast and make your heart sing or enjoy the slow-burn pleasure of a long tour. The InsideHook.com blogging team admitted that they gravitated towards open-roof beauties like this due to their fascination with the 50-year-old “Speed Racer” TV show. Both versions will dash from a complete stop to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds with a top speed of 200 mph!
Undeniably Maserati + Racing Electric Heart: 2025 Maserati Gran Cabrio Folgore’s Unique EV Experience
As we checked out the online blog The Drive here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis this week, writer Jerry Perez had a few things to say about the current state of EVs. He remarked that giving an electric car more power and a stiffer suspension may not render it as superior as some would have you believe! Overwhelming on-screen graphics, simulated noises, and other gimmicks cannot always breathe life into an integral force now missing from some vehicles. The 2025 Maserati Gran Cabrio Folgore had some massive expectations laid upon its shoulders.
Our legendary V12s and V8s were the reason why our brand has long been held in such high regard. Six weeks after attending a press event promoting its brilliance, Jerry finally found himself behind the wheel. The superb recipe begins with 3 motors that crank out 751 horsepower. They draw from a 92.5-kWh battery laid out in a T shape. The Gran Cabrio Folgore can go around 233 miles on a single charge.
We’d have to agree that there’s no confusing it for anything else flexing out there on the road. Design chief Klaus Busse was at the helm of the Gran Turismo’s creation a few years ago, which was instantly legendary. The Folgore boasts a very muscular front end and is dominated by very prominent fenders over the front wheels. The supercar segment has gotten a bit crowded lately, but no detail has been skipped in making the Gran Cabrio. Busse went into detail for Jerry about a few of the aesthetic challenges the team encountered.
To keep things looking top-notch with the top up or down, the body needed just the right proportions. If it was somehow placed too far forward, it would not play well with the rear passenger space. Jerry’s mission was to navigate past some beautiful roads in northern Italy and catch up to some other writers who had departed earlier. Directly after he embarked on the journey, he remarked that every last thing felt like a “true Maserati.” The brakes, suspension, and steering saw him greatly enjoying every second.
The available drive modes are Folgore, GT, Sport, and Corsa. The narrow mountain roads were powered through effortlessly in “GT”, and the Gran Cabrio’s cornering abilities were outstanding. Many of today’s EVS feel as if you’re being pulled from the bottom during cornering, while the Gran Cabrio provides a sense of wholehearted control. The battery layout distributes the weight favorably across the vehicle. This allows for a more connected and engaged driving experience. The different regenerative braking modes all feel much more natural than competing models.
The GT and Sport modes offered a suspension feel that was perfect for this day’s drive. Sport mode was taut with precision and tidiness, and burying the foot into the accelerator was thrilling. Every time he encountered a speed bump, Jerry was delighted to not feel a characteristic thud.
Corsa mode stiffened the suspension and perked the car’s senses enough to add a sense of true exhilaration. In the end, he determined that the Folgore shines while cruising down narrow streets. Lowering the top provided the pleasant hum of everything electric unifying forces to produce. It is not an attempt to fully replace a gas-powered engine’s sound, simply the modern drivetrain stating its presence. The conclusion drawn from this test drive was that the Gran Cabrio Folgore still produces the raw performance of yesteryear.
Some may think that this is not a “true modern whistler” or a completely drone-inspired glider. We’ll leave it up to you to decide, while we eagerly anticipate welcoming the fantastic-tire-wrapped things of the future!
Reverence to the Road: Maserati MC20 Icona and Leggenda Introduced for MC12 Commemoration
There are so many wonderful and illustrated years of racing to look back on here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis, where each new release has been so much more than just a reiteration of carbon, chrome, and steel! In 1926, Alfieri Maserati himself successfully piloted the brand to victory in its respective class during the Sicilian Targa Florio. Maserati’s racing vocation has a pair of exciting new special series models that will soon roar sensationally to life!
The MC20 Icona and MC20 Leggenda will both be amazing ways to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our illustrious Trident brand’s return to competition. After 37 years away from the pavement-scorching scene, the swooping and iconic MC12 was born. It was first launched in a version tailored for the everyday road but was destined to leave its mark on the track by becoming a star-studded GT champion. It was proudly 100% Italian-made and began an exciting new era as the first model powered by the groundbreaking V6 Nettuno engine.
These two very special MC20s will enjoy a limited run of just 20 units each and will feature incredibly cool new exclusive content drawing inspiration from the MC12 Stratdale and GT1 Vitaphone models. The Maserati MC20 Icona’s livery is a living, breathing, and fantastic tribute, which is available in identical colors worn by its predecessor in the form of the MC12 Stratdale. When the classic Maserati Trofeo Light ran the 24 hours of Daytona, it was the first model of its type to effectively channel the persona of the Maserati Birdcage Type 61, which was available between 1959 and 1961.
Several cool features from the Fuoriserie personalization program are included in both the Bianco Audace Matte and Blu Stradale liveries. The Fuoriserie logo in Bianco Audace Matte stands out prominently on the side, with the Italian flag situated on the door directly under its identifying lettering. Right in the middle of the wheels, there are silver hubcaps with the Trident logo in contrasting blue and a futuristic auto-dimming feature for the mirrors.
The MC20 Leggenda’s history is inspired by a very accomplished racing legend, with its black Nero Essenza and teal Digital Mint matte paints matching the MC12 GT1 Vitaphonerace car. Both models house the twin-turbocharged V6 under a carbon fiber engine cover with a plaque reading “ICONA (or LEGGENDA) UNA DI 20”. A few other downright amazing features of the MC20 Leggenda are stealth black brake calipers, the Maserati logo in yellow on the grille, and Trident Digital Mint hubcaps. You couldn’t cruise properly in a sensational vehicle such as either of these without an outright amazing soundscape, and the interior features the elaborate Sonus Faber sound system.
These spectacular editions also come equipped with a suspension lifter, blind stop and rear cross-path systems, and the striking carbon fiber interior package. The MC20 Icona and MC20 Leggenda celebrate the 20th anniversary of a very significant golden age on the racetrack, as the epic MC12 GT1 claimed 27 victories in the FIA GT Championships. Its name was entered on the roll of honor at the 24 Hours of Spa 3 times during this amazing accomplishment, along with six Teams’ championships with Vitaphone Racing. The always-poised V6 is good for 621 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque and rockets up to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds!
Hillside Harmony: High-Throttle Notes From The 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo’s Epic SoCal Test
From coast to glorious coast, the models here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis can be enjoyed in many ways, as anything from an impromptu lunch break to a full-on weekend adventure is a fitting opportunity to open the throttle and enjoy the finer things of ownership! One of TopSpeed.com’s top automotive writers was lucky enough to take an eye-catching yellow Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo directly through some of the best American scenery over the past week and reflected on his thrilling experience with temporary keys to a modern grand touring classic.
Automotive writer Garrett Donahue was eager to check out the beautiful hills and rolling canyons while he put the GranTurismo Trofeo through its awe-inspiring paces and had already experienced a few sensational drives with the Nettuno-powered varieties. He was on a mission to thoroughly test the Trofeo’s comfort, everyday practicality, and usability. The yellow hue wasn’t 100% jiving with his preferences initially. He changed his mind over time as it matched the awesome interior yellow stitching perfectly, and the engine’s distinct whine as the car pushed through corners.
Directly beyond the gorgeous fine metallic paint is a body that tantalizes your eyes more and more with every gaze. The day’s different lighting elements bring out different body lines depending on the time of day. Here it’s mentioned that Maserati in no way spoiled the GranTurismo’s distinct and very charming looks while going all-in during the attempt to create a provocative and alluring new model. Every square inch of material is very high-quality, with an abundance of gorgeous leather, well-polished metal, and an Alcantara headliner that makes for a perfect contrast with the entire package.
A few wide-open opportunities to check out the GranTurismo’s performance allowed the personality of this do-it-all sports car to shine, with the driving modes offering an excellent means of going about business on the casual side of things and nailing down a quite livable MPG. The steering’s first impression bodes a very light characteristic but is also precise and infinitely on-point. As Garrett began the semi-elite task of driving through the canyons, he started things off with a stiff suspension set and more aggressive powertrain characteristics.
While in Sport Mode, you can still dial the suspension back to comfort, while “Corsa” removes this option as it assumes you want to feel every gaping and rough aspect of the road. Sport Mode was also where the 8-speed rapidly came alive on this trip, allowing the engine’s character to come alive 100% while still offering up resilient compliance. You can still hustle the Trofeo rampantly in its softest setting, and still enjoy the characteristics of a powertrain setting designed for raw performance. If your load is light, accelerating quickly feels nearly like a diesel, offering up a massive wall of torque at just about every speed. The Nettuno completely redefines sensationalized and effortless pony-up, even if you are only situated at half-throttle.
Even though it is wholeheartedly admitted here that many will mourn the loss of a sinister V8, the power trade-off is quite impressive. Getting from 0 to 60 takes just 3.5 seconds, with this testing crew easily nailing it down with three passengers on board. They truly fell in love with the delightfully over-engineered braking, and acceleration that ranks right up there with the world’s proudest and greatest. As the group wrapped up a drive ending for some R & R on the coast, they agreed that the newest GranTurismo is fast, entertaining, and instantly proves that Maserati is serious about dominating the high-end market.
Does Petrol-Driven Still Preside As King? Test-Driving the Gas-Powered Maserati MC20 Cielo
The changes in the auto market’s impending future are coming at us quickly here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis. We realized that many opinions regarding performance were still looming as conversation pieces! One of the pressing criticisms that electric vehicles have drawn lately is that they lack the same raw passion that gas models possess. The telltale noise, shifting of gears, and engaged involvement of the driver are traits that some feel EVs miss the mark on.
James Morris is a very experienced auto journalist at Forbes, and he was excited to provide his very respected opinion about the matter. He just so happens to have been testing more EVs than ever lately, so taking an enthusiastic step directly into the Maserati MC20 Cielo’s cabin was exactly the type of assignment he had been eager to tackle. Cielo is Italian for “sky”, and this amazing supercar has 3 roof modes to enjoy the atmosphere’s lucent blue hues.
The glass is equipped with Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal technology, which switches things from fully cloudy to clear with an electrical input’s Jedi-like assistance! The panoramic roof on the BMW iX also offers this feature, but James adamantly claims that our version takes things to the surreal extreme. After pushing just one button on the LCD panel, you can quickly make the sense-stimulating change from completely opaque to transparent.
This can be a useful middle ground when engaging in speeds above 60 mph when turning the glass transparent can promote more peace during highway cruising. When the sun is shining, and you are eagerly approaching the two-lane roads just beyond the city limits, it’s a great way to enjoy the atmosphere and the distinctive gas-powered roar. The 3.0-liter patented twin-turbo Nettuno V6 cranks out a startling 630 horsepower and is entirely driven via the rear wheels.
The transmission is an 8-speed dual-clutch system boasting two overdrive speeds, and the heavy presence of carbon fiber keeps the curb weight amazingly light. The drive modes in the cars of today have been amazingly game-changing for drivers who once had so many different wishes about being able to switch gears with dynamics quickly. The Corsa mode edges in heavily and increases the turbo engine boost, while also making changes to the suspension that allow you to race easier. In GT mode, the power begins to rise gradually, while the accelerator offers up a much quicker return in Sport mode.
Here the reviewer is impressed that the manual gearboxes of the current market with paddle shifters are just too snappy, and the MC20 offers up just the opposite, with a seamless and integral motion that is always waiting to perform. As James had passed by so many different types of people on the street, he also admitted that no single model he had ever driven had elicited as much love from acquaintances and those passing by as this one. When thinking aloud about the good things to come as far as the acceleration quality and keeping weight down for a future all-electric version, he also admitted that his own very fast EV felt extremely mundane after this model’s spirited spin!
The warmer days of summer are pleasantly sultry and beckoning for exhilarating convertible rides here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis, as you wonder how you could EVER have survived the winter days.
0 to 60 mph in a stunning 2.7 seconds thoroughly makes good on the car’s “lightning” description translated from Italian. This year the Folgore eagerly traded out its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 for a 3-motor setup, cranking out an earth-shattering 818 horsepower and 996 lb-ft of torque. Beyond eager when compliantly getting with the times, the Folgore uses an 800V electrical architecture that can allow for charging up to 270 kW: this situates things triumphantly (and efficiently!) directly into sworn rival’s Tesla territory.
This grand touring masterpiece now boasts a range of 278 miles, and has not been strictly created just for those who love pushing performance limits! Here we have a refined, no-compromise model that has the makings of an instantly-legendary status product. The GranCabrio Folgore boasts the same folding fabric roof that was so well-appreciated on the gas model, which takes just 14 seconds to fully lower or raise. As you are enjoying the very intense breezes and fitting scents of late spring, there’s also a very cool neck-warming system that conveniently cranks out three varying levels of heat.
The inverters are a few of the very futuristic components that are a huge game-changer for the car’s performance, and they are an inspiring component that aids with the car’s artificial sound. Some diehard petrolheads were so disappointed to hear that the soundtrack was going to be generated via “not-so-authentic” tactics, and we can assure you that the result is still fantastic! The Motor Trend crew was thrilled to head to Italy’s famed and quite scenic Adriatic Coast to check out the salacious convertible’s official unveiling.
They first noted that the available color selection was quite thorough, with six standard and 27 special-order paint hues optimized for the Folgore’s visual appeal. There’s still a native navigation system on board, which can quickly map out nearby charging stations and their availability status as well as cost. Owners will also proudly take home a wall box charging unit, capable of delivering 3 and 22 kW depending on home architecture. The top-of-the-line 270 kW chargers can replenish the amazing convertible from 20 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes.
As other high-end manufacturers such as Porsche had to heavily outsource duties such as software development, the Maserati crew competently went to work on engine, computer, and inverter design directly in-house. The design, luxury touches, and overall feel of the convertible quickly won over the Digital Trends auto reporting staff, who reflected that putting forth the effort to find a home with a younger buyer may be a challenge on our behalf. We wholeheartedly accept that challenge, as we know that withstanding decades of mainstream criticism can be accomplished by brandishing a mechanism superior in all ways.
The Driving.CA review team declared post-test-drive that this was a “mouth-watering drop top EV”, with some seriously sexy curves that demand immediate attention. In rear-wheel-drive-only mode, this system can discharge 100 percent of the available power, expertly exerting up to 400 horsepower of output for each rear wheel. If you ever “get the sudden urge to take things up to 11”, Corsa mode allows you to unleash the full 780+ horsepower potential, and is strictly recommended for experienced track hounds only!
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