Jim Butler Maserati

2024 Maserati Levante

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.

MC20 Cielo

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!

Maserati Gran Cabrio

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!

Maserati MC20

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! 

Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo

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.

2023 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!

Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo

Some of the automotive industry’s leading brands have been falling behind regarding taking trim levels and their monikers seriously! The Car and Driver team lamented during their review of the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo test that some upper-level trims just inject a bit of extra luxury cushioning to the interior, and inch up the horsepower factor just a bit to assist in pulling along any unplanned-for extra pounds.


Even though these variations have unique charms here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis, this experienced auto review team laid down some heavy expectations for any grand touring model. A properly composed GT should arrive at the table with ample performance, comfort, and practicality in a fashion that makes any level of driver want to extend their trip. The GranTurismo Trofeo arrives during a pivotal time in the history of the automobile and begins its charm-inducing visuals with a long and lean profile.


The interior is plush enough to want to count scores of mile markers in, and there’s a pleasantly fire-breathing 542 horsepower reporting for duty. The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6 offers up a coherent dose of abundant torque for every drive mode and a very determined howl during acceleration. It may not offer up as mighty a song as the outgoing V8, but it still packs an audible and exciting punch while committing spring-friendly deeds such as an 11.5-second quarter-mile.


Screeching through this thrilling task at 121 mph, the model also reached 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and is mated to the ZF’s 8-speed transmission along with all-wheel drive. While enjoying the paddle-controlled manual mode, you’ll be approaching hairpins and beckoning two-lane adventures with very instant response, along with very timely and resonant crackles from the exhaust. There are four different wheel designs to choose from, with all types sporting 20 inches in the front and 21 inches in the rear.

This eager team’s test car wore the standard gloss black Pegasos firmly cloaked in Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires ready for scorching summer duty. Although this car comes in on a bit of the heavy side at 4,207 pounds, it still makes very snug turns without feeling bogged down, while holding down an average of 0.97 g on the skidpad. When reaching the enjoyable large straightaways, the GranTurismo can ruthlessly purge forward or cruise along nominally, with all the needed “standby enthusiasm” existing within your throttle ankle.


The car’s “Corsa” drive mode possesses a much lower and more connected drive quality, with the signature “GT” setting hovering over small cracks and bumps without any trouble. The exterior offers up a very distinctly narrow profile, while still evoking the elegance of a formal night out’s far-from-thrifty threads. The car’s ideal ride height makes for an exit with zero wince, and the entire interior layout is as user-friendly as things get. The Evo.co auto review team claimed after viewing the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo that it is a “masterpiece that should be hung on a museum wall and appreciated as fine sculpture!”


With a profile destined to always look outrageously sleek and a cabin full of very cool angles and classy materials, everything included with the package was worked on at great lengths to perfection. Devouring every twist and turn of the road was a full-on treat for this crew, and they loved how the Nettuno punches above its “on paper” power. Rapid, exciting, and with turbos surging, this amazing showcase of elegance renders a fluid and memorable experience.

Maserati Grecale

We have seen our thoughts drifting to “native soil” here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis as the spring is here and many blooming new rows of flowers are visible city-wide! The Cool Hunting car writing team was recently excited to take our Maserati Grecale Folgore for a spin on its native soil, with the scenic olive groves of Puglia, Italy as a backdrop. The end of 2025 is still Maserati‘s ambitious deadline to see each model with a battery-electric version.

The choice to move towards class production rather than mass production has resulted in more customization options and a rich aesthetic, with models such as this remaining as enthralling examples of modern mastery. This review immediately chalked up on the critic’s report card that the Grecale’s sophisticated and timeless sheen was a welcoming first layer of fun. Much of their test model’s exterior was detailed in gloss black, an excellent visual complement to the vehicle’s lower ride height.

To properly maintain this height, the engineers meticulously dropped the floor plan to make extra room for the battery pack, from 8.3 inches to 6.7 inches. This results in a greater sense of speed, which any dedicated Maserati fan will always thoroughly embrace! The excited test driver/editor was thrilled with the specially designed aerodynamic wheels improving every spirited grip around corners. This particular model offered black with interior stitching, with the seats covered in the groundbreaking Econyl recycled nylon fabric.

As the entire globe has been in severe peril due to material in our seas and on land alike halting renewable sustainability, advances such as using fabric recycled from fishing nets have improved the quality of many lives. Enjoying the next escape and downtime you choose to call your own will be even richer thanks to the 1,200-watt, 21-speaker Sonus Faber audio system, on point to offer up the ultimate in audio. Grecale means “Greece” and Folgore translates to lightning, which effectively alludes to a 0-60 mph sprint taking place in about 4 seconds flat.

Sophisticated dual electric motors crank out around 550 horsepower, with an 80 percent charge possible in 30 minutes on a DC fast charger. Here the writer takes a moment to admire just how well the 2024 Maserati Grecale Folgore fared with the creation of artificial driveline noise, embracing a high-performance and gloriously petrol-guzzling variant. The air shocks can be carefully adjusted with the different driving modes, with Max Range, Offroad, and Sport available to provide unique characteristics. Its lower center of gravity plays amazingly well with massive bumps in the road, and the battery pack’s extra weight provides a snugly tail-heavy lurch forward.

The Car and Driver experts loved the polished cabin of the Grecale Folgore, very athletic handling, and high-performing twin-turbo V6. Our Fuoriserie Personalization Program allows for customization to the nines with special liveries, unique paint finishes, and wheels. The CarMagazine.co.uk crew was immediately charmed with the Grecale’s “perfect mixture of new and familiar”, along with the fitting power bursts from the wickedly-good Nettuno twin-turbo V6. The steering is “talkative” and full of grippy feel, without a hyper-alert sense that overrides opportunities for spontaneous fun. Take full control of everything yourself with the expertly crafted gearshift paddles, and be consistently lured in by eager-to-please charm!

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!