Maserati Unveils Wine-Inspired Grecale One-Off, “Cheaps Out” on Engine Despite Exquisite Design
Maserati has revealed a stunning one-off Grecale SUV, part of its new “Grecale Tributo Il Bruciato” series, developed in collaboration with the prestigious Marchesi Antinori winemaking family. This bespoke crossover draws inspiration from the winemaker’s “Il Bruciato” label, featuring an exquisite color-shifting paint designed to mimic the swirling hues of red wine. While the design and interior finishes are undeniably captivating and “intoxicating,” the chosen powertrain—a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid—is seen as a notable disappointment for such a high-end, special edition vehicle, earning criticism for not being as “full-bodied as one might expect.” This unique creation seems to prioritize “drawing attention on the motorway” through style rather than asserting dominance through performance.
Exquisite Design: A Tribute to Italian Winemaking
The one-off Grecale is a masterclass in automotive artistry, dedicated to capturing the essence of fine wine.
- Collaboration: Developed with Marchesi Antinori, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious winemaking families.
- Wine Inspiration: Inspired by the winemaker’s “Il Bruciato” label, a wine produced in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast.
- Color-Shifting Paint: The exterior boasts “Alchimi Scarlatta” paint, a unique finish made possible with Chromaflair pigmentation. As light and angles change, the paint shifts from dark raspberry to coppery gold, beautifully mimicking the shades seen when swirling red wine in a glass.
- Wheel Design: The 21-inch Pergaso Forgiati or Crio Fuoriserie wheels are painted Gloss Black, as are the calipers (featuring a Fuoriserie logo), ensuring they don’t detract from the show-stopping paintwork.
- Dramatic Interior: The cabin is equally luxurious, with Tan/Dark Red leather upholstery, unique ribbing on the seats (inspired by canneloni), and a Trident logo in Dark Red on the headrests.
- Premium Amenities: A panoramic sunroof enhances the interior ambiance, and a 14-speaker Sonus Faber sound system completes the high-end experience.
The Powertrain Letdown: “Cheaping Out” on Performance
Despite its luxurious and artistic exterior, the choice of engine has raised eyebrows for a “high-end creation.”
- Modena Badging: The presence of Modena badging on the front fenders signifies that this Grecale is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine, producing 325 horsepower.
- Aging Engine: This is the same engine found in vehicles like the Dodge Hornet and Jeep Wrangler. For a special edition celebrating Italian winemaking passion, critics suggest the more robust Nettuno V6 (found in higher Grecale trims or the MC20) might have been a more appropriate and “full-bodied” choice.
- Focus on Style: Maserati appears to have prioritized the aesthetic and conceptual inspiration over a powertrain that matches the exclusivity and performance expected of a one-off.
- Expected Price: While Maserati has not revealed the cost, with a regular Grecale Modena starting at $77,900 for the 2025 model year, the unique paint and upholstery are expected to push the asking price “close to (or even beyond) six figures.”
Future Outlook: More One-Offs Expected
Maserati seems committed to this “Tributo” series, with promises of more bespoke creations.
- Pipeline of One-Offs: The automaker has indicated that more one-offs are “in the pipeline,” hinting at further collaborations and unique designs.
- Hope for More Interesting Engines: There’s an underlying hope that future special editions might feature more powerful or “interesting” powertrains to complement their exclusive designs.
This Grecale Tributo Il Bruciato is a testament to Maserati’s ability to create visually stunning and conceptually rich vehicles, but it also highlights a potential disconnect between design ambition and powertrain execution in certain special projects.
Also Read – BYD eMAX 7: The $25,000 Electric Minivan Americans Can’t Buy — Why It’s a Game Changer
