The Maserati team in the Philippines, led by Modena Motorsports Inc. president Sam Versoza, and visiting head of Maserati Asia Pacific Takayuki Kimura, drove the lifestyle media swooning over the latest addition to its fleet of mind-blowing cars (after all, all Maserati models are named after the wind, (except for the MC20) — the Grecale. The Italian name “Grecale” could be translated as “Greek wind.” The Grecale Trofeo is said to have an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and top speed of 285 km/h.
Left almost breathless by tales of Grecale’s speed, and by the power and the privilege the driver feels on the road, I suddenly chimed in quietly, almost like a breeze: “But how about from the passenger’s point of view?” After all, enthusiasts were mostly talking about it from the experience of the one on the wheel.
“Enjoy the ride,” advised Sam Verzosa with the speed of the Grecale. “Safety is basic. But mostly, you will experience performance and luxury. That’s what Maserati’s proud of: the performance and luxury in one.”
Indeed. A lot of those driving their prized Maserati are going to have prized passengers, too.
As David Grasso, CEO of Maserati who spent two productive decades at the helm of Nike’s marketing division and three years as CEO and president of Converse told CEO Magazine, “The 20 years spent with Nike can be summarized with one lesson: serve the consumer. At Maserati, it means: serve the driver and the passenger.” Amen to that!
The Grecale is also said to be “everyday exceptional.”
“Yet, it’s not just a car for enthusiasts; it’s a car for families as well. Whether you’re taking your children to school or commuting to work, the Grecale offers a fun of driving without compromising practicality,” Kimura-san said.
“However, make no mistake, this car is a testament to pure Italian craftsmanship, proudly made in Italy and exuding true Italian luxury,” he stressed.
Kimura-san, who aside from his knowledge of cars and engines is also a sommelier, announced proudly during the dinner hosted by Maserati at Gallery by Chele in BGC, “Maserati Philippines (represented by its distributor Modena Motorsport) the fastest growing among ASEAN countries. Some countries are stagnant, but the Philippines is constantly growing. And the expectation is very, very high.”
“We are number one in Southeast Asia,” Versoza added. He attributed this wind-like speed of growth to Maserati’s targeting a younger demographic.
“Most of the people now who drive the Maserati are the younger, more successful (sector),” he shared.
Versoza, a Party-list congressman, said the road to number one, “starts from the leadership, to the people, to the region, to the country.” He told me that since the pandemic, people have really been investing in luxury, perhaps realizing that life is to be lived to its fullest.
Versoza himself says Maserati takes its cue from CEO David Grasso and his innovations. Kimura-san was also once connected with Uniqlo. So you could see why Maserati’s vibe is, as Versoza described it, “hip and edgy.” For instance they even have a personalized Barbie Maserati.
“Maserati’s tagline is ‘Be Audacious’,” says Versoza. And how! Maserati’s brand ambassador is no less than David Beckham.
Versoza announced on social media that the Grecale, a few days after its launch, is already sold out.
I thus asked Kimura-san if he thinks this year is going to be the best for Maserati Philippines, and he said with the speed of the Grecale, “This year and next year and in the foreseeable future — every year.”
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Grecale strikes the right balance between versatility, elegance, performance and innovation, guaranteeing performance, comfort and safety, all at the same time. These features are combined with off-road capabilities and uncompromising driving pleasure.
It was developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena.
At a launch event held recently in the Samsung Hall at SM Aura Premier, Maserati and Modena Motorsports Inc. announced that Grecale will also be the first full-electric SUV in Maserati history.
The design of Grecale embraces Maserati’s new visual symbol, which distinguishes every new model since the MC20. The front features a low and imposing grille. The profile is notable for its contrast between purity and technique, with a highly fluid body featuring meandering, visual forms and its technical components highlighted with carbon fiber.
In the cabin, standout tech specs include the traditional Maserati clockface. Digital for the first time, it transforms into a veritable in-car concierge, courtesy of voice control.
Everything becomes touch-based, with extreme aesthetic cleanliness. The technology is controlled from the displays: the large 12.3” central screen, the largest ever seen in a Maserati, another 8.8” display for the extra controls and a third for the passengers in the rear seats.
“Grecale embodies a perfect blend of sportiness and sophistication,” said Kimura-san.
At the dinner held before the launch, with fine wines and seven-course meal, each dish, prepared impeccably, Kimura-san said that Maserati’s Italian roots spell “Luxury, luxury, luxury.”
Sometimes every day (like the Grecale), sometimes just on special days (like the MC20). But when you’re feeling audacious, there are no rules. Right, David Beckham?
(You may e-mail me at joanneraeramirez@yahoo.com. Follow me on Instagram @joanneraeramirez.)