Maserati on Electric Vehicle Rampage GranTurismo Folgore EV
Maserati is on the electric vehicle rampage. Months after revealing its first EV in the Grecale Folgore electric SUV, the Italian sportscar maker has ripped the covers off the next car in its forthcoming EV family. Meet the new GranTurismo Folgore. Folgore being Italian for lightning, by the way.
Two Pretty Mean V6s Too, By the Way
In typical GT style, the Maserati GranTurismo returns as a classic two-door two-plus-two four-seater. It’s as much about luxury as it is speed. And while that electric version has stolen all the headlines, the new Maserati GT also comes with a choice of two gas V6s.
Half as powerful as its electric twin, the gas-powered GranTurismos pack two detuned versions of the MC20’s white-hot twin-combustion Nettuno biturbo V6. It of course has Ferrari Formula 1 roots and turns all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
GranTurismo is coming in the choice of a base 360 kW Modena and the 400 kW Trofeo. It also gets racier looks, unique forged wheels and an electronically locking differential. That among its allegedly soon to be extinct gas-powered arsenal.
The Electric GranTurismo Folgore Caught Our Eye
The all-electric Folgore is the GranTurismo that’s really piqued our attention. Packing 800-volt architecture, Folgore uses electric Formula E racing tech in the most powerful powertrain in the new range.
Folgore delivers over 880 kW horsepower and has 995 pound-feet of maximum torque. That courtesy of a trio of 300 kW permanent magnet electric motors. Two on the rear axle, plus one up front. The bi-motor rear axle features independent torque vectoring.
Powered by a 92.5 kWh nominal capacity battery pack with a usable 83 kWh, the Folgore can continuously transmit around 550 kilowatts to all four wheels. Full power cannot be continuously delivered to the wheels, although that is indeed likely for short periods.
2.6 Second 0-100 the Stuff of Drag Strips
Folgore can discharge 100 percent of its available battery power through the rear axle only. Which makes it rear-wheel drive on demand. All of which makes for 2.6-second claimed 0-100 km/h sprint, 200 km/h in 8.8 seconds. And a 320 km/h top speed. That’s stuff of drag strips!
The innovative centrally packed T-shaped battery pack allows the seats to remain low in the car. For a sporty 132 cm overall height. Maserati promises Folgore will cover 450 WLTP kilometre on a single battery charge. High-performance steel, aluminum and magnesium-rich, the lightweight 4.96 metre long Folgore has a best-in-class 2,260 kg curb weight.
Folgore Evolves Outgoing Granturismo Styling
The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore evolves the outgoing car’s classic Maserati GT proportions. It has a long hood, bulging lines and an aerodynamic roof line. Maserati promises a high tech. cockpit. Expect innovative integrated touchscreen multimedia, heads-up display and optional immersive Sonus Faber 3D sound.
Maserati will build GranTurismo at the Turin Mirafiori plant. It will go on sale from mid 2023.