Maserati has unveiled its all new GranTurismo coupe and with it, its first electric vehicle in the form of the GranTurismo Folgore.
One of three GranTurismo variants, the Folgore (which is the Italian for lightning) looks almost identical to the rest of the range, though it's certainly a chip off the old block, with the styling very much an evolution of the previous generation of GranTurismo rather than a radical redesign.
Low, but not slow
Whereas the other GranTurismo variants are petrol-powered, the Folgore sources its energy from a 92.5kWh battery pack, not mounted skateboard-style under the floor and seats, but in a shape that spreads the modules out around the central tunnel in such a way as to lower the car's centre of gravity for better driving dynamics. This makes the Folgore, Maserati claims, the lowest-riding electric vehicle on the market.
The battery's power is sent to three 300kW electric motors, one at the front and two at the rear, and together they can generate a continuous 760hp or, for short bursts of maximum power (accessed by rummaging around in the car's driving mode system), up to 1,200hp.
Maserati hasn't announced the Folgore's range between charges yet, but one figure it has released is the projected 0-100km/h time: 2.7 seconds, which, alongside even that continuous power output (never mind the maximum 1,200hp) comfortably makes the Folgore the quickest and most powerful of the three GranTurismo variants.
Driving modes
It's not as if practical matters such as range have been entirely forgotten though. With a specific wheel design and front splitter to optimise airflow, the Folgore is around seven per cent more aerodynamic than its petrol-powered equivalents, while driving modes including Max Range and GT reduce the motor output with a view to increasing the range. Charging at up to 270kW is possible at a suitable charger.
For when hypermiling isn't on the driver's mind, there are the Sport and Corsa driving modes, accessed through the interior's central touchscreen. Sport is for spirited driving on the road and leaves most of the driver and safety assistance features such as stability control on, while Corsa is track-focused and makes everything sharper and more direct, lowering the suspension and making maximum use of the three motors and 800-volt electrical system. Six-piston Brembo brake calipers up front and four-pot units at the rear (the same as the other two models) may come in handy when things get a little lairy.
The central touchscreen is 12.3 inches in size - only slightly bigger than the 12.2-inch driver's instrument cluster, and there's another 8.0-inch "comfort display" too. Used in the interior is a nylon material made from recycled fishing nets that befits the Folgore's eco bent and sets it apart from the mostly-leather-clad interiors of the other two GranTurismos in the range.
Rest of the range
As for those other two variants, they go by the monikers Modena and Trofeo, the former with a more relaxed, luxurious feel, the latter quite a bit sportier. Both are powered by Maserati's 3.0-litre twin-turbo Nettuno V6 petrol engine, which endows the Modena with 490hp and the Trofeo 550hp. In both cases that's sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Trofeo can get from rest to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds, which is certainly quick, but the gulf of nearly a second between it and the Folgore goes to show how much more powerful the electric model is and just what a difference that the instant availability of vast quantities of torque makes to acceleration.
The new GranTurismo is due to arrive in 2023 in what's set to be a big year for Maserati with the launch too of the Grecale SUV. Also expect word of a convertible version of the GranTurismo - to be named, like its predecessor, the GranCabrio - which will also likely be launched in Folgore, Modena and Trofeo guises.