Tags: #electric-vehicles
The new Maserati GranTurismo is the latest generation of the brand’s popular two-door GT and on the outside, is very much an evolution of the previous generation car. However, if buyers don’t fancy the 3.0-litre V6, they can instead opt for a 100 per cent electric powertrain – the first in the brand’s history. This is just the first EV in what will eventually become an electric-only model line-up by 2030.
Whilst the V6 and its two turbos will be undoubtedly quick thanks to 490hp, or 550hp in Trofeo form, the EV version is going to show it a clean pair of heels thanks to 751bhp (and 997lb-ft of torque), delivered by three electric motors. Two of these sit on the rear axle and one on the front, meaning that, when required or desired, the GranTurismo will be all-wheel drive.
This prodigious power sees the 2+2 Coupe achieve zero to 62mph in just 2.7 seconds, putting it in a small group of EVs that hit the magic number in under three seconds. The claimed top speed is the same as the petrol car at 199mph.
Maserati has equipped the GranTurismo with a 92.5kWh (gross) battery, so it does lose out weight-wise to its ICE counterparts, but by possibly less than you’d think at 2260kg compared to 1795kg. Range hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the battery has been kept low and laid out in a T formation to maintain 50:50 weight distribution and the car’s 1353mm height. Charging is possible at up to 270kW.
You’re not going to notice the difference between the Folgore and petrol-powered GranTurismos unless you look hard. For the most part, they share the same coupe body style with a long bonnet and heavily raked windscreen running into the low roofline, which encloses the 2+2 cabin.
The main difference is the lack of quad exhausts, which arguably makes the rear look cleaner and more refined. There are no fussy spoilers; it’s svelte and – compared to some performance EVs – quite subtle. It’s also more than a mild resemblance to the outgoing car – think evolution rather than redesign.
One of the most significant differences between the EV and petrol-powered cars is the lack of boot space, which is taken up by the two rear motors. Otherwise, we don’t actually know much about how the inside of the car will look, but Maserati is promising that it will be a much bigger difference than those on the outside of the car, with digital displays, integrated touchscreens and a head-up display being at the heart of the driving experience.
Tech-wise, Maserati is employing a new electric architecture called Atlantis High, which has a high level of processing power and can be continuously upgraded over-the-air. At the heart of this is the Vehicle Domain Control Module. This oversees all of the car’s systems in order to provide the ‘best driving experience in all conditions’.
Rumours are that the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore will go on sale at £200,000 – a £50k premium on the petrol cars. It’s due to arrive in the second half of 2023. Beyond that, we are expecting that the brand’s Quattroporte will follow in 2024 and will be available as only as an EV. We’ll confirm that news as soon as Maserati does.
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