The Maserati Granturismo Folgore has been unveiled, with the Italian firm’s new electric GT set to rival the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT when it arrives in 2023.
The new electric coupe marks the beginning of the brand’s huge electrification push of its mainstream model line-up, with Maserati aiming to become EV-only by 2030. The firm will only launch new electric cars from 2026, although its combustion-engined models launched before that date – including an ICE version of the new Granturismo – will remain on sale until their production ends.
The Granturismo Folgore will go on sale next year as a 2+2 electric GT equipped with a 93kWh battery delivering a power output of 560kW and 997lb ft of torque. Maserati promises a 0-62mph sprint of just 2.7 seconds.
Thanks to its near 100kW battery, the Granturismo Folgore has a claimed range of up to 450km (280 miles) and it can be charged at speeds of up to 270kW. This allows for a 20-80 per cent charge in just 18 minutes, which equates to around 62 miles in five minutes.
Maserati’s Folgore GT rides on a new modular platform which it shares with the V6-powered variant. The bespoke architecture will be used on all future models including the recently revealed Grecale Folgore, the brand’s first electric SUV.
Maserati says its new chassis provides optimal 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity thanks to a T-bone-shaped battery pack. The firm claims the Folgore sits lower than any other EV on sale today.
Like the previous generation Granturismo, the new Folgore model maintains its sweeping coupe silhouette, with wider, bolder front and rear wheel arches.
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The new GT gets the same vertical headlights as the flagship MC20 sports car, while the Granturismo’s signature front oval grille remains, adorned with the iconic trident logo.
The Granturismo Folgore also gets bespoke alloy wheels designed specifically to improve the car’s aerodynamic efficiency.
Inside the Folgore has a more climate-conscious theme with the use of sustainable materials such as Econyl, a recycled nylon made from nets recovered from the sea.
Maserati has promised the new Granturismo Folgore will get a more “digital” interior design with a new integrated touchscreen display. The new screen will be equipped with Maserati's latest intelligent assistant multimedia system.
Intriguingly, Maserati says it will also offer the Folgore with a unique engine sound through external and internal speakers, which is still in development.
Maserati’s new EV will also be equipped with the brand's Vehicle Domain Control Module (VDCM), a new form of software designed in-house that provides 360 degrees of control of the car’s most important systems.
The VDCM adjusts the level of electric support depending on the driving mode chosen, which according to Maserati, should help to deliver the best driving experience in all conditions.
The Folgore gets a number of driving modes including Max Range, GT, Sport and Corsa - which offers the most extreme experience.
Pricing for the Granturismo Folgore remains under wraps, but Maserati did confirm that the car would arrive in the second half of 2023, after the launch of the V6-powered model.
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