Maserati GranCabrio Folgore, Electric and Falsely Thermic!

Maserati unveiled its new 4-seater convertible, which is also equipped with an electric motor that aligns perfectly with the idea of driving with your hair in the wind.

The legendary Maserati paradox. While the vehicles presented by the Modena manufacturer in Italy have never been so refined and elegant, the brand is experiencing a severe financial crisis. This has forced the company to lay off many employees, especially at the headquarters.

Austerity measures that contrast with the energetic efforts to restore the brand’s commercial vitality, whose pedigree is among the most prestigious in the automotive industry. This is even more true given that attention to design has re-emerged in recent years. However, winning back disappointed customers from previous experiences is not easy.

In France, for example, a dealer like Car Lovers (Schumacher group) is brainstorming to offer unique lifestyle experiences, and it seems to be working. But the process will be lengthy. A first dealership has been opened in Saint-Cloud, in the chic suburbs of Paris.

Maserati is supporting this revival with a highly desirable new product. A large 4-seater convertible that perfectly follows the company’s tradition and particularly appeals in the United States. This model is already available in a petrol version with all-wheel drive designed to transmit the 550 horsepower of a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 to the ground. But now, the all-electric GranCabrio Folgore, with 761 horsepower, is approaching.

3 Electric Motors!

Maserati is embarking on its energy transition, aiming to become an electric manufacturer by the end of the decade. To do so, it relies on the combined expertise of Stellantis (to which it belongs) and its cousin Ferrari (independent but supplying thermal engines). The entire 800-volt architecture (for very rapid charging and discharging) revolves around a 92.5 kWh battery.

This battery powers three electric motors: one at the front, two at the rear, with a theoretical combined power of 1200 horsepower. Each motor is independent, meaning at the rear, each drives a wheel. This configuration will ensure optimal torque vectoring for dynamic road handling, in a vehicle weighing approximately 2300 kg…

Each motor can deliver up to 400 horsepower, but the battery’s continuous power limit is 610 kW, or about 750 hp.

A Fake V8 Engine Sound?

We mentioned inter-Stellantis synergy. The Maserati GranCabrio Folgore employs an unlikely solution borrowed from the Abarth 500e — a system that produces a synthetic sound, if the driver wishes, mimicking that of a V8 from the brand. The thermal engine detox begins at Maserati, but slowly…

Four driving modes then allow changing the character of this Maserati: Max Range (maximum autonomy), GT, Sport, and Corsa.

The most “interesting,” aside from the sportier modes, concerns Max Range and its energy-saving strategies. Top speed is limited to 130 km/h, while throttle response is softened to avoid unnecessary bursts of power. The air conditioning also reduces its power output.

Maserati has announced a starting price of €211,250, with first deliveries expected in 2025. Not cheap, but remember you won’t have to deal with a €60,000 tax penalty or fill up with €200 worth of petrol afterward…