Along with the new combustion-powered Modena and Trofeo variations, the all-new Folgore, the brand's first totally electric model, was unveiled on Monday. In many ways, the EV GT is the GranTurismo's flagship model, offering the finest combination of performance and luxury, with the fastest acceleration and the quietest cabin.
The Folgore looks almost identical to the Modena and Trofeo variants. Folgore insignia can be found on the front fenders, which also feature unique LED lighted triple vents. Closer inspection reveals redesigned front grilles and an exhaust-free rear diffuser that aid in drag reduction. The Folgore's distinctive Aero wheels sliced through the air better than the designs of the combustion models. (The wheels are still staggered with 295/30ZR21 rear tires and a slightly larger sidewall on the 265/35ZR20 front tires.) When the active grille shutters and turbulence-reducing air suspension are deactivated, the Folgore has a drag coefficient of 0.26 vs 0.28 for the Modena.
Because there is no gas tank, the Folgore also removes the circular gasoline filler door from the driver-side rear fender, replacing it with a bigger door just below the taillight on the rear bumper that conceals the CCS charging outlet.
Full-electric Folgore
The 92.5-kWh battery (83.0 kWh usable) lies at the heart of the Folgore's 800-volt electrical architecture, with the majority of it nestled into a middle tunnel rather than flat under the floor and seats. The "T-bone" layout keeps the passenger's hip point low and the coupe's overall appearance streamlined. The Folgore stands 53.2 inches tall, the same as the GranTurismo Modena.
The all-electric Maserati GranTurismo Folgore prioritizes power over range.
The Folgore is powered by three 300-kW motors, one shared by the front wheels and two on the rear axle for torque vectoring. Early previews boasted "way over 1,200 horsepower," which Maserati representatives affirm the engines are theoretically capable of. The discharge capacity of the battery pack, however, restricts continuous output to about 750 hp and 996 pound-feet of torque, which is still an incredible amount of power. It's fast enough to go from 0 to 62 mph in 2.7 seconds, 124 mph in 8.8 seconds, and 199 mph at top speed. That's faster than the GranTurismo Trofeo, which has the same peak speed.
The range of the Italian automaker's electric grand tourer has yet to be determined. I'm told it'll go well over 200 miles on a single charge, but Maserati also told me that the Folgore's focus is on "zero compromise performance," not class-leading range. Expect numbers similar to Porsche's Taycan rather than a Tesla-beating EPA projection.
At a DC fast charging station, the electrical system may receive up to 270 kW, quickly adding roughly 60 miles of range in the first 5 minutes. The battery can also be charged at a Level 2 AC station at 22 kW. Charge estimates will become more comprehensive as the launch date approaches.
Multiple levels of regenerative braking are adjustable via the Folgore's standard paddle shifters or via touchscreen control to make the most of the range. The EV's steering wheel, like the gas-powered models, has a start/stop button and a drive mode choice incorporated into its hub. Drivers can select GT mode, which reduces power to 80%, Max Range mode, which limits acceleration and top speed to 81 mph, Sport mode, or Corsa mode. Corsa mode includes Max Boost and Endurance sub-settings; the former is a kind of qualifying level that leaves nothing to chance, while the latter manages thermal performance for long track sessions.
Intelligent Assistant Maserati
The dashboards of all three GranTurismo models have the same Maserati Intelligent Assistant infotainment package. All have three displays, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch primary infotainment display, and a smaller 8-inch secondary touchscreen, and are powered by Maserati Connect for interaction with Amazon Alexa, Tidal music streaming, and other services.
The Folgore's system includes a few unique characteristics that make life with electricity a little easier. When en route to a DC charging point, the navigation software integrates with the battery management systems, triggering thermal battery preconditioning to promote faster, more consistent recharging. The map displays a dynamic range overlay showing the maximum cruising distance in real time, while routes to destinations are computed based on battery condition and predicted usage. The cabin climate systems can also be activated while the Folgore is parked and unoccupied, allowing for preconditioning when plugged in and saving power on the road.
The GranTurismo Folgore will be introduced with the Modena and Trofeo in early 2023. As the debut date approaches, we anticipate to learn more about the range and price. The Folgore is the first of what is projected to be a wave of electric cars from the brand, with the Grecale Folgore SUV following suit. Maserati plans to offer a battery-electric option for every model in its inventory by 2025, before switching to a fully electric lineup in 2030.
