Maserati's first electric sports car packs big instead of making a mess. Three electric motors, a 200 mph top speed and an 800-volt electrical system challenge the industry’s legendary Porsche Taycan Turbo S.
Some time ago, Maserati announced an e-offshoot of the GranTurismo but didn’t specify if it would soon become a reality. Maserati has now presented the latest model generation of the traditional GT series, which is also available in the Folgore electric version for the first time.
And the Folgore seems like it has the talent.
The Power
As stated, Maserati has given the GranTurismo Folgore three electric motors, each with 300 kW, which can operate entirely independently of each other. Two electric motors are located on the rear axle, each controlling one wheel, which allows highly dynamic torque vectoring to be implemented, promising extremely sporty cornering.
Another electric motor is located on the front axle, making the Maserati an all-wheel drive vehicle. Using efficient silicon carbide technology, the batteries and inverters are said to have their origins in Formula E. One result from this: The maximum recuperation output should be up to 400 kW, corresponding to an acceleration of up to 0.65 G.
But all three motors will never be able to use their full power simultaneously because the battery delivers a maximum of 560 kW - which corresponds precisely to the Porsche Taycan Turbo S boost performance.
Nevertheless, the power reserves should lead to excellent handling since the power can be delivered to the respective wheel as required. Incidentally, the maximum torque is up to 1,350 Newton meters and thus another 300 Newton meters more than the Porsche.
The Competition
It really looks like the engineers at Modena – the headquarters of Maserati – really kept a close look at the Taycan. Because the electric Italian is going to be able to accelerate to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, making it precisely a tenth faster. It should only take 8.8 seconds to reach 125 mph, which means that the Maserati is 0.8 seconds behind the Porsche, at least on paper.
But at the latest, on a very free highway, the Maserati pulls past the Porsche. Because while the Taycan tops out at 165 mph at the latest, the Folgore should be able to drive at speeds of up to 200 mph. It remains to be seen whether this is still relevant today, but it is probably about conveying the feeling that one could if one were allowed to.
Like Porsche, Maserati relies on an 800-volt electrical system for the GranTurismo. This should enable charging capacities of up to 270 kW. Maserati does not specify an exact charging time, but 60 miles (WLTP) should be able to be recharged in just five minutes. The Italians are installing a three-phase 22 kW onboard charger for AC charging.
The 92.5 kWh battery (of which 83 kWh can be used) itself is integrated into the vehicle in the form of a bone, which has the advantage that the vehicle height of 4.4 ft is precisely the same as the combustion engine - after all, the passengers do not have to get on the battery pack. According to Maserati, the GranTurismo Folgore should be the flattest series electric car. That may be true if you ignore the Tesla Roadster, which is no longer in production, or other exotics like the Pininfarina Battista.
The Space
Of course, space and trunk volume does not play such a significant role in a sports car, but Maserati ultimately sees itself as a real GT, which is why this chapter should not be ignored entirely. According to Maserati, the two-door GranTurismo, which is almost five meters long, is a “ real four-seater ”.
At 270 liters, the trunk is comparatively modest. This is where the four-door Taycan can score points, as it offers 366 liters of storage space at the rear and 84 liters at the front. There is apparently no frunk in the Grand Touring Maserati.
The Tech
So that the long journey (after all, that's what the model name stands for) is also electrically enjoyable, Maserati has integrated a route planner that automatically plans the charging stops and preconditions the battery accordingly so that it can then be charged at full power.
Of course, Maserati has also thought of app access for pre-air conditioning or status queries.
There are also four driving modes: The standard mode is "GT Mode", in which 80 percent of the maximum power is available. If the range is getting tight, you can switch to "Max Range" mode, in which the speed is throttled down to 80 mph.
Full performance is available in "Sport" mode, and "Corsa" mode was programmed for the racetrack. The whole thing is to be accompanied by a specially composed sound design inside and out, although it is not yet clear whether this can also be deactivated.
Conclusion
The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore is expected to hit dealerships over the coming year. Maserati still owes us an exact date and the prices. In addition to the GranTurismo Folgore coupé, Maserati has also announced a convertible version, which will be called the GranCabrio Folgore. We expect that this will share the technology with the coupe.
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Resources
- https://www.maserati.com/ca/en/news/maserati-granturismo-folgore-takes-to-the-streets
- https://www.teslarati.com/maserati-unveils-first-electric-model-the-granturismo-folgore
- https://www.caranddriver.com/maserati/granturismo-folgore
- https://insideevs.com/news/613903/maserati-granturismo-folgore-ev-packs-1207-hp-does-0-60-2-7-sec/
- https://www.evo.co.uk/maserati/granturismo/205031/maserati-granturismo-folgore-debuts-with-750bhp-tri-motor-setup
- https://electrek.co/2022/10/03/maserati-shares-new-details-of-electric-granturismo-folgore-priced-around-170k/
- https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/maserati-granturismo-folgore-full-electric-debut/
Tankut Basar
Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end.
