Maserati unveils its first-ever electric sports car
The House of the Trident has accomplished a feat that has never been attempted in its illustrious 109-year history. For the first time ever, the marque will offer its latest GranTurismo model with an entirely electric powertrain capable of delivering a staggering 560kW of power.
This move is no doubt a milestone for the Italian luxury sports car maker as well as its iconic GranTurismo model nameplate which debuted 75 years ago as the Maserati A6 1500. While the new model is a clear nod to the future of the company’s offerings, it also manages to accommodate for the traditionalists who still have their hearts set on internal combustion power.
A return to fine athletic form
Beauty, functionality, comfort and refined elegance are terms often associated with the Maserati GranTurismo. In its latest iteration, this winning formula is once again called upon through the utilisation of unique body lines harking back to the classic proportions of the brand’s most coveted models.
The signature long bonnet returns as does the central body intersected by four masculine fenders that evoke strength without disrupting the design’s natural athletic form. A dramatic roofline also drops dynamically towards the rear to further emphasise the curve of the pillar wearing the iconic Trident logo.
All of these specific design elements converge to create a new GranTurismo identity that is instantly recognisable and distinct from anything else on the road today.
Embracing the electric evolution
The electric variant of the model, the GranTurismo Folgore, features a powerplant based on 800-volt technology developed through cutting-edge technical solutions derived from Formula E. The vehicle’s blistering performance is made possible via a trio of powerful 300-kW permanent magnet motors paired to a battery system boasting a nominal capacity of 92.5 kWh and a discharge capacity of 560kW. This translates to approximately 760hp being sent to the wheels.
Given the weight considerations of traditional battery systems in electric vehicles, Maserati devised a specific and innovative layout of the battery which results in the containment of vehicle height to 1,353mm, a move which avoids compromising the vehicle’s sporty dynamics.
Elsewhere, the new model employs an extensive use of lightweight materials including aluminium and magnesium, together with high-performance steel. This multi-material approach required new manufacturing processes to be created, but the result is best-in-class weight levels.
The vehicle’s electrical system also comes with advanced level 5 cyber-security and flash-over-the-air features. One key innovation is the Vehicle Domain Control Module (VDCM) master controller, a 100% Maserati project consisting of the software that provides 360 degree control of all the most important car systems, to ensure the best driving experience in any condition.
Pinnacle of petrol power
Internal combustion innovation isn’t left to the wayside in the new GranTurismo. The new coupe is equipped with the marque’s revolutionary V6 Nettuno engine which will come in two versions: the Modena, with the 490hp 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno Twin Turbo, or the high-performance Trofeo version which takes the same engine but tweaks it to a maximum power delivery of 550hp.
Showcasing interior intelligence
Innovation doesn’t escape the interior of the latest GranTurismo. At the core of the modern cabin lies the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) Multimedia system, the latest infotainment, a comfort display that brings together the main functions in an integrated touchscreen interface, a digital clock, a Heads-up Display available as an option, and the Sonus faber audio system. This sound system is also responsible for producing an all-round sound experience that elevates the signature note of the Maserati engine – both in petrol and electric guise.
Future of luxury driving
The new GranTurismo model was developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab and produced at the Mirafiori manufacturing hub in Turin. This process ensures that the GranTurismo is 100 percent made in Italy while epitomising true Italian luxury performance, a concept championed by all Maserati models. By 2025, all Maserati models will come in a full-electric version, and the entire Maserati range will run on electricity alone by 2030.
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