Maserati has revealed the second generation of the Granturismo, and it gets both electric and V6 powertrain options. The Italian carmaker hopes this will shake up the luxury GT segment and re-establish it as a leading sports car manufacturer.
- Granturismo sits on new flexible platform
- Gets two powertrain options, more ICE options to join later
- Convertible bodystyle to be revealed next year
Maserati Granturismo Folgore EV gets 761hp
The 2+2 electric Granturismo, called Folgore (for lightning), gets 761hp and can sprint from 0-100kph in just 2.7sec. It is Maserati’s long-awaited answer to the Porsche Taycan, and will arrive as part of the marque’s rapid-fire electrification push – phasing out combustion power entirely 2030 onwards.
The Folgore is powered by a 92.5kWh (83kWh usable) T-shaped battery, hooked up to three in-house-built motors (one on the front axle and two at the rear). This allows for both rear- and four-wheel drive, and the battery can be charged at speeds of up to 270kW, making it among the fastest-charging EVs on sale.
A flexible new architecture – unrelated to that used by the old V8-powered Granturismo – will form the base of the Folgore and its V6 sibling. The bespoke chassis will also be used on other Maseratis, including the Grecale Folgore EV, with the battery placed low, and along the centre of the chassis for optimal weight distribution and centre of gravity.
The V6 car has its engine just behind the front axle, while the drivetrain takes up the space used by the battery. The Folgore weighs 2,260kg and its V6 sibling weighs 1,795kg (78kg less than the lightest, MC-spec GT from the previous generation).
Maserati Granturismo Nettuno gets 550hp V6
The ICE-powered Granturismo Nettuno gets 550hp (80hp less than the MC20). It does 0-100kph in 3.5sec in top-flight Trofeo form, while a Modena variant with 490hp will also be available. Its closest rivals – the Aston Martin Vantage, McLaren GT and Ferrari Roma – are currently on sale with V8s only.
Maserati Granturismo V6 and EV: design differences
Noticeable differences between the V6 and EV models include a subtly tweaked front bumper and quad pipes at the rear. The V6 car also has a bigger boot than the EV – the latter's needs space to accommodate its rear motors.
Despite the technical reinvention, the new Granturismo bears a strong visual resemblance to the previous car, which bowed out in 2019. The sleek, long-bonnet, cab-back stance remains – even on the Folgore version – with a new treatment for the front and rear end bringing the GT in line with Maserati’s new design language, as pioneered by the MC20 and Grecale.
However, the most defining difference, apart from the powertrain, is the sound. In place of the Nettuno’s charismatic V6 exhaust note, the Folgore will have external and internal speakers that will pump out a “unique” soundtrack, similar to a fusion of electric whirrs coupled with a V8 engine.
New Maserati Granturismo: interior, price
The changes inside promise to be much more dramatic. Maserati will reveal the car completely early next year, but early details include a smaller steering wheel, a new 12.0-inch digital dashboard and a pair of infotainment screens stacked in the centre of the dashboard (top for entertainment and bottom for “comfort” features). The screens flank physical buttons that control the automatic gearbox. The staple analogue clock has been replaced by a digital display with interchangeable faces.
Final prices for the two Granturismo variants will be revealed closer to their respective launches: the V6 car will arrive in spring 2023 and the EV in the second half of next year.
The limited-run First Edition car – expected to command a premium – is already proving “very popular”, according to Maserati, but the firm has yet to fully outline its sales aspirations for the second-generation GT family.
Maserati Grancabrio due next year as first drop-top EV GT
Maserati is primed to bring back the Grancabrio nameplate next year for an open-roof version of its reborn Granturismo. Set to share the coupe’s EV and pair of V6 powertrain options, the revitalised Maserati Grancabrio will also feature nearly identical technical specifications across the board, said Maserati. That means a choice of two six-cylinder options (with 490hp or 550hp) and a Folgore-badged EV with 761hp.
The firm will stop selling combustion models from 2030, and by 2025, introduce electric versions of the Levante, Quattroporte and MC20 globally.
Also see:
All-new Maserati Grecale unveiled
Maserati introduces new 10 year warranty programme
Maserati unveils 629hp MC20 Cielo convertible