Maserati GranCabrio Folgore spied cold weather testing
The first all-electric open-top GT car will join V6-powered GranCabrio models
Just like the impressive new GranTurismo coupe, Maserati’s forthcoming GranCabrio will also be available with both internal combustion and electric motors, the latter of which has been spied undergoing its own round of cold weather testing. Destined to share many of the coupe’s specifications, the new GranCabrio Folgore will also have the accolade of being the first open-top GT to be powered by electric motors, and has only just been pipped to the post as the first electric convertible by the low-volume Mini Electric Convertible.
Like the coupe, it shares its underlying structure with its petrol-powered counterpart, populating various voids in the chassis with a t-shaped battery pack and three electric motors. The battery pack runs the length of the cabin and spreads across the front footwells, with a taller stacked section mounted ahead of the rear axle. All-in, the Folgore will have a total capacity of 92.5kWh, only 0.9kWh less than found in a Porsche Taycan fitted with its larger battery option. It will also have a similar 800V electrical system to the Porsche, which facilitates up to 270kW DC charging at compatible stations. Maserati’s quoting an initial range target of 279 miles – right on target for the flagship Taycan Turbo S’s 278 - 291mile WLTP figure.
> Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo 2023 review
The innovative triple-motor layout will also be carried across, powering their respective axles independently without a physical connection between them. The three motors have been designed and built in-house, and are each capable of producing 300kW (394bhp) for a combined total of 1190bhp. This figure isn’t quite representative, though, as the battery has a maximum discharge capability of 610kW (806bhp), so translates to a peak power of 750bhp at the wheels, with torque capped at 996lb ft.
The Folgore will join a pair of V6-powered models, too, coming in two outputs specific to its Modena or Trofeo trims. In the coupe, these produce 542bhp and 493bhp that power all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Folgore, the IC’s fully-variable all-wheel drive system is all mechanical, while still being capable of varying power between the axles depending on the selected drive mode. It can also decouple the front driveshafts completely, making it purely rear-wheel drive.
TrustpilotThe V6 engine itself is a development of Maserati’s Nettuno engine, which features cutting-edge tech like pre-combustion chambers that increase both efficiency and power. Despite the loss of two-cylinders compared to the previous GranCabrio, both V6 models produce more power and significantly more torque than before, which will yield benefits against the stop watch.
Petrol-powered GranTurismos are due to reach customers imminently, with the closed-roof Folgore following six months later. This GranCabrio is expected a further six months after that, putting its on-road debut some time in early 2024.
