In 2022, Maserati announced a bold new plan to fully electrify the brand, with all models expected to be fully electric by 2025. This marked a major shift in the brand's history.
The prelude to this electric era is unveiled by the new GranTurismo Folgore, which is also the first all-electric model in the brand's history. Does this car have enough power to usher in the electric era? Perhaps the name of the new car series already answers this question, because Folgore means "lightning" or "thunder" in Italian.
Maserati's latest GranTurismo Folgore is part of the second-generation model line-up, developed alongside the gas-powered version of the GranTurismo. It is equipped with a twin-turbo V-6 engine version from the brand MC20, showing excellent performance. However, Folgore is clearly more focused on entertainment.
The new model has a powerful power source, equipped with three 300-kilowatt motors, one on the front axle and two on the rear wheels, with an overall output of more than 1,000 horsepower. Although equipped with a 92.5 kWh battery, the actual output is about 760 horsepower, but this does not compromise its excellent performance.
In terms of acceleration, it shows excellent performance, reaching 100 kilometers per hour in just 2.7 seconds, which is about 0.5 seconds faster than the new GranTurismo Trofeo. In terms of top speed, this electric vehicle also surpasses the top fuel-powered model, reaching 325 km/h. In comparison, the fuel-powered model is only 320 km/h.
GranTurismo Folgore is also outstanding in charging technology. It has an 800-volt architecture and has one of the fastest charging speeds among electric vehicles today. It only takes 10 minutes to connect to a high-speed charger, which can add up to 160 kilometers of cruising range. The total cruising range is about 450 kilometers, which is quite competitive among competitors.
Not only that, but this Maserati performs extremely well in corners, thanks to advanced engineering decisions. Its battery adopts a T-shaped design, which cleverly reduces the height of the battery pack to achieve an extremely low center of gravity and excellent balance. At the same time, the advanced torque vectoring system ensures that 100% of the torque can be intelligently adjusted to the rear wheels to achieve automatic balance between front and rear and left and right, making the car stable and flexible in corners.
The new model is equipped with four different driving modes, which can be easily selected through the knob on the steering wheel. The most aggressive mode, called "Corsa," achieves the highest performance of the electric powertrain, while adjusting the air pressure suspension system, electronically controlled shock absorbers, and the intervention of the traction and stability control systems to provide an excellent driving experience.
Switching between different driving modes affects the display of the digital instrument panel, clearly showing important information such as speed and battery charge status. When the battery reaches more than 80% charge, the launch control system is activated through the central touch screen and the acceleration force can be felt on the back of the seat, creating an exhilarating driving experience.
The Folgore's driving experience is not only fast and powerful, but also extremely comfortable, suitable for traveling peacefully through the countryside. Space inside the cabin is thoughtfully considered, with plenty of legroom for rear-seat passengers, while a glass back cover at the top of the cabin further enhances the feeling of openness.
It is expected that in 2024, the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore will become an expensive car, with the price being much higher than that of fuel-powered models. However, this car’s performance and luxurious driving experience rival the best electric cars on the market today. For Maserati, this is a brave move into all-electric territory and a solid foundation for the brand's future position.
