Maserati | The GranTurismo takes a leap into the electric future and receives the heart of an athlete

The Maserati GranTurismo is one of the latest creations to personify the old Italian tradition of grand touring coupés, an aesthetically endangered breed. To mark the transfer of power, the legendary Italian brand provides the model with the tools to ensure its durability.

Charles Rene
The Press

Banking on a wheelbase approaching 3 m long and a total length bordering on 5 m, the work is intended to be rather imposing while retaining dimensions similar to those of its predecessor. Its proportions, however, seem better controlled, preferring a face inspired by the MC20 – the family’s supercar – with its thin vertical headlights that cascade over wide fenders.

The V8 goes go

The parallels with the MC20 do not stop at this unique stylistic fact, however. This second-generation GranTurismo features the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno V6 that the athlete is equipped with. Admittedly, the power of this heart is revised downwards for the coupe, standing at 483 hp or 542 hp if you opt respectively for the Modena or Trofeo version. The 0-100 km/h is 3.9 s or 3.5 s for these two versions, a considerable improvement over the V8 thanks, among other things, to the traction provided by the standard all-wheel drive.

Electrifying

That said, the long-awaited electric variant named Folgore shatters those times. With three electric motors – one forward and two rear – each producing 300 kW, this electric version has more than 1200 hp in reserve. The accessible power is nevertheless limited to 751 hp, which ensures accelerations worthy of supercars: the 0-100 km/h sprint is achieved in 2.7 s despite its 500 kg more. It benefits from an 800 V electrical architecture to ensure a battery recharge of 92.5 kWh which can reach 270 kW. Battery life is unknown at this time.

To ensure comfort and sporty handling, the GranTurismo relies on adjustable air springs and adaptive dampers. The coupe will arrive with its internal combustion engines in Canada in the first half of 2023. The electric version will be available from the second half of the year.