Maserati has previewed new details of its all-electric GranTurismo Folgore, including its 2.7sec 0-100 time
New elements of the all-electric Maserati GranTurismo Folgore have been previewed ahead of its imminent debut. The Folgore will join standard combustion-powered GranTurismo and GranCabrio models, but for now Maserati’s focusing on what will be its first Folgore model ahead of variants of the MC20 and Grecale that are due later in 2023.
Few technical details have been revealed, with the exception of some initial performance figures that put the GranTurismo some way ahead of potential rivals like the Porsche Taycan and Audi RS e-tron GT. These include a 2.7sec 0-100kph time, beating even the fastest Porsche Taycan Turbo S by 0.2sec. Even more impressive is the top speed, which is quoted at over 322kph. These impressive figures will be generated by a triple-motor powertrain as previously confirmed, with two electric motors on the rear axle, and a third unit on the front axle. This layout won’t just give the GranTurismo Folgore all-wheel drive, but also allow for torque vectoring on the rear axle.
A combined power figure hasn’t been confirmed, but figures of up to 1000bhp have been floated since its initial announcement back in 2020. Given that the GranTurismo will retain a combustion-powered alternative, the new Folgore won’t utilise a bespoke EV platform like the Porsche, instead Maserati’s engineers have placed the batteries in modules throughout the chassis, including the void inside the existing transmission tunnel.
The electric powertrain will run on an 800V system, which ties with the Porsche and a few other makers as the highest voltage system on the market, which allows for faster charging times and more compact hardware. Maserati claims that its charging capability will allow up to 160 kilometers of range to be added every 10 minutes.
The video also essentially reveals the exterior design, which now clearly shows an exterior design that’s fundamentally derived from the previous model. The long, low bodywork with powerful haunches, a cab-rear silhouette and very GT-like cab-to-axle ratio look almost identical to the previous model, but with modern graphics and lighting. The headlights are similar in shape to those found on the MC20 supercar, drawing up the front haunches and nearly overtop of the front wheels.
Despite the electric powertrain, the GranTurismo’s low-set grille is still open, no doubt to help manage the climate-controlled battery packs that sit within. The rear end is a similar story, with familiar shapes and graphics, only slimmed down and cleaned up.
But how will an electric grand tourer like the Folgore actually drive? While it’s not the first all-electric grand tourer, it will be the first to have only two doors. Combine this with the glamorous design and image of the GranTurismo, it could result in something very interesting, even if its real touring ability is hampered by a compromise in overall range.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
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