Maserati has officially launched the GranCabrio Folgore, marking a significant step in its shift towards electric mobility with the introduction of the first full-electric luxury convertible in its class. The new model combines traditional luxury with advanced electric performance, setting a benchmark with a top speed of 180mph.
The GranCabrio Folgore follows the release of the GranTurismo, sharing its electric motor, the Folgore version, which is built to deliver a seamless blend of Maserati's hallmark characteristics—luxury, performance, and comfort. The new convertible boasts an all-electric powertrain developed from Formula E technology, featuring three motors that produce a total of over 1200 hp. That will get you to 60mph in a Tesla-like 2.8 seconds.
At its most relaxed, this car promises luxurious touring. At the other end of the scale lies ‘Corsa' with its bespoke racing set-up options and license-losing performance characteristics. Corsa mode in the GranCabrio Folgore maximises the car's 800-volt powertrain for an extreme driving experience, allowing drivers to fully utilise its sporty capabilities on the track.
It provides minimal control interference, direct accelerator response, and enhanced torque vectoring for optimal cornering. Suspension adjustments and digital dashboard settings focus on key performance indicators like battery temperature and torque distribution. This mode also offers adjustable settings for traction control and torque vectoring for varied driving conditions, including wet surfaces and drifting.
As we reported back in 2020, this is something that Maserati has been preparing for many years.
Technical Specifications
The vehicle is powered by an advanced 800-volt technology setup, first introduced in the GranTurismo. It includes three electric motors—one in the front and two in the rear—enabling effective torque vectoring. This technology allows for precise energy management and reduced power loss, a significant upgrade over traditional inverters. Each motor can operate independently, thanks to the Vehicle Domain Control Module (VDCM), allowing for customised torque distribution and the flexibility to switch between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations.
The battery system, developed at the Mirafiori Battery Hub in Turin, has a capacity of 92.5 kWh and a discharge capacity of 610 kW. This setup provides approximately 750 hp directly to the wheels, with the car featuring a regenerative braking system that recovers energy and supports a peak charging rate of 400 kW.
Driving Dynamics and Modes
The GranCabrio Folgore offers four driving modes—MAX RANGE, GT, SPORT, and CORSA—each tailored to different driving preferences and conditions. These modes adjust various settings including power output, suspension rigidity, and traction control, enhancing the driving experience to suit conditions from efficient long-range travel to high-performance track driving. The Corsa
Design and Comfort Features
The design of the GranCabrio Folgore maintains Maserati's iconic aesthetic with a focus on comfort and luxury. The interior includes a dual touchscreen setup and a digital dashboard that offers various display options. The vehicle also features a reconfigurable heads-up display, projecting essential information directly onto the windscreen.
Notably, the convertible's roof can be operated at speeds up to 30mph and incorporates a neck warmer for comfort in cooler conditions. The car's seating and climate control systems are designed to maximise passenger comfort, whether the top is up or down.
Maserati's senior management is suitably proud of their new creation, “The GranCabrio Folgore is not just a new model but a forward-looking solution that blends Maserati's rich heritage with future technology. This vehicle is designed to deliver an unmatched open-air experience, meeting the sophisticated demands of today's environmentally conscious luxury buyers.”
The baseline audio system delivers over 800 watts of hi-fidelity sound, with the optional upgrade to 1,060 watts – promising the ‘Voice of Sonus faber' (VoS) experience.
Market Impact and Availability
The GranCabrio Folgore is poised to make a significant impact in the luxury electric vehicle market, offering an attractive option for buyers looking for sustainable luxury without compromising on performance or style. Maserati has confirmed that the model will be available in various markets, with specific features like the DC Booster enhancing compatibility with different charging infrastructures.
With this release, Maserati continues to establish itself at the forefront of the luxury electric vehicle market, merging traditional elegance with innovative technology. The GranCabrio Folgore sets a new standard in the category, promising to attract both current fans of the brand and new customers moving towards electric vehicles.
Owning this remarkable EV will mean your bank balance being depleted by close to £180,000