2024 Maserati GranTurismo Folgore First Look Review: Leading The Electric GT Charge
Although it looks a lot like the gas-powered Maserati GranTurismo, the new GranTurismo Folgore couldn't be more different under the skin. This is Maserati's first fully electric car, with its 800V technology derived from Formula E. With no less than three electric motors producing a combined 751 horsepower, it is by far the most powerful of all the new GranTurismo models. It can hit 62 mph in just 2.7 seconds, but its extra weight may count against it. Despite all that's new, the GranTurismo Folgore has the beautiful lines of any Italian thoroughbred and a luxurious interior to match. This is Maserati confidently stepping into the electrified era.
When Is The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Coming Out?
While the gas-powered GranTurismo is expected to arrive in the USA in the second quarter of 2023, the all-electric model will be coming out sometime after this. Hopefully, the release date for the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore won't be too much later.
2024 Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Price And Competition?
When it goes on sale, it's likely that the price of the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Folgore will exceed that of the gas-powered Trofeo. After all, this is easily the performer of the lineup. We expect that the Folgore could cost over $200,000 in base form, although some feel it will be cheaper.
Despite its price, the 2024 GranTurismo Folgore will be an exceedingly rare breed when it arrives as there are currently no other two-door fully electric grand tourers on the market. Bentley and Aston Martin have hybrid cars, but no EVs and none of those hybrids are equivalent to the new Folgore.
In terms of EV rivals, the closest alternatives to the Maser will be the Porsche Taycan Turbo S and the Audi RS e-tron GT. The Taycan Turbo S starts at an MSRP of $187,400 and has nearly identical power (750 hp) and performance (0-60 in 2.6 seconds), but the added practicality of rear doors. Although not as quick or powerful, the Audi is a sublime EV and starts at $143,900.
The Bentley Continental GT and Aston Martin DB11 are closer to the Folgore in execution but have conventional gas powertrains.
New Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Exterior And Colors
For years, automakers were hellbent on making EVs look as alien as possible, as if they were otherworldly specimens sent from the future. Now that they've become more commonplace, we're seeing only minimal changes between EVs and their gas-powered siblings, and that's the case with the exterior of the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore.
This is not a dramatically different car from the previous GranTurismo, but that's no bad thing, as Maserati has once again penned an undeniably sexy design. The headlights, taillights, and grille are familiar but have all been massaged for the new car - the Folgore has a grille with gloss black inserts on an anodized silk black base, and the Trident logo and model name appear in dark copper. The classic long-hood profile looks as alluring as ever. At the back, the Folgore once again mirrors its siblings closely, but the quad-exit tailpipes they have are, understandably, removed here.
Along the sides, the new Maserati GranTurismo Folgore coupe has a unique wheel design with those in front measuring 20 inches and those at the back being 21s. Maserati says there are a total of seven wheel options, and the brake calipers can be finished in various colors too.
As for the colors available for the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore, these include Bianco, Nero Ribelle, Grigio, Maratea, Grigio Maratea Matte, Blu Emozione, and Blu Nobile. There are also special shades from the Maserati Fuoriserie customization program, including the dedicated Rame Folgore for the electric model.
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Dimensions
The dimensions of the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore are the same as for the gas-powered models. It hasn't grown too much over the previous model, although its length is slightly greater at 195.2 inches. With the mirrors, the Maser is 83.2 inches in width, and it has a height of 53.3 inches. As for the wheelbase, that is 115.3 inches long.
Three electric motors and a larger battery have impacted the weight, though. Whereas the base GranTurismo Modena has a homologated weight of 3,957 pounds, the GranTurismo Folgore comes in at 4,982 lbs - over 1,000 lbs more. But even a mass of nearly 5,000 lbs is no match for its three-motor powertrain.
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Engine And Performance
There is no engine in the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore, but a trio of electric motors - one in front and two at the back - seems like a decent trade-off. Combined maximum power at the wheels is 751 hp, and it has a peak torque output of 996 lb-ft. As standard, the Folgore comes with an all-wheel-drive system.
Maserati says that the motors are driven by silicon carbide inverters that are inspired by Formula E technology. The rear motors are decoupled with no transmission interconnecting the wheels, allowing torque to be directed to each rear wheel independently. Also aiding the car's balance is the 'T-bone' shape of the battery, with the modules located under the seats to help lower the car's H-point. Maserati says that no other EV on the market sits as low as this one.
As expected, the performance approaches hypercar levels. The Folgore will surge from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.7 seconds and go from 0-124 mph (200 km/h) in just 8.8 seconds. That 0-124 time is 2.6 seconds quicker than the GranTurismo Trofeo. And, while many EVs don't have high top speeds, the Folgore only calls it quits at almost 198.8 mph (320 km/h).
In rear-wheel-drive configuration, 100% of the available power can be discharged to the rear axle. Up to 395 hp can be directed to a single rear wheel, and there are four driving modes: Max Range, GT, Sport, and Corsa. Whereas Max Range limits the top speed to around 80 mph and takes other measures to preserve energy, Corsa unlocks the car's full performance potential while limiting the car's control strategies that may interfere. GT mode is the more balanced, default mode for a truly grand touring vibe, while Sport unleashes 100% of the car's performance with all the electronic nannies keeping an eye on you. All of this adds up to what sounds like a widely adjustable GT.
Maserati has also worked hard to create a unique sound for its electric Folgore. Using speakers both inside and outside the car, the team wanted to emphasize the natural acoustics of the electric motors driven by the inverters, while also drawing inspiration from the classic Maserati V8.
Range, Charging, And Battery Life
Equipped with a 92.5-kWh battery (83 kWh usable) and 800-volt fast-charging capability, the GranTurismo Folgore's battery can add up to 62 miles of range in only five minutes. That's at 270 kW charging speeds.
Although EPA ratings, MPGe figures, and an official range are unknown, around 220-250 miles per charge looks like a realistic outcome when the car is evaluated locally. Those specs are not amazing but neither are they surprising since high-performance EVs rarely have a great range. For instance, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S can only go 201 miles on a full charge.
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Interior And Cargo
The interior of the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore has a welcoming design and a high standard of craftsmanship. A much more digital environment than before, the Folgore comes with a 12.3-inch center display, an 8.8-inch comfort display, and a 12.2-inch digital instrument display.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow one to connect their devices, and a reconfigurable heads-up display is available. Maserati has also updated its classic in-car clock. This digital clock has three skins to choose from and four dynamic animations.
The tech overload doesn't end there, but whereas we can probably do without the new gesture controls, we welcome the inclusion of new driver-assistance equipment like rear emergency braking, a surround-view camera, active lane assist, and emergency lane keeping. There is a new Sonus Faber sound system, too, with 14 speakers as standard and 19 speakers as an option.
Without sumptuous seats, the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore wouldn't be a true Maserati. The brand promises great comfort both in front and in the second row, but there is a new focus on sustainability with seats having Econyl accents. This new fabric is made using a recycled nylon from nets recovered from the seas. Dark and light interior color schemes are available, with the second being a cool-sounding Ice/Denim combination with Ice stitching, and the former having black upholstery relieved by copper contrast stitching.
High-frequency leather printing technology has been used for other areas of the cabin, and special lasering has been used for the material covering the dashboard and inside of the doors. Below, you can see one spy shot of the interior with the paddles that control the regenerative braking system.
At 9.5 cubic feet, the cargo space in the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore falls slightly short of the 10.9 cubes in the gas-powered models.