Gamingdeputy reported on April 16 that Maserati brought its first pure electric convertible GranCabrio Folgore to the Italian coastal city of Rimini. The car is billed as “the first luxury electric convertible” and continues Maserati's consistent luxury style.
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GranCabrio Folgore is positioned as a luxury electric convertible, using an 800-volt electrical architecture and drawing on Formula E racing technology, with powerful performance and stylish appearance. This also marks Maserati's determination to electrify its transformation. Its goal is to electrify its entire series by 2028, two years ahead of schedule.
The GranCabrio Folgore is the convertible version of the brand's first electric car, the GranTurismo Folgore, and the two have many similarities in performance. Design differences between the two models are minimal and the engineering is almost identical, with both models powered by three 300-kilowatt permanent magnet motors and 800-volt technology that supports fast charging. The new car has a maximum output power of 616kW and a peak torque of 1,350N·m. At the same time, the new car will be equipped with a 92.5kWh battery pack, with a WLTP estimated cruising range of 419 to 447 kilometers. In addition, the new car will also support 270kW DC fast charging function and can charge the power reserve from 20% to 80% in 18 minutes.
Maserati Design Director Klaus Busse has been committed to the brand's electrification transformation journey since joining the company in 2015. Busse said that he did not want the GranCabrio Folgore to become a “soulless car”, so he designed a unique inverted convex grille for the electric model, which not only retains the air intake cooling function, but also continues the Maserati family recognition. In short, the iconic straight grille of the gasoline Maserati is transformed into an open air vent on the electric model, which is both familiar and distinctive.
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Speaking of familiarity and difference, Maserati's iconic V8 engine will be discontinued this year, which also means that its classic engine sound will soon be history. In order to attract buyers who prefer the sound of a fuel-powered Maserati, the Maserati Innovation Laboratory developed a 3D sound system that can simulate the roar of a fuel engine.
Trident engineers mapped the eight-cylinder engine's roar spectrum and digitally implanted it into the Folgore series. The sound system is provided by Sonus Faber, a famous Italian speaker manufacturer, and is divided into two specifications: the standard version has 13 speakers and 2D surround sound, and the power is 815 watts; the upgraded version has 16 speakers, supports 2D and 3D surround sound, and the power Boosted to 1060 watts.
The GranCabrio Folgore weighs more than 5,100 pounds, uses a platform architecture that is compatible with both fuel and electric vehicles, and is equipped with a unique “T-bone” battery pack. Designers say the convertible design doesn't affect performance, and the weight difference between the GranTurismo Folgore and the GranCabrio Folgore is only 176 pounds.
Similar to the Audi S5 convertible, the GranCabrio Folgore's soft top can be opened or closed at speeds below 31 miles (Gamingdeputy Note: approximately 49.89 kilometers) / hour, with opening and closing times of 14 seconds and 16 seconds respectively. To ensure open-top driving comfort, the car is also equipped with a neck heater.
GranCabrio Folgore offers four driving modes: Maximum Range, GT, Sport and Track. The maximum endurance mode saves power and is suitable for use when the battery level is less than 16%. The maximum speed is limited to 80 miles per hour, and the air conditioning power will also be reduced. GT mode is suitable for long journeys, with power and sound effects reduced to 80%. Sport mode is for more intense driving, while Track mode unleashes all that power.
Like the group's new Ram 1500 pickup truck, GranCabrio Folgore also uses the Atlantis High electrical architecture derived from GranTurismo, has advanced network security and OTA upgrade functions, and is equipped with a software system independently developed by Maserati. The GranCabrio Folgore interior offers a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel and is equipped with a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment system and 8.8-inch LCD control display, and offers neck heater, Sonus faber audio system, compass, g-meter and Stopwatch display, digital clock and many other configurations.
The car offers 27 exclusive Folgore paints and supports customization through the Maserati personalized customization project. There are six different styles of wheels to choose from. Among them, the front wheel is 20 inches and the rear wheel is 21 inches. For the interior, Maserati continues to use environmentally friendly materials made from recycled nylon waste from fishing nets and carpets.
The Maserati GranCabrio Folgore starts at US$200,000, which is similar to the gas-powered model.