Electric Maserati GranTurismo Folgore Leads the Pack in Sports Car Electrification
G'day, mate! Let's dive into the world of luxury electric sports cars, shall we? It's no wonder there aren't many in the market—bringing out low-volume vehicles is essentially a high-stakes gamble. Electric drivetrains are growing in popularity, but they still represent a small portion of the overall market, particularly in the sports car category.
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore: Italian Panache Meets Electrifying Performance
Whether you prefer the sleek hard top GranTurismo or the open-air romance of the GranCabrio, these are undeniably attractive vehicles. After all, they're Italian luxury sports cars—who’d want an ugly one? The eye-catching features aren't just for show; the subtle design choices contribute to a driving experience that's equally fantastic, regardless of the power source you choose.
The GranTurismo could fool most people into thinking it's an internal combustion engine vehicle with its traditional grille. But even though it might seem out of place, Maserati's designers have used it wisely, as it's shared across models that run on different power sources. They're also offering Modena and Trofeo variants of both GranTurismo and GranCabrio.
The driver's seat in the GranTurismo and GranCabrio is designed to accommodate four passengers, although it's clear these are more suited to 2+2 seating. The rear seats may seem practically inaccessible at first glance, but a clever design feature allows for just enough space to comfortably squeeze in. The front seats, however, provide luxurious comfort that you'd expect from a Maserati.
A Thrilling Test Drive
Affordability isn't really a concern for Maserati electric sports cars, as they serve those with deep pockets and a thirst for speed. The GranTurismo Folgore and GranCabriomay not be as blisteringly fast as their more exotic counterparts, but they still offer incredible performance.
With three 300hp electric motors providing power, the GranTurismo can sprint from 0-62 in just 2.7 seconds. Bolstered by a 92.5kWh battery and an 800V architecture, the GranTurismo Folgore can replenish 62 miles of range in just five minutes at a charging station.
The handling and road grip are impressive, making the GranTurismo Folgore a truly enjoyable driving experience, even on winding country roads. The only Tesla that comes close in this regard is the Model 3 Performance. While the Rimac Nevera remains the epitome of EV excitement, the GranTurismo Folgorespresents a more realistic option for those with less than $2 million to spend.
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore: A Practical Choice for Grand Touring
Despite the lightning-fast speed, the GranTurismo manages to maintain a sense of practicality with a range of 280 miles. While this isn't a record-breaker compared to other contemporary EVs, the 800V architecture ensures rapid charging, making long journeys relatively hassle-free.
The Folgore can achieve an impressive 2.4 miles per kWh during real-world driving, translating to an estimated 200 miles of range under normal conditions. A quick stop for charging every two or three hours should suffice for most lengthy hauls.
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore vs. Trofeo—A Matter of Taste
While the Folgore represents Maserati's foray into the world of electric performance, they haven't abandoned their roots. Both the GranTurismo and GranCabrio are still available with the company's NA12 Nettuno V6 internal combustion engine.
For comparison, I took the GranTurismo Trofeo for a spin as well. Despite sharing many design features with the Folgore, the Trofeo offers a lighter, more agile driving experience with sharper steering and a more responsive engine. However, the Folgore's electric power gives it a clear advantage in terms of straight-line speed and instantaneous torque. In the end, whether you prefer the Trofeo or the Folgore comes down to personal preference, but as an EV enthusiast, I find the Folgore's exhilarating acceleration undeniably appealing.
Whether you're a fan of earth-shattering horsepower or superb Italian craftsmanship, the Maserati GranTurismo Folgore offers a mouthwatering blend of both. Just remember to have a healthy bank balance ready to accommodate this dream ride!
- The Maserati GranCabrio Folgore, an open-air iteration of the GranTurismo, shares the same allure as its counterpart, boasting stunning Italian design and a driving experience that's exquisite, regardless of the power source chosen.
- The Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo and the GranTurismo Folgore, though sharing many design features, present distinct driving experiences. The Trofeo offers a more agile driving style with sharper steering, while the Folgore's electric power delivers a clear advantage in terms of outright speed and instantaneous torque.
- With the GranTurismo Folgore accommodating four passengers and the Maserati Granturismo Trofeo V6 internal combustion engine still available, Maserati caters to various tastes in the world of luxury sports cars, allowing enthusiasts to choose between traditional power and electrifying performance.
