Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Debuts as an 818 HP EV Convertible

The all-new Maserati GranCabrio Folgore breaks cover as a sporty EV convertible with an 818 HP-rated tri-motor powertrain setup.

Following the debut of the new, second-gen Maserati GranCabrio earlier this year, renowned Italian automaker Maserati has revealed the all-electric version of its sporty convertible model, known as the GranCabrio Folgore.

The GranCabrio Folgore gets some EV-specific tweaks over its ICE-powered twin.

As is typical of any EV version of an ICE car, the GranCabrio Folgore gets some minor tweaks to make it more aerodynamic for better range performance. This includes the redesigned front bumper with a revised grille, as well as the staggered 20- and 21-inch wheels shod in EV-specific tyres with lower rolling resistance.

Aside from these changes, the GranCabrio Folgore is exactly the same as its ICE-powered twin, which by itself is based on the new GranTurismo coupe.

As its name suggests, the real highlight of the GranCabrio Folgore is its soft-top retractable roof, which Maserati claims can be lowered in 14 seconds at speeds up to 50 KM/H. Aside from the optional wind stopper at the rear, the soft-top roof also comes in five selectable colourways, namely Nero (black), Blue Marine, Titan Grey, Greige, and Granata.

On board, the GranCabrio Folgore gets the same cabin layout and equipment as its petrol-powered twin. Key amenities present here include the 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, the larger 12.3-inch central infotainment display, a separate 8.8-inch display for the climate control, aluminium paddle shifters, a Sonus Faber audio system, as well as an interactive digital clock face.

To help drivers stay warm when driving in an open-top form, the GranCabrio Folgore also comes with several heated functionalities, which are present on both its flat-bottomed steering wheel and the sporty seats. On the topic of seats, all four of them are wrapped in sustainable upholstery materials, such as Econyl, a recycled nylon-like material made from recycled fishing nets and carpets.

Similar to the GranTurismo Folgore, the GranCabrio Folgore also gets a triple electric motor setup, featuring one motor at the front axle, and two at the rear.

On the powertrain front, the GranCabrio Folgore swaps its ICE twin’s V6 mill for a triple electric motor setup that delivers a total system output of 818 HP (610 kW) and 1,350 NM. Thanks to its sheer power output, the GranCabrio Folgore can blast from nought to 100 KM/H in just 2.8 seconds, en route to its V-Max of 290 KM/H.

Said tri-motor setup is juiced by a sizable 92.5-kWh battery pack, which Maserati claims to be good enough to supply this EV convertible with up to 447 KM of range (WLTP). Charging-wise, the sizable pack supports DCFC at up to 270 kW, allowing a 20-80% charge to be completed in just 18 minutes.

To help manage its sheer power output, the GranCabrio Folgore comes with four driving modes, namely GT, Sport, Corsa, and Max Range. While most of them are self-explanatory, the default GT mode is said to deliver “a traditional Granturismo driving experience," while the Corsa is the most extreme one that unleashes the full power of the tri-motor setup.

The all-new Maserati GranCabrio Folgore is set to go on sale in selected markets like Europe and North America next year. While Maserati has yet to reveal the exact price for this convertible EV, we can expect it to fetch more than both its ICE-powered and hard-roofed twins. For reference, the GranCabrio V6 currently retails at $203,000 (RM973,080), while the GranTurismo Folgore is priced at $215,000 (RM1.03 million).

Naza Italia recently launched the all-new Maserati GranTurismo coupe in our market.

Closer to home, local Maserati brand custodian Naza Italia recently launched the new, second-gen Maserati GranTurismo, with said GT coupe arriving in two variants. With the GranTurismo Folgore EV slated for a local debut later this year, perhaps we may have to wait for a while before seeing this sporty EV convertible make its landfall here in Malaysia.