Maserati delivers electric GranCabrio Folgore

Maserati has delivered on its promise of an electric drop-top in the form of the GranCabrio Folgore.

Based on the GranTurismo Folgore coupe, the mechanicals are much the same, while the folding fabric roof is obviously different. It evidently takes 14sec to lower and comes in five different shades. Aero-optimised wheels and grille, and strengthening for the sills and rear end are the other key differences.

The drivetrain comprises three radial-flux permanent-magnet motors, each with a silicon carbide inverter. Two are mounted aft providing torque vectoring, with one up front. Each can deliver up to 300kW of power, meaning a theoretical peak output of 900kW (over 1200hp). However, the 92.5kWh battery cannot provide this amount of power, so Maserati claims a peak output of 610kW (818hp) in “MaxBoost” operating mode. In the standard setting, 560kW is available.

The firm is investigating battery tech that could unlock the full power potential in the future. Despite that, there’s evidently 1350Nm of torque on tap, and the GC Folgore can scorch to 100km/h in just 2.8sec. It can apparently be driven in rear or AWD modes. 

The battery is T-shaped and sited between and behind the passengers, meaning a lower ride position for the driver and passengers, and a sleeker roofline. It is good for 83kWh usable output in which case Maserati is limiting the maximum charge voltage of each cell, in an effort to extend the life of the battery pack. 

Using regenerative braking, the battery pack can mop up an 400kW for a short time. It can also handle DC chargers up to 270kW, recouping 20 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. Moreover, 100km of range can be added in five minutes. That’s thanks largely to its 800-volt architecture. The GC has an onboard “DC Booster” which is similar to a DC-DC converter. It’s capable of turning lower voltages into the 800-plus volts necessary to charge the Folgore’s pack. If this system is utilized, it can hook up to 50kW fast chargers. 

The GC Folgore features paddles to adjust the vehicle’s level of regeneration and a system to inform the driver when they should regen and when to coast. That then maximizes the car’s available range, which is 450km on the WLTP cycle. 

The GC Folgore rides on double wishbones and a multilink rear. Brakes are by Brembo, using six-piston calipers for the front discs while wheels are 21 inches in diameter at the rear, and 20 inches for the steering items. 

Inside are up to 16 speakers for the Sonus Faber (Italian, natch) sound system, upholstery made from recycled nylon, seat-mounted heaters that blow hot air on passengers’ necks, and a luxury finish to the interior. Boot space for the four seater is limited to 154L. 

Whether or not this is coming to NZ is unclear but the GranTurismo Folgore is evidently due to go on sale next year so the drop-top may follow in its footsteps.