The Folgore electric versions of the GranTurismo coupe and upcoming GranCabrio convertible are a big deal for Maserati. They’re the brand’s first ever EVs, and they’re launching into a market that currently offers almost no opposition.
But for those of us who’d still prefer a charismatic combustion engine in our two-door luxury cars over a smother and faster, but less soulful pair of electric motors, Maserati is also offering a twin-turbo V6 in both the coupe and two-plus-two rag-top.
The engine is a version of the 3.0-liter unit fitted to Maserati’s MC20 sports car, modified with wet sump lubrication, cylinder deactivation technology and an eight-speed ZF auto instead of a paddle-shift transmission for use in the front-engined machines.
We expect power outputs to match those of the recently revealed GranTurismo, which would mean 483 hp (490 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) in the regular Modena model and 542 hp (550 PS) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque in the Trofeo version, which will also come standard with an electronically adjustable LSD. The coupes get to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.9 and 3.2 seconds respectively, but the extra heft of the GranCabrio body and folding fabric roof mechanism is likely to add a tenth or so to each of those numbers.
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But we can see why plenty of buyers might walk right past the two V6 options when the GranCabrio goes on sale later this year, and choose the Folgore electric model. We already know that the coupe EV’s bi-motor setup churns out a stonking 751 hp (761 PS) and 996 lb-ft (1,350 Nm) of torque and have no reason to think any horses will go missing or be added to the stable when the powertrain is transplanted into the convertible.
One thing that will get bigger is the price. The GranTurismo Modena coupe is confirmed as costing $174,000 in the U.S., the Trofeo, roughly $207,000, and the Folgore is likely to start at around $215,000. We’ll have to wait until later in the year for official GranCabrio prices, but choosing the drop-top is sure to add $10-15k to the tab in each case.
