New Maserati GranCabrio: This Electric Beast and Its Gas Twin Will Blow Your Mind
The storied Italian automaker Maserati is shaking off the past with the introduction of the GranCabrio Folgore and Trofeo, marking a definitive departure from the era dominated by the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte. The GranCabrio, the droptop sibling to the GranTurismo coupe, has always been a significant model for Maserati. With these latest iterations, it’s evident that Maserati is prioritizing precision and design to reclaim its luxury sports car throne.
A Return to Classic Elegance
The GranCabrio’s design is an ode to classic Maserati aesthetics, featuring a long hood, pronounced fenders, and a seamless tail. Removing the roof enhances its visual appeal even further. Unlike modern electric vehicles relying on a skateboard-style battery, the GranCabrio Folgore employs a T-shaped battery configuration. This design choice maintains the car's low-slung profile, crucial for aesthetic appeal and enhanced handling capabilities.
Design Continuity and Subtle Evolutions
A close look reveals the new GranCabrio doesn’t stray far from its predecessor in terms of design, and why should it? The older model was celebrated throughout its 11-year run. The GranCabrio’s subtle tweaks include a fender badge, closed-off vents, and aerodynamically optimized wheels distinguishing the Folgore from the Trofeo.
Interior Upgrades and Tech Marvels
Significant enhancements have been made inside the GranCabrio. Maserati discarded the outdated tech and subpar build quality of the previous model, ushering in an era of cutting-edge technology and refined design. Both the Trofeo and Folgore boast a highly-customizable gauge cluster, dual touchscreens for infotainment and vehicle controls, and a quirky circular dash screen that can serve multiple functions.
While offering ample room for four adults, the GranCabrio’s interior features luxurious leathers, metals, and high-end plastics, making it a pleasure to sit in. However, certain Stellantis elements like the window switches remind us of the car's broader automotive roots, a slight letdown in this price range.
Performance: A Tale of Two Powertrains
The GranCabrio Trofeo and Folgore are masters of their craft when it comes to driving dynamics. The Trofeo houses Maserati’s Nettuno twin-turbo V6, delivering 542 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Hitting 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, it’s quick but doesn’t match the sheer power of its electric counterpart, the Folgore.
Generating a jaw-dropping 818 horsepower and 996 lb-ft of torque from three electric motors, the Folgore rockets to 60 mph in a stomach-churning 2.7 seconds. This beast carries a 92.5-kWh battery, offering 233 miles of range and fast charging capabilities to keep your adrenaline pumping.
A Unique Proposition in Luxury EVs
The GranCabrio Folgore stands alone in the market as the sole fully electric luxury convertible available in the U.S. This exclusivity comes at a premium; prices start at $206,995 for the Folgore and $193,995 for the Trofeo.
Despite its price being higher than competitors like the Lexus LC 500 and BMW M8, the GranCabrio brings a unique blend of Maserati heritage and modern performance to the table. The Trofeo’s primary rival, the Bentley Continental GT, offers a richer interior but lacks the GranCabrio’s handling finesse.
A Decision Worth Every Penny
Ultimately, the GranCabrio Trofeo and Folgore deliver substantial quality and performance. Both cars are excellent grand tourers that double as sporty drives, and Maserati fans will likely find these the best offerings in years. Though fraught with a few touchpoints reflecting its Stellantis lineage, the GranCabrio’s core experiences justify its high price. The unique status of owning a Maserati that's on an upward swing might just add to their charm.
Is the Folgore the one to choose? The electric motors provide a driving sensation that the Trofeo's V6 cannot match, signaling a brighter, electrifying future for Maserati.
