Maserati was the star of one of the year's most anticipated presentations, and no, we're not talking about a new SUV this time, because the Maserati Grecale is already a reality, but rather a replacement for the GranTurismo. In 2020, all eyes will be on the long-awaited Maserati MC20, the company's sportiest car, which will offer its propulsion system to a new generation, the first official photo of which was shown a few months ago. Soon later, our spies provided us with fresh information on its electric counterpart in action, the GranTurismo Folgore. A variant that was seen entirely exposed and without camouflage in an Italian firm's advertising movie just a few weeks ago. Now we can see the Italian GT in all its glory.
The parallels with the newcomer Grecale are obvious, but its silhouette also reminds us of the GranTurismo that we are all familiar with. It features a massive front grille, discreet side air vents, and certain optical groupings inspired by the aforementioned SUV. Its extended bonnet and sloping roofline showcase the arc of the pillar displaying the famous trident insignia. How could it be different, given that the new electric version lacks the four exhaust ports that distinguish the trident versions, as well as several pilots that extend horizontally? The new steering wheel is stunning within the doors, complemented by big gear change paddles and satellite buttons from which the engine may be turned on and off, as well as adjusting certain aspects of the automobile.
The primary console houses a big touch screen measuring up to 12.3 inches, and the instrument panel is entirely digital. The audio equipment has 14 speakers and a power output of 860 W, but it may be increased to 19 speakers and 1,195 watts if desired. The Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) is software that controls all important automotive systems from every angle.
Technical sheet of the Maserati GranTurismo 2023
Length: 4.95 meters (4.96 m Folgore)
Width: 1.95 meters
Height: 1.35 meters
Wheelbase: 2.92 meters
Weight: 1,795 kilos (2,260 kg Folgore)
Boot: 310 liters (270 l Folgore)
Engine: 490 or 550 hp V6 gasoline, 761 hp EV
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Traction: Integral
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 2.7 seconds (Folgore)
Top speed: 320km/h
The GranTurismo has not been refreshed since 2007, and it was about time Maserati replaced it, especially since this model was dropped from the company's lineup in 2019. Unfortunately for many, the new Italian GT does not come with a naturally aspirated V8 engine that will thrill the most fanatical, instead opting for a V6 block developed from the aforementioned MC20. This propellant will be available in two distinct variants. On the one hand, there is the GranTurismo Modena, which has a total of 490 horsepower and 600 Nm; on the other hand, there is the Trophy, which has a total of 550 hp and 650 Nm. An automated gearbox is in charge of transferring all of the energy to the tarmac, sending it directly to all four wheels.
In addition to this six-cylinder engine, a 100% electric powertrain as part of Maserati's new electric family named Folgore will be available. A variation with a relatively unobtrusive design since, with the exception of specific elements like closed air intakes or the absence of exhausts, it is identical to its combustion equivalent. This model, which is powered by an 800-volt network, produces 761 horsepower owing to three 300 kW permanent magnet motors and a notional 92.5 kWh battery. We don't know if its high torque will be supplied entirely to the rear wheels or spread between the two axles to increase motor power as the Rolls-Royce Specter will.
What we do know is that it will be capable of exceeding 320 km/h and going from 0 to 100 in under 2.7 seconds. "Sportiness, luxury, and comfort: by focusing on client wishes from the start, Maserati has solved the difficult problem of combining sports performance with comfort suited for long distances, both with strong internal combustion engines and the most advanced 100% electric solutions. It serves as a reference point in the part "Maserati emphasizes.
"Sportiness, luxury, and comfort: by focusing on customer requests from the earliest stages of development, the new GranTurismo allows Maserati to solve the impossible equation of combining sports performance with comfort suitable for long distances, both with powerful engines and internal combustion as with the most innovative 100% electric solutions. It represents a point of reference in the segment" Maserati says.
With its introduction, the brand completes a range that previously lacked a true GT, since the majority of sales had been carried out for several years by house sedans and SUVs, including the Ghibli, Levante, and Quattroport. Furthermore, the brand already has a fresh commercial claim, the aforementioned Grecale, a D-segment SUV that will compete with the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and even the Porsche Macan. The GranTurismo is a 100% Italian automobile that was developed in the Maserati Innovation Lab and manufactured at the Mirafiori production plant in Turin. It is also available at launch in the PrimaSeries 75th Anniversary Launch Edition, a limited series with distinctive elements devoted to the company's 75th anniversary. Prices have not yet been revealed by the brand.