GranCabrio Folgore is Maserati’s BEV convertible

POTENTIALLY here by the end of the year and with pricing likely nearing half-a-million dollars, the new Maserati GranCabrio Folgore BEV is claimed by the Trident company to be the world’s first fully electric luxury segment convertible.

Maserati recently teased its GranCabrio Folgore in Modena, Italy at a soiree that was “full of energy and immersed in an atmosphere that evokes transformation, innovative momentum, ingenuity, creative inspiration, and a whole new experience that anticipates an exciting new journey into the future.

The Folgore has an artificial sound generator with a yet unheard note and boasts three 300kW electric motors offering a total system output of 610kW.

With tech’ specs derived from Formula E race cars, the GranCabrio Folgore can be accessorised using Maserati’s Fuoriserie customisation program to feature the hero Liquid Rose Gold colour (pictured), Titan Grey soft top and sophisticated Denim and Ice interiors, with contrasting stitching.

The GranCabrio Folgore is essentially the GranTurismo Folgore Coupe with a soft top and as such provides seating for four under its low set electrically operated rag top that can be deployed in as little as 14 seconds at speeds up to 50km/h.

Unusually, the luxury interior has (stylish) recycled plastic vinyl upholstery along with high-end components and the expected level of standard equipment across tech, comfort, and infotainment.

Also unusual is the T-shaped 92.5kwh battery pack mounted predominantly in the centre tunnel driving the AWD Folgore’s three traction motors using 800 volts.

It is said to be capable of recharging on a 270kW DC appliance from 20-80 per cent in 18 minutes and may deliver a claimed range of between 419-447km (WLTP) from a full charge.

Two of the motors are rear mounted with one at the front and each has a potential output of 300kW but the existing battery pack cannot sustain that level of output so they are limited to 610kW combined on “max boost” (560kW in normal driving); until such time as battery technology can sustain the electric motor capacity.

Backing the impressive power output is some 1350Nm of torque that helps the weighty Folgore accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 2.8 seconds, almost a second quicker than the ICE powered GranCabrio V6 petrol variant. Top speed is a claimed 290km/h.

Keeping dynamics under tight control is an adaptive air suspension system, 380mm six piston front Brembo brakes, 350mm four piston rears and 20-inch front, 21-inch rear alloys with premium sports rubber.

Four drive mods are available: Max Range, GT, Sport and Corsa.

Externally the GranCabrio Folgore is differentiated from ICE powered models by its closed off grille, optimised aero wheels and specific paint palette.

Maserati boss Davide Grasso noted at the preview that there could be no Maserati without Italy, even in the new electric chapter of the brand’s history, as he officially welcomed in the new era.

“Folgore is the voice of Maserati's future, a thunder that infuses new energy and ignites the future of the brand,” he said.

“By 2025, all Maserati models will be available in a full-electric version, and the entire Maserati range will run on electricity alone by 2028.”