Maserati prices GranTurismo 110 Anniversario

MASERATI is continuing to mark its 110th anniversary this year with a limited-edition BEV coupe model called the GranTurismo 110 Anniversario.

It will find its way Down Under via importer Ateco Group early next year in extremely limited numbers priced from $525,000 excluding on road costs – the same price as the 75th anniversary petrol versions that were imported previously.

The Italian sports and luxury car (and SUV) manufacturer, part of Stellantis, say the fully electric Folgore-powered sports coupe celebrates 110 years of Italian luxury, performance, design, craftsmanship, uniqueness and technology.

Only 110 examples will be made.

In a statement, the legendary carmaker said,“The limited edition is a major milestone from the ‘House of the Trident’ and is more than a car: it is an icon, a lifestyle that perfectly embodies the brand’s spirit, a model that can combine sporty performance with comfort suitable for long distances and luxury”.

But pundits might ask how a company that has existed for more than a century on the smell of benzine, the sound of bellowing exhausts and a soulful feel behind the wheel… among other things, will fare with a more clinical electrified future?

You never know, with Stellantis plans in a state of flux, Maserati may continue providing combustion engine options for rusted-on ICE enthusiasts going forward…

But for now, the Maserati GranTurismo 110 Anniversario shows the manufacturer’s intent, taking on for the first time in its history a 100 per cent electric powertrain, in the Folgore version.

“The GranTurismo Folgore is becoming the leading light in the 110 Anniversario special series,” the manufacturer added.

It was curated by Maserati’s Fuoriserie Customisation Program in two configurations of 55 models each: the first in Rame Folgore; the second in exclusive Blu Inchiostro, both with dedicated finishes, special rims with black and copper details and interiors in denim or black Econyl and stitching in copper or blue.

“The true USP (unique selling proposition) of this limited series is the logo, created exclusively for the anniversary: the Trident, followed by the numerals 110 at a special tilt, is located on the C-pillar and represents the brand’s dynamism and capacity for innovation in its 110-year history,” the press release continued.

It is the same logo attached to Maserati’s Tipo Folgore electric single-seater that’s racing in the Formula E World Championship on December 7.

To recap, the GranTurismo Folgore powertrain is developed with Formula E-derived technology like the silicon carbide inverters for a better energy flow and higher efficiency.

The cutting-edge 800-volt battery powers three potent 300kW permanent magnet motors – one in the front, two in the rear – to deliver up to 560kW momentarily as high as 610kW on max boost and a mind-blowing 1350Nm of torque across all four wheels.

The Folgore has an artificial sound generator in lieu of quad tip exhausts.

It has a T-shaped 92.5kwh battery pack mounted predominantly in the centre tunnel and is said 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” until such time as battery technology can sustain the electric motor capacity.

It empowers the Folgore to cover a 0-100km/h sprint in circa 2.7 seconds, with a top speed of 325km/h.

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

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

The 110 Anniversario made its debut on the road as part of the exclusive Trident Experience program, a two-day event designed by Maserati to celebrate this major anniversary together with its guests and most passionate customers.