The Italian automaker launches its first electric convertible.
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Growth in the electric car market may have recently stalled a bit but Maserati just slammed the pedal all the way down to the metal announcing the world’s fastest electric convertible, the GranCabrio Folgore.
How fast is it? Well, from a dead stop the GranCabrio hits 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, 0 -120mph in just under 9 and top speed of 180mph. That’s faster than anyone not on a track ever needs to go. But luxury is partly about having more than you need and taking comfort in the fact that it’s there.
Those numbers are nearly identical to the stats the GranTurismo Folgore puts up, with exception to the top speed. The cabriolet is 20 mph slower than its hardtop sibling. Both use 300 kW radial-flux permanent-magnet motors that spin at a mind-numbing 17,600 rpm. One sends power to the front wheels, while each rim in the back has its own power unit. All three are managed by silicon carbide inverters developed for Formula E, where Maserati just won the Tokyo E-Prix. Technically the trio has a potential output of 1,183 hp, but the 92.5 kWh (84 kWh usable) battery restricts them to a still-impressive 749 hp and 996 lb-ft of torque.
The maximum range has yet to be established but should come in around 260 miles.
Like the GranTurismo EV, the convertible version’s battery cells have been configured in a T-shape that runs down the center of the car, rather than a traditional “skateboard” array that sits flat under the floorboards and increases ride height. That architecture, coupled with torque vectoring and state-of-the-art traction control gives both Folgori better composure through the twists and turns in the road. Plus it allows an identical seating position as in the ICE models, so you feel like you’re sitting in a proper grand tourer.
Sibling-similar, the GranCabrio has four mostly-self-explanatory drive modes, Max Range, GT (for most driving conditions,) Sport (for when the roads get fun,) and Corsa (a.k.a. Track mode.) Four levels of regenerative braking are controlled through the paddles on the wheel and can briefly generate up to 400kW of juice.
When Maserati re-launched the GT last year, in both ICE versions and the Folgore, it was crystal clear that the Maserati design team, helmed by Klaus Busse, had created a rolling sculpture that was going to make a gorgeous convertible. With the gas-powered variants and the Folgore out from under wraps it’s fact and enthusiasts can now debate who’s the fairest of them all. (Ahem… it’s the Cab!)
Buyers will find the GranTurismo Folgore available in six colors – Bianco Astro, Nero Assoluto, Blu Modena, Verde Giada, Grigio Incognito, Grigio Maratea Matte. But if the standard colors don’t tickle the fancy quite enough, Maserati offers a new range of 27 more shades and custom options for anyone willing to shell out.
On the inside, the GranCabrio is a masterclass in grand touring luxury. Everything from the leather-wrapped steering wheel down to the cupholders look and feel sumptuous. Full leather is available but Maserati also offers a newly-developed, recycled fabric called Econyl from nylon waste – a la fishing nets, used fabrics and discarded carpets. It’s silky to the touch but the coach works in Modena has added a bit of visual texture with laser-etching.
The GranCabrio has four real seats. The two in the front get 18-way adjustability and neck heaters for chillier drives with the top down. The back seats are comfortable but there’s not much leg room without compromising the space up front.
That new canvas top comes in five colors – Nero, Blue Marine, Titan Grey, Greige, Granata and can be lowered in 14 seconds with the flick of a finger across the two-tiered 12.3-inch central display.
Along with the middle screen used to control most of the car’s features, the GranCabrio adds a 12.2-inch digital gauge cluster that sits lower than most, so the steering wheel doesn’t block the driver’s view. There’s also a digital clock in the center of the dash that can be used to display other info like compass direction, G-force meter, accelerator, and stopwatch.
Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, a 360-degree camera system and auto emergency braking, are all standard. But the GranCabrio Folgore also features battery preconditioning. When it approaches an ultra-fast charging station, the system automatically brings the pack to the optimal temperature to take on juice at a quicker rate.
Another bonus feature, Charging Station Locator 2.0 locates spots to power up when the electrons are running low and will even concoct a travel plan plotting stops along the way factoring in routing and location of places to plug in.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard but a configurable head-up display is an option most buyers may want to add to more easily to keep tabs on their speed.
As the GranCabrio is an EV, there is no engine noise or exhaust note, so the sound system is crucial not just for playing music but for obtaining feedback from motors. So, Maserati offers two to choose from – a standard 16-speaker Sonus Faber sound system or a 19-speaker version for an up-charge.
Pricing for the 2025 GranCabrio hasn’t been announced yet. But anything this beautiful and luxurious won’t come cheap, certainly ticking above the $215,000 sticker on the GranTurismo Folgore. We expect deliveries to hit driveways late this year or early next.
