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First Drive: Maserati’s Folgore Reimagines Performance—Quietly
Heritage Meets High Voltage
Maserati has long been synonymous with elegant grand tourers powered by throaty V6s and V8s. The GranTurismo Folgore, however, is the marque’s first pure electric GT, embracing its racing roots with motors and battery tech derived from Formula E
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A nod to legacy: The exterior stays true to the GranTurismo’s iconic long-hood silhouette, boomerang LED tail lights, and sculpted fenders—accented here with unique Folgore badges, darker trims, and aerodynamic details that push its drag coefficient down to just 0.26 .
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Formula E DNA: The 800‑volt electrical architecture, silicon carbide inverters, and triple PMS motors (one front, two rear) are all echoing Maserati’s electric racing prowess.
2. Power & Performance Unleashed 🚀
This is not just a styling exercise—performance is serious:
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Powertrain: Three 300 kW motors deliver a combined 761 hp and a massive 1 350 Nm torque; a shortlived MaxBoost kicks it to ~830 hp .
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Speed stats:
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0–100 km/h in just 2.7 s
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Top speed around 320–325 km/h
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DC fast‑charging up to 270 kW (10–80% in ~18 min)
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Handling & ride: Despite being around 500 kg heavier than the V6 Trofeo (weighing ~2 260 kg), the car manages a low center of gravity thanks to its T‑shaped battery pack. Adaptive air suspension and torque-vectoring AWD lend impressive road grip and composure across drive modes
While it’s blisteringly fast—roughly neck-and-neck in 0–62 mph time with rivals like the Porsche Taycan Turbo S—the Folgore does fall short in straight-line top speed and range compared to Tesla’s S Plaid. Yet it delivers a uniquely Maserati blend of elegance, drama, and quiet performance
3. Interior: Tech-Forward, Yet Italian
Maserati crafts the Folgore’s cabin with a modern luxury twist:
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Digital cockpit: A 12.2‑inch digital cluster sits behind a 12.3‑inch infotainment screen and an 8.8‑inch lower climate panel. These house the “Maserati Intelligent Assistant” based on Android, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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Materials & finish: Opulent leather with eco-sourced Econyl fibers (from recycled fishing nets), carbon-fiber accents, and copper-stitch detailing add flair. Sonus Faber sound systems range from 14 to 19-speakers—enhancing the quiet cabin with brilliant audio.
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Space & usability: Four adults can fit—albeit tightly in the rear. Boot space is a modest 270 L (vs. 310 L in V6) and there’s no front trunk . Build issues persist—ill-fitted trim and budget-switchgear slightly tarnish the luxury feel .
4. Real-World Range & Charging
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WLTP-rated 450 km (~280 mi) full charge; real-world estimates hover around 200–250 mi, depending on conditions
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Charging performance: Capable of 270 kW DC fast charge; home AC charging with wall‑box (up to 22 kW) is slower but convenient. Maserati provides integrated charging apps and wall‑box support
5. Tech & Safety Features
The Folgore is well-equipped:
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Driver-assistance: Standard emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, surround‑view camera, blind-spot monitoring (with ADAS pack)
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Warranty: 4 years/50 000 mi for vehicle and powertrain; battery covered for 8 years/100 000 mi. No complimentary scheduled maintenance package.
6. Competitors & Positioning
Priced from ~$215 000 (approx. £180 000 UK), the Folgore lies in sharp elite company:
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Porsche Taycan Turbo S: Comparable price, better range/practicality.
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Tesla Model S Plaid: Faster, greater range, but less exotic.
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GranTurismo Trofeo (V6): Cheaper, more engaging for purists, but not electric
Ultimately, the Folgore caters to buyers valuing style, heritage, and electric GT innovation over raw EV specs.
7. Final Thoughts
| Highlights | Considerations |
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| Exhilarating acceleration & top-tier handling | Heavier, less range vs BEV rivals |
| Luxurious, sustainably crafted cabin | Build quality still uneven |
| DC fast-charging & Formula E tech | Premium price bracket |
| Distinctive Maserati styling and presence | Limited cargo space & rear seating |
The GranTurismo Folgore is a groundbreaking electric GT that blends tradition and technology. It’s not the most practical or longest-range EV, but it electrifies Maserati’s grand touring legacy with style, drama, and innovation. For buyers seeking that distinctive Italian presence wrapped in EV performance, it’s a compelling statement—even if it still carries typical Maserati idiosyncrasies.
If grand tours in silent luxury with lightning pace speak to you, the Folgore offers a bold, emotive drive worth experiencing.
