It is equally known that Maserati also wants to introduce EVs. However, during the unveiling party of the spectacular MC20, the illustrious brand will elaborate on what the electric range will look like. One also shines quite literally a light on the electric powertrain, of which we even have images.
Maserati’s electrification strategy is dubbed ‘Folgore’, meaning ‘lightning’. It must be wonderful to live in a country where almost every word sounds like a bell, but that aside. The Folgore name is not only for internal use, but in all likelihood will also be affixed to the cars produced by the program.
GranTurismo and GranCabrio
During a visit to Maserati’s Innovation Lab, where everything is thought out, we already get to see the first of those cars. The new GranTurismo is still under a canvas, but the basic shapes are already visible. As the earlier teaser photo also showed, the concept is not affected. The GranTurismo thus remains a sporty GT with a long, low nose and voluptuous lines.
Contrary to what was previously thought, the car will also be available with a petrol engine. The appearance of the Folgore variant will differ from the fuel car at most in detail. In addition to the closed coupé, Maserati’s first EV also appears as a GranCabrio. Both cars are unique at their introduction, because we do not yet know an EV in this sporty and expensive part of the market. The convertible is extra special, because open electric driving is not yet possible, except in the Smart Cabrio. The GranTurismo and GranCabrio are on the roll for 2022, the same as ‘ICE’ and as EV.
800V architecture
Shortly afterwards, the electric version of the MC20 follows, which we highlighted this morning. This is the car of which the technical basis can already be seen extensively in the photos above. The electric MC20 uses the same carbon monocoque as the fuel-powered version. The car is also built in between the other MC20s, in Maserati’s factory in Modena.
While the MC20 is clearly sportier than the GranCoupe and GranCabrio, and there will no doubt be some adjustment and performance differences, the two share many drive components. Maserati does not take it easy, and promises an 800V architecture that is developed entirely in-house.
Baking ability
The powertrain is equipped with no less than three electric motors, at least in the aforementioned sporty models. One of these is located at the front axle and takes up the extra luggage space of 50 liters in the MC20, while two others take care of the rear axle. The battery pack for the MC20 has been kept as compact as possible and is located directly behind the seats, where the V6 is normally located. this will most likely be different for the GT models, since the petrol versions of those cars are also completely different in design. For all models, the extra weight of the drivetrain is more than offset by extra power.
300 kW
Maserati will of course keep concrete figures to itself at this stage, but the brand does broach the theme of ‘range’. It is considered important that Folgore buyers can go on their way with confidence, also in countries where the charging infrastructure is less extensive than in the Netherlands. A lot of range is an important ingredient, but so is super-fast charging. Maserati drops a payload of 300 kW, even more than the Porsche Taycan. In addition, the infotainment system must be able to tell you where the charging stations are, whether they are working and whether they are available, as many other EVs can.
Afterwards
In 2022 we will also be introduced to Maserati’s smaller SUV, the Grecale. That car also appears as an EV and that also applies to all models that will follow. A new quattroporte and a new Levante should appear no later than 2024, again in petrol and electric form. Incidentally, an electric quattroporte will immediately have a hard time, because by that time we will also know the Mercedes EQS and the BMW i7 in the electric top sedans segment.
Plus, the Grecale and the MC20 aren’t the only family expansions we can expect from Maserati. The Italians promise twenty ‘product actions’ in the coming years, which also includes the aforementioned innovations. However, in thirteen of the twenty cases it must be new products.