Maserati has officially unveiled the GranCabrio Folgore, its first-ever all-electric four-seat convertible. Scheduled for deliveries in 2025, the GranCabrio Folgore combines thrilling performance, luxurious design, and open-air exhilaration.
While Elon Musk and Tesla are daydreaming about building the next Tesla Roadster, Maserati has just unveiled a production-ready convertible EV.
The Maserati GranCabrio Folgore (Italian for “lightning”) now joins the two-seater MG Cyberster as the first fully electric open-top production car available for purchase.
Power and performance
Under the sleek bodywork of the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore lies a triple-motor electric drivetrain derived from Maserati’s Formula E project. This powerhouse is claimed to deliver 567 kW and a staggering 1 350 Nm of torque, propelling the GranCabrio Folgore from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2,8 seconds.
The GranCabrio Folgore offers four driving modes:
- Max Range: prioritises efficiency for maximum range, limiting speed and power for low battery situations.
- GT (default): balanced mode for everyday driving with good performance, comfort, and efficiency.
- Sport: delivers the most dynamic performance for exciting everyday driving, with a focus on handling and a more prominent electric motor sound.
- Corsa: provides the most extreme performance experience, offering maximum power, minimal driver assistance systems, and a focus on track use.
Within Corsa mode, there are additional options to customise performance parameters like torque vectoring, traction control, and launch control. The driver can also adjust the level of regenerative braking.
Overall, the car offers a variety of driving modes to suit different needs, from efficient commuting to exhilarating track driving.
Range and charging
Maserati promises a driving range of up to 450 km on a single charge of the 800 Volt, 83 kWh (net) lithium-ion battery pack. A real-world range will be closer to 350 km, and it will be highly dependent on whether the top is closed (more streamlined) or open.
Maserati claims the battery can be quickly charged at a connection of up to 270 kW, which should add 100 km of range in just five minutes.
Design and comfort
Built on the same chassis that underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan and Maserati Grecale SUV, the GranCabrio Folgore retains the classic Maserati proportions, with a flowing silhouette. The retractable fabric roof opens in just 14 seconds, at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
The interior features a luxurious cabin crafted with sustainable materials like ECONYL (made from recycled nylon), offering a balance of comfort, style, and environmental consciousness. Maserati has hinted at the possibility of a unique sound generator that could mimic a traditional engine note, adding to the driving experience.
Interior space
The rear seats are not very roomy, although an adult may fit in there for short excursions, Car and Driver has reported. Owners are likely to find the back seat more handy as additional storage space. While the fabric roof is designed to fold up as compactly as possible, the GranCabrio Folgore’s boot is not as spacious as the petrol-powered, hard-top GranTurismo coupe’s.
Topless driving
An open-top car is there to be enjoyed regardless of the weather. Neck warmers for the front passengers can blow warm air directly from the seats. It is standard on all models and the occupants can adjust the air intensity to one of three settings.
A useful optional accessory is a wind deflector that the driver or front passenger can install behind the front seats. It reduces turbulence in the passenger compartment while the top is down, which increases comfort and driving range. The deflector comes with a protective bag, for easy storage in the boot.
The rivals
Comparing the GranCabrio Folgore with other four-seat, luxury convertibles makes for interesting reading, especially when considering the hefty weight of some of these supposed sports cars. Ferrari certainly deserves a prize for engineering the Roma Spider to weigh just over 1,5 tons.
Note that the BMW M4 Competition Convertible offers some of the best rear legroom, while also being the most affordable of the lot.
The odd one out here is the MG Cyberster, which offers two seats only.
| Max. kW & Nm | 0-100 km/h | Top speed | Weight | Price | |
| Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo | 410 kW & 650 Nm | 3,6 seconds | 316 km/h | 1 895 kg | $203 000 |
| Maserati GranCabrio Folgore (EV) | 567 kW & 1 350 Nm | 2,8 seconds | 290 km/h | 2 340 kg | TBA |
| Ferrari Roma Spider | 456 kW & 760 Nm | 3,4 seconds | 320 km/h+ | 1 556 kg | R6,23m |
| Bentley Continental GTC V8 | 404 kW & 770 Nm | 4,1 seconds | 318 km/h | 2 335 kg | R5,66m |
| BMW M8 Competition Convertible | 460 kW & 750 Nm | 3,3 seconds | 305 km/h | 2 085 kg | R3,58m |
| BMW M4 Competition Convertible | 375 kW & 650 Nm | 3,7 seconds | 280 km/h | 1 920 kg | R 2,23m |
| MG Cyberster(twin-motor) EV | 399 kW & 725 Nm | 3,2 seconds | TBA | 1 985 kg | £50 000 est. |
A new era for Maserati
The GranCabrio Folgore marks a significant step for Maserati as it ventures into the world of fully electric vehicles. This open-air powerhouse caters to a niche market of luxury car enthusiasts seeking a blend of exhilarating performance, environmental responsibility, and the joy of open-air driving.
Maserati has committed itself to being an electric-only manufacturer by 2028.
