2024 Maserati GranTurismo evolves for a new era

Maserati traces its GranTurismo lineage back to the A6 1500 launched 75 years ago, but now it's about to deviate from its original playbook by throwing electrification into the mix.

The last GranTurismo ended production in 2019 after a 12-year run, but the redesigned model unveiled Monday heads to showrooms next spring with a choice of gas or electric powertrains, and should appear as a 2024 model. Pricing has not yet been announced, but Maserati has hinted it will be closer to $200,000.

The car will come in three variants: the Modena, Trofeo, and Folgore (later). A GranTurismo convertible (or GranCabrio in some markets) is also expected in 2023, but an exact date has not yet been announced. A special Prima Serie 75th anniversary model is also expected to be launched.

The Modena is the most luxurious and lifestyle-oriented option, while the Trofeo is for sportier types. The Folgore is an electric option whose name is taken from the Italian word Folgore, meaning "lightning bolt." Maserati will use Folgore for all of its EVs, including the upcoming Grecale crossover and an electric version of the MC20 supercar.

The Modena and Trofeo versions will be powered by a twin-turbocharged Maserati 3.0-liter V-6 shared with the MC20. The Maserati-designed V-6 engine delivers 490 hp in the Modena and 550 hp in the Trofeo. Both have 8-speed automatic transmissions, all-wheel drive, and 0-62 mph times of less than 4 seconds.

Sadly, the Folgore, oddly, does not have the headline figure of 1,200 hp that Maserati previously advertised. This figure refers to the total output of the car's three electric motors (one in the front and two in the rear), but the Folgore's peak output is actually 760 hp, limited by the discharge capacity of the car's T-shaped battery. The battery is a 92.5-kilowatt-hour unit that provides a competitive range of around 300 miles in mixed driving. The 800-volt architecture also means that fast charging is possible; a DC fast charger would add 100 miles in about 10 minutes. The Folgore's performance is impressive, accelerating from 0-62 mph in 2.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 199 mph, with a distinctive sound tuned by Maserati.

Both gas and electric versions will use the same modular platform that Maserati may offer to other brands under the Sterantis umbrella. The multi-material construction (aluminum, magnesium, and steel) results in a relatively light weight of 3,957 pounds for the gas version and 4,850 pounds for the electric version, with the battery alone weighing approximately 1,322 pounds. The suspension is a MutliLink design with air springs and adjustable dampers. Another key feature of the platform is what Maserati calls the Atlantis electronic control architecture. This system is controlled by Maserati's own software and is capable of wireless updates as well as a level of cybersecurity.

Maserati fans will have to get used to electric power. Like most major automakers, Maserati is committed to the future of EVs. The Grecale Folgore has already been shown to the public. The MC20 Folgore should be next, and then Maserati will launch redesigned versions of the Quattroporte and Levante. All of these are expected to be available by 2025. Maserati has confirmed that the Ghibli will not appear again, at least not in its current form.

The previous GranTurismo remains one of the most handsome large coupes, and surpassing it has always been a challenge. Maserati's design team decided to keep what worked well and modernize some of the details and surfaces. Both ends are equipped with LEDs.

The proportions, however, have been improved, with the ride height lowered by almost an inch and the overall width increased by nearly 0.8 inches, giving the new GranTurismo an imposing appearance. The lower ride height should result in a lower seating position and a sportier feel behind the wheel.

Maserati has yet to reveal the design of the 2+2 cabin, but we do know that there will be a digital screen for the instrument cluster (12.2 inches), Android-based infotainment system (12.3 inches), and climate control settings (8.8 inches) . These screens will have different graphics depending on the variant. Physical controls will remain for key functions, including gear select. One interesting element is a digital clock with multiple switchable dials, including a compass. The clock also has a wave graphic designed to provide visual feedback for the car's voice activation. Other features include a heads-up display, Sonus Faber audio (14 standard speakers and 19 speakers), multiple trim options.