Maserati GranTurismo Returns With Big Changes Under the Hood
One of Maserati’s most iconic cars is back after retiring in 2019. The GranTurismo coupe has been reinvented with a brand new V6 engine and a fully electric variant.
An all-Italian product, the second-generation model is the work of the Maserati Innovation Lab and will be built at the Mirafiori factory in Turin.
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In terms of styling, the new GranTurismo doesn’t stray far from the original, with a similarly muscular and low-slung silhouette as well as the same signature design cues including triple air vents on the front fenders and the Trident logo on the rear pillars. Of course, the headlights and wheels sport a fresh look.
There are two conventionally powered models—Modena (the white car in the pictures) and Trofeo (the red one)—both with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 instead of the old naturally aspirated V8. Output is rated at 483 horsepower and 542 horsepower, respectively, managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Another significant change is the all-wheel drive system (previously rear-wheel drive only). The new GranTurismo can send up to 100 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels in normal conditions or go with a 50/50 split when necessary. The company claims 0-100 km/h sprints in 3.9 seconds or 3.5 seconds depending on the model.
Thunder and Lightning
With Maserati planning to become an EV-only brand by 2030, a battery-powered GranTurismo is naturally coming, too. Using the “Folgore” (Italian for lightning) moniker, this variant boasts an 800V architecture and many technical solutions derived from Formula E.
The three electric motors combine to generate as much as 749 horsepower and accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, Maserati says. It’s a good thing powerful Brembo brakes are included to slow things down. Said motors draw energy from a 92.5kWh battery mounted in a so-called “T-Bone” configuration, which avoids placing the modules under the seats and thus significantly lowers the driving position. DC fast charging is possible at up to 270 kW.
Other highlights we want to mention include a mix of lightweight materials for the body and chassis, advanced level-5 cyber-security and flash-over-the-air features, plus the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) multimedia system complete with a head-up display. Unfortunately, there are no shots of the interior yet. Oh, and whether they opt for internal combustion or electrification, customers will enjoy a unique sound experience enhanced by an immersive 19-speaker Sonus faber 3D audio system totalling 1,195 watts of power.
The new Maserati GranTurismo is expected to launch in North America next spring, likely as a 2024 model. Canadian pricing has yet to be announced. By the way, a new GranCabrio convertible will follow the coupe a bit later.
