The new Maserati GranTurismo marks the latest chapter in a story that began 75 years ago with the Maserati A6 1500. One of the icons of the trident marque, The GranTurismo coupé combines high performance with luxury travel, and is available in two V6 variants as well as an all-electric one. The latter is the first car in the brand’s history to adopt an all-electric powertrain.
From an aesthetic point of view, the GranTurismo design represents an ideal balance between beauty and functionality, with instantly recognisable lines. The classic proportions of the model have been maintained, with the long bonnet and the central body intersected by the four fenders. Conversely, the roof line drops dynamically to emphasise the curve of the pillar that features the iconic Trident logo.
Developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab and produced at the Mirafiori manufacturing hub in Turin, the new coupé is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno with Twin Turbos. The Nettuno engine, which debuted in the MC20 super sports car, produces 490 hp in the Modena version, and is supercharged to a maximum power of 550 hp in the Trofeo.
Alternatively, the GranTurismo Folgore adopts an all-electric battery-based powertrain. The Folgore system is based on 800-volt technology and has been developed with cutting-edge technical solutions derived from Formula E. It offers superb performance, made possible by the three powerful 300-kW permanent magnet motors.
The battery has a nominal capacity of 92.5 kWh and a discharge capacity of 560 kW, to continuously transmit around 760 hp to the wheels. The specific set-up and innovative layout of the battery result in the containment of vehicle height to 1353 mm, without compromising its sporty nature.
The shape of the battery pack, known as ‘T-bone’, forms part of Maserati’s “zero compromise” approach and avoids placing the battery modules under the seats, mainly moving them around the central tunnel and therefore considerably lowering the car’s H-point.
In terms of technical architecture, the new model is the result of an innovative project that makes extensive use of lightweight materials such as aluminium and magnesium, together with high-performance steel. Such a multi-material approach required new manufacturing processes to be created, resulting in best-in-class weight levels.
This approach is paired with the new Atlantis High electrical/electronic architecture, based on canFD messages sent at speeds of up to 2 ms. The system also comes with advanced level 5 cyber-security and flash-over-the-air features. The fulcrum is the Vehicle Domain Control Module (VDCM) master controller – an in-house Maserati project that provides 360° control of all the most important car systems, for an optimal driving experience in all conditions.
The interior of the GranTurismo feels modern. The cabin is equipped with Innovative systems, including the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) Multimedia system, the latest infotainment, a comfort display that brings together the main functions in an integrated touchscreen interface, a digital clock and an optional Heads-up Display.
The GranTurismo’s signature “sound experience,” now delivered by the V6 engine in the petrol versions, also extends to the electric version thanks to innovative work by the engineers at Maserati and Sonus Faber. Designed and made by the Italian Audio specialist Sonus Faber, the GranTurismo offers two different audio configurations.
The standard Premium audio system features 14 speakers and 2D surround, with an output of 860 W for a unique natural sound experience. The optional High Premium audio system with 19 speakers, 2D and 3D surround sound with a powerful amplification, up to 1,195 W, for depth of field and roundness of sound. Both systems offer different pre-sets for an enhanced sound experience.
The GranTurismo is also available in the limited series PrimaSerie 75th Anniversary Launch Edition, featuring details and a custom interior as a subtle nod to the original grand tourer. The passenger compartment features contrasting stitching and embroidery. The Trident and the 75th Anniversary logo, with a personalised finish, adorn the elegant seats as well as on the wheels, mudguard and trunk. Taking inspiration from Maserati’s racing heritage, Corse Red details adorn the logos, scripts, air vents, and wheels.
Maserati appears to have solved the difficult task of combining sports performance with comfort suitable for long distances, by focusing on customer requests and feedback from the earliest stages of the new GranTurismo’s development. This is true both with powerful internal combustion engine variants and with the all-electric one.
