Italian brand’s first EV one step closer as all-electric grand tourer prototype spotted going quick in the snow
Here is our best look yet at the 2023 Maserati GranTurismo, the Italian brand’s first EV, as the new-generation grand touring coupe undergoes winter testing high up in the arctic circle.
The next-generation Maserti GranTurismo has already been officially teased and seen in spy shots, and its all-electric powertrain could well make it the first battery-powered in the premium grand tourer segment.
But these shots of a camouflaged prototype reveal more details of the sleek new GranTurismo, which is being developed alongside the new GranCabrio drop-top that will probably also wear the ‘Folgore’ badge, meaning lightning or thunderbolt in Italian.
Donning tri-spoke aero wheels and a busy grey camouflage design, the new Maserati GranTurismo looks decidedly ‘normal’ by modern EV design standards and could even be mistaken for a regular coupe with an engine.
Look a bit harder though and you’ll notice there are no exhaust outlets to be seen and nor is there a traditional fuel cap, but the biggest giveaway of this car’s electric identity is the out of place charge port flap just under its left tail-light cluster.
Our spy photographers also confirmed the seemingly normal looking grille is actually a fake, so it will likely be closed over on the production version.
Clearly inspired by the flagship Maserati MC20 supercar and the 2014 Maserati Alfieri concept that preceded it, the new GranTurismo and Gran Cabriolet will adopt a more relaxed styling demeanour compared to their rather angry-looking forbearers, primarily in their headlight designs which, to our eyes at least, harp back to the old Maserati GranSport.
The GranTurismo has never been a small car and, judging by the prototype’s side profile, that trait is set to continue with a sizeable wheelbase and generous overhangs at both ends.
With the hybridised Maserati Grecale medium SUV just about ready for its global debut and the MC20 marking the return of a trident-badged supercar, the GranTurismo will be the first dedicated Maserati EV and will herald the start of the brand’s transition to becoming an all-electric car-maker by 2025.
“Ahead of the launch of the new model, the prototype cars are currently undergoing a period of intensive road and circuit testing, in various conditions of use, to acquire vital data for the preparation of the final set-up,” a Maserati spokesperson said in a statement.
Developed to deliver a “distinctive sound”, it’s thought the new Folgore electric powertrain will artificially recreate the soundtrack of a V6 or, for the GranTurismo, a V8.
In the upcoming pure-electric version of the MC20, the 800-volt three-motor Folgore powertrain will comprise an electric motor mounted on the front axle and two electric motors over the rear axle.
It’s thought the GranTurismo will be offered with both dual and triple electric motors, and that the fastest version will deliver a 0-100km/h acceleration time of less than three seconds.
There’s no word on battery-size, but to match its GT credentials expect a range of at least 450-500km.
Expect Maserati to ramp up its teaser campaign for the new GranTurismo once the Grecale hits the market following its imminent reveal on March 22, ahead of its global launch in 2023.
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Keyword: Best look yet at new Maserati GranTurismo