Modena’s most elegant convertible to return with both V6 and EV powertrains
The new Maserati GranCabrio has been spotted testing prior to its debut next year, when it will join the all-new GranTurismo and Grecale in Maserati’s rapidly growing range. It will be available with both V6 – as in this specific prototype here – and full-EV powertrains, rivalling a range of high-end four-seater convertibles from BMW to Bentley.
The new GranCabrio is based on the all-new GranTurismo, and applies all of its new design elements to a sleek four-seater convertible body. The roof itself is fabric, and will hide away the new opulent cabin that Maserati has still yet to reveal in full.
We expect that both V6 and EV powertrains will mimic the coupe in terms of specification, with the petrol V6 coming in two outputs specific to its Modena or Trofeo trims. The prototype in these images is likely the latter, hiding a 542bhp variant of the twin-turbocharged V6 engine under its elegant clamshell bonnet. The entry-level Modena model reduces this peak power figure to 493bhp.
As we’ve already specified in the coupe, the V6 engine itself is a development of Maserati’s Nettuno engine, which features cutting-edge tech like pre-combustion chambers that increase both efficiency and power. Despite the loss of two-cylinders compared to the previous GranCabrio, both V6 models produce more power and significantly more torque than before, which will yield benefits against the stop watch.
Drive from the V6 engines is sent via an eight-speed automatic transmission to Maserati’s fully-variable all-wheel drive system, which is capable of varying power between the axles depending on the selected drive mode. It also has the ability to decouple the front driveshafts completely, making it purely rear-wheel drive.
> Maserati GranTurismo Folgore revealed
Maserati has confirmed that alongside the V6, it will also debut an open-top version of the all-electric Folgore model, making it the first of its kind as a silent-running open-top GT. The powertrain will likely be carried over in its entirety, giving the GranCabrio Folgore a triple-motor setup with up to 750bhp. The three electric motors draw power from a 92.5kWh battery pack, giving the coupe an estimated range of 279 miles, a figure that we suspect will be slightly reduced for the GranCabrio due to the expected increase in weight and aerodynamic compromises of its fabric roof.
Maserati has not confirmed specific availability for the GranCabrio, but petrol-powered GranTurismo coupes will reach customers in the first half of next year, with the Folgore model arriving around six months later. The convertible will follow both of these, making a mid-2023 debut likely.
Keyword: New 2023 Maserati GranCabrio spied