By Otsile Kadiege

After countless teasers and image leaks ahead of its official debut, Maserati has officially lifted the veil off one of the brand’s popular nameplates – the GranTurismo. The “Tridente’s” newcomer sports an evolutionary exterior design and a V6 Nettuno engine. Customers who prefer to cruise in absolute silence will have to opt for the all-electric GranTurismo Folgore.

Evolutionary exterior design

One would be forgiven for thinking the new GranTurismo is an updated model of the predecessor because of Maserati’s decision to maintain the GranTurismo’s classic proportions. Up front, the GranTurismo boasts a long, sculpted bonnet and a central body intersected by the four fenders. It features a gaping grille with vertical slats with the Trident logo nested on the centre. Other noteworthy features up front include MC20 inspired LED headlights with L-shaped DRLs (Daytime Running Lights).

Its side profile features the brand’s signature fender air vents with model derivative badging and newly designed set of wheels. At the rear, the new GranTurismo sports slim LED taillights, a large rear diffuser and quad exhausts on the the high-performance Trofeo derivative whilst the all-electric Folgore omits the quad exhausts.

Interior design

Maserati haven’t released press images of the new GranTurismo’s interior yet however, the according to the Itailan marque the new sports car’s cabin is modern and 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 the Heads-up Display (available as an option).

Maserati adds, the new GranTurismo also offers an “all-round sound experience”, guaranteed by the iconic signature sound of the Maserati engine, even in the electric version thanks to innovative work by engineers at the Maserati Innovation Lab. The sound experience is completed by the optional Sonus faber 3D sound system. Designed and made by Italian craftsmen in sound, the audio system offers two levels of customisation, giving it up to 19 speakers and 3D sound with an output of up to 1,195 W, for depth of field and truly unique roundness of sound.

V6 Nettuno engine or all-electric powertrain?

The stylish new coupé is equipped with the revolutionary V6 Nettuno engine, available in two versions: the Modena, with the 490hp (365kW) 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno Twin Turbo; the high-performance Trofeo version is based on the same engine, upgraded to a maximum power of 550hp (410kW).

Alternatively, the GranTurismo Folgore adopts a 100% 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. According to Maserati 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 560kW, to continuously transmit around 760hp (567kW) to the wheels.  The specific set-up and innovative layout of the battery are said to result in the containment of vehicle height to 1353mm, 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.

At launch, the GranTurismo is also available in the PrimaSerie 75th Anniversary Launch Edition, a limited series featuring exclusive content and dedicated to its recent 75th anniversary. Maserati SA is yet to share details on local specifications and pricing.