New Maserati GranCabrio Folgore - Press Kit June 2024
07/01/2024
Maserati
Maserati continues to race towards an electric future, without neglecting its history. Introducing the GranCabrio Folgore, the first full-electric convertible in its segment to hit the market. The Gran Cabrio Folgore, with its top speed of 290 km/h, is also the fastest electric convertible on the road.
Following in the footsteps of the GranTurismo, the open-top variant also offers an electric motor, the Folgore version, which maintains all the brand's typical characteristics by combining luxury with performance, driving comfort with sportiness, refined power with a new electrified elegance and modern technology.
With a fabric roof that does not take up too much space when stored in the boot, GranCabrio was created to share the pleasure of open-air travel with four passengers.
It is an authentic four-seater that makes it possible to travel with family and friends, enjoying the performance and luxury of the car with its fine materials, immersed in a drive that imposes no limits.
GranCabrio lets you share the thrill of a journey in a unique car, a symbol of Italian elegance, combined with the technology that a current Maserati can offer in all its forms.
Even with the top down, GranCabrio guarantees exceptional thermal and acoustic comfort.
An illustrious history of successes
A Maserati convertible immediately puts you in touch with the elegance of the car, not concealed under the roof and behind the windows. An open-top Maserati looks even more elegant and offers full enjoyment of the engine's roar. These cars place the driver in contact with the road and the landscape that surrounds them; they provide the full experience by combining the emotions of driving with those of the world through which we are all travelling.
The first open-top Maseratis date back to the company's origins, when two cars born to race - the 1931 4CS and the 1932 8CM - were adapted for road use. This inaugurated a history of great success, of the Maserati convertibles, long known in the House of the Trident's language as "spyders", with a 'y'. The story began in the 1930s, then continued with the rare A6/G 2000 Spyders bodied by Frua, successors of the first Maserati road car launched by the Maserati brothers before they left the company. Only small numbers were produced at this point, as collector's items.
In the late 1940s, Maserati started visiting international motor shows to unveil its cars, still designed and given form by the great Italian coachbuilders of the time. The story of the Maserati convertible was truly starting to take shape. In 1957, when Juan Manuel Fangio brought the Formula 1 World Championship to the Trident with the legendary 250F, the 3500 GT was presented in Geneva as the first mass-produced road-going sports car. This was also the first Maserati to cross the Atlantic to the US.
Two years later, at the 1959 Geneva Motor Show, the 3500 GT Convertibile was launched, designed by Giovanni Michelotti and built by Vignale around a 3.5-litre engine that could deliver 235 horsepower. A car destined to leave a mark for its style, so much so that the Italian press called it "a work of art in motion". Journalists at the UK's Autocar magazine wrote: "the impeccable deployment of horsepower and brilliant road holding immediately convinced us". It had a steel body, but the doors, bonnet and tailgate were made of light alloy with a slightly angular and geometric grille.
The 1960s marked a historic turning point: Maserati abandoned the acronyms it used for its cars and began to name them after winds. The first of these was the Mistral, for the strong northerly wind that blows over the Mediterranean. Designed by the Frua coachbuilder, the Mistral was unveiled in 1964 in a spyder version, an elegant reinterpretation of the fastback coupe, with an enormous amount of space for luggage. Fitted with a powerful 3.5 or 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine, it offered exhilarating performance with the wind in your hair.
Legend has it that when his people asked him why he insisted on keeping a Maserati Ghibli in his garage, Henry Ford II replied: "It's staying there until you produce just as beautiful a Ford". A car of such great beauty had to have a spyder version, created by the prodigious hand of Giorgetto Giugiaro. One of the most expensive cars of its time, it was equipped with a 4.7-litre V8 engine, or more rarely with a 335-hp 4.9-litre in the Spyder SS version.
In the 1980s, Maserati introduced the turbocharged engine with the 180-hp twin-turbo V6, with a top speed of over 215 km/h. The Biturbo Spyder was developed by Zagato, which transformed it into a two-seater (with two fold-down seats in the rear) by reducing its original wheelbase by 2400 mm. The Biturbo Spyder was launched in 1984 and continued to evolve until 1994, selling more than 3000 cars in a decade.
Under the protective wing of Ferrari at the turn of the millennium, Maserati restarted its production of convertible cars with the Maserati Spyder, a basic name to reconnect to the history of the Mistral and Ghibli, the basis for many important pages written by fans of the genre. The Maserati Spyder - also known as the 4200 GT Spyder - arrived in 2001 and was presented as a sleek and modern car, with a luxurious interior and a powerful 4244-cc V8 engine that could deliver 390 hp and a top speed of 283 km/h. A luxurious car with a great rush of technology, such as the "Cambiocorsa" steering wheel gearbox inspired by Formula 1.
We then come to the 21st century, by which point Maserati still believed in open-top models, launching the GranCabrio in 2009. Designed by Pininfarina, it embodied the essence of Italian style and elegance by offering a powerful V8 engine and cutting-edge technology, a new symbol of Maserati's commitment to combining driving pleasure with uncompromising performance.
And here we are with the present-day GranCabrio, the direct successor to the GranTurismo, a luxury car that then as now continues to turn heads and ruffle hair in the wind. In the Folgore version, it is the first full-electric open-top car in its class. Another step towards the future.
Pillars of GranCabrio
The characteristics of GranCabrio can be summed up in four basic concepts that condense the enormous potential of Maserati's latest product:
Open-top elegance. Passion for detail, luxurious materials and extraordinary quality to create an unrivalled outdoor experience in a convertible, as the epitome of the Maserati spirit
Performance. Driving pleasure, a powerful and muscular car on the track as well as on the road, ideal for travelling long distances in company
Cutting-edge technology. GranCabrio incorporates state-of-the-art technology, from the infotainment system to driver aids, to improve performance, safety and entertainment
Iconic design. A unique style, designed alongside the coupe version, to interpret the transition from a hard roof to a retractable top in the best possible way
Fabric roof
Maserati GranCabrio stands out for its unparalleled "open-air experience", to enjoy the road as you travel down it. The canvas roof, available in five colours - Black, Blue Marine, Titan Grey, Greige, Granata - offers an impeccable driving experience when closed in a coupe form, whereas the excellent aerodynamics and great comfort are maintained even when driving it as a convertible.
The canvas soft top can be operated when driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph). It opens in 14 seconds and closes in 16 seconds. The roof can be opened or closed at any time via a touch button on the comfort display.
To provide enough space for the folded top in the boot, a cargo space is available, which can also be put away (horizontally in the boot) if you decide to travel with the roof closed, to increase the boot capacity.
The Cabrio menu includes the option to open and close the soft top, either by gesture control or by pressing and holding the button. By swiping and holding a finger to the left, the user can close the soft top, or can swipe and hold right to open it. The movement can be stopped/resumed at any time by lifting the finger from the screen as the roof closes or opens, giving the user complete control of the mechanism.
Neck warmer and wind stopper
Comfort in the passenger compartment, even with the top down, is ensured by the neck warmer, which envelops the driver and passenger by blowing warm air directly from the newly designed seats. As standard on all models, it can be activated via a dedicated button on the comfort display, which can also be used to adjust the intensity of the air to any of the three speeds available.
One of the optional extras is a wind stopper that can be folded up in the boot. When fitted behind the front seats, it prevents the formation of turbulence in the passenger compartment when the top is down.
Naturally, this option is only available when two people are travelling, to optimise the aerodynamics even with the top down.
The wind stopper comes with a protective bag, for easy storage in the boot.
Design
Iconic design and open-top elegance
The new GranCabrio was created in parallel with the GranTurismo and follows the understatement and elegance of its lines, reaffirming the concept expressed by the coupe version with the optimal balance between aesthetic approach and unostentatious functionality. Just like in the GranTurismo, a union that has created a natural beauty and a design unaffected by fads, always remain timeless.
With undeniably unique and immediately recognisable lines, Maserati has created a sculpted technology: a pure shape suitable to cover best-in-class mechanics, emphasising the purity of its forms and its refined design cues.
The classic proportions of the brand's cars have been maintained, with the long bonnet and the central body intersected by the four fenders; proportions even further highlighted in such a sporty model, just like the GranTurismo. The fabric roof maintains the clean line when closed and highlights the luxury of the passenger compartment when open, maintaining the cleanliness of the lines.
Again for the GranCabrio, a decision was made to maintain continuity with the design of the previous generation, widely appreciated among customers. The simultaneously elegant and decisive profile gives the surfaces a pleasantly dynamic appearance, the lines are sinuous, the volumes are gentle, with specific characterisation in the wheel arches to highlight the transition between the refinement of the design and the technical aspects of the car.
Exterior
Unique front and eye-catching rear light clusters
As with all new Maserati models, starting with the MC20 halo car, the front of the GranCabrio also features vertical lights, bringing back what has become a new lighting signature for the brand. This stylistic decision gives the car a fresh, sporty look.
Conversely, the front grille includes the iconic 3D Trident logo.
The rear features the taillights launched in the GranTurismo, a mix between the classic boomerang form from many Maserati models in the past and a harpoon. Illuminated by Full LED technology, this shape also gives the GranCabrio an unmistakable, very assertive signature at the rear. GranCabrio offers the driver and their passengers an exclusive welcome, featuring an interior and exterior lighting strategy, triggered based on how far the key is away. The system uses interior and exterior lights to provide a greater sense of welcome and security when the user gets into the vehicle in the dark. The lights turn on as you approach and move away.
The feature also supports locking and unlocking the doors and tailgate,
based on how close the key fob is to the vehicle. Customers can choose to unlock the doors when approaching the vehicle (Approach Unlock) and lock the doors when they move away from the vehicle (Walkaway Lock)*.
* These features must be enabled in advance.
Cofango
One of the most distinctive and representative elements of the GranCabrio design is the 'cofango', previously seen in the GranTurismo. This portmanteau term is made up of cofano ('bonnet') and parafango ('fender'), referring to a single component of the car that includes these two parts.
Made by a market leading partner in this technology, the GranCabrio's 'cofango' is the same as the GranTurismo's and has a surface area of over 3 m2, a market leader in terms of dimensions.
Wheels
The tyres have been specifically tested and developed to achieve the best performance in terms of handling and comfort.
The new Maserati GranCabrio Folgore comes with a staggered wheel configuration, larger at the rear (21" 295/30) than at the front (20" 265/35).
The wheel offering consists of six different designs for the Folgore version.
In addition, to optimize the maximum achievable range, the Folgore version can be equipped with low rolling resistance tyres. These specific tyres are available in AURA (AERO) and ASTREO (MUGELLO) designs.
The brake callipers come in two different colours for the Folgore version: black and anodised dark copper.
In addition to these standard colours, the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation programme offers four additional colours for the Folgore version's brake callipers: white, blue, yellow and anodised red.
Colours
A typical feature of the Maserati DNA that applies to the new GranCabrio, as it does to the GranTurismo, is inspiration from the Italian territory and the constant quest for beauty to make impactful pigments and innovative applications. The aim is a living surface, in constant interaction between light and matter.
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore is available in six colours: Bianco Astro, Nero Assoluto, Blu Modena, Verde Giada, Grigio Incognito, Grigio Maratea Matte.
In addition to these standard colours, a new range of 27 shades and the option to customise your car with exclusive materials are available as part of the Collezioni Corse and Futura and the Bespoke personalisations.
Interior
The GranCabrio trim level is bold and sophisticated; it fully embodies the spirit of Maserati by combining traditional Italian artisanship with the use of noble materials that perfectly define the elegance of the design, which can be breathed in throughout the passenger compartment. The result makes GranCabrio extremely luxurious, extolling its soul.
Pure, contemporary design
GranCabrio continues the path trodden by Maserati with the MC20 super sports car and its convertible sister Cielo, with the Grecale SUV and GranTurismo. With these models, Maserati began to define a line of interiors inspired by its philosophy, "balance of the opposites".
The result conveyed is one of great luxury, but at the same time it fully epitomises the spirit of the GranCabrio.
Once again in the GranCabrio, tradition in our local area and Italian artisanship are juxtaposed with innovation and technology. With its top down, the contrast between luxury and technology immediately catches the eye when you look at the uniquely crafted materials, then at the screens that bring together the controls.
The uniqueness of the materials, stitching and processes used in the car are an expression of engineered craftsmanship, i.e. the Italian artisan tradition in dialogue with state-of-the-art technology.
Everything is devoted to functionality: the interior design is inspired by the concept of a pure, contemporary and emotive design, with room for new technology.
The completely clutter-free central tunnel (all commands are digital) is a celebration of high-quality materials.
The layout is a sports car's, with a highly dynamic design for the door panels and a colour division that highlights the design of the dashboard: a slim, delicate upper section appears to soar over the main part, enhanced by the craftsmanship of the various trim levels.
What makes the difference is the research and obsessive attention to detail. Everything you touch inside the cabin is "real material", to create a feeling of absolute harmony.
The sporty yet comfortable seats, with built-in headrests, take up the theme of the dashboard, even in the backrest. They are built on a lightweight frame, for a lower overall weight of the car.
The rear seats also follow the look of their front counterparts, as two real, extremely comfortable spaces.
GranCabrio offers unique and ideally equipped seats. The seat configuration provides 18 options for adjustment,
managed via the levers located on the lower side of the seats. Some functions can be controlled from the Comfort display.
ECONYL(R) for Folgore
GranCabrio Folgore proposes the use of sustainable materials such as ECONYL(R), a new element with a unique aesthetic; a regenerated nylon produced by recovering nylon waste - such as fishing nets from the seas and aquaculture, fabric waste and carpets destined for landfill - and transforming it into quality virgin nylon yarns for the fashion and interior industries, an example of the material's potentially infinite circularity.
This exclusive material expresses an aesthetic metamorphosis: its unique, highly opaque surface - reminiscent of the fabric used in the bodysuit fabric, combined with laser processing - features a parametric design that expresses a natural dynamism. Inspired by the movements of a ballerina immortalised in a photograph, it speaks of a "controlled performance", a movement made eternal.
The ECONYL(R) regeneration process embodies a fascinating journey that begins with the noble mission of saving precious resources from waste by recovering discarded materials from every corner of the world.
These materials undergo a complex selection and meticulous cleaning process to extract every possible gram of precious nylon.
Through a huge transformation, nylon waste is renewed and purified to be returned to its original state of pure luxury.
ECONYL(R) regenerated nylon is the embodiment of pristine elegance, virtually undistinguishable from its fossil fuel-based counterpart.
Once reprocessed, it is meticulously transformed into sumptuous yarns and rich polymers that raise the standards of the fashion and interior industries.
ECONYL(R) regenerated nylon becomes the exclusive canvas on which fashion brands create completely new products that can convey the perfect mix of opulence and environmental responsibility.
The same natural dynamism featured in the seat upholstery enhances the dashboard and panels, via the "high-frequency" leather printing technology, a process borrowed from high-end leather goods, brought to a car for the first time by Maserati.
Multi-function steering wheel
The GranCabrio's multi-function steering wheel takes sportiness to the next level.
The start/stop button on the left emphasises the sporty ambition when starting the car. On the right, the second rotary switch provides a choice between drive modes and activates the optional air suspension.
The steering wheel comes with a start/stop button and smooth leather on the Folgore version.
The paddle shifters behind the steering wheel are made of brushed dark aluminium as standard. The heating function can be activated via the Comfort display and is supplied as standard across the entire range.
HomeLink(R)*
The HomeLink(R) system can be used to operate devices such as garage door openers, motorised gates and lighting systems. The buttons are located on the driver's sun visor.
*Availability may vary by market.
Sport pedals
Lightweight sports pedals with aluminium footrests are included as standard. These include the iconic brake pedal set with the Maserati logo.
Engineering
Architecture
In 2017, when the development of a new vehicle architecture for the GranTurismo range began from a 'blank slate', Maserati immediately thought of the open-top version too. In practical terms, GranCabrio was created together with GranTurismo, along the same guidelines. It is a 100% Maserati project that has faced the engineers at the Innovation Lab with the challenge of the brand's most iconic, "zero-compromise" product, to base it on the history of the House of the Trident and take it ahead into the future.
Built with technologies developed specifically for the project, the body makes extensive use of lightweight materials such as aluminium and magnesium, together with high-performance steel for the most critical functions. Over 65% of the car is made of aluminium.
This multi-material approach required new manufacturing processes to be created, resulting in a minor increase in the weight of the GranCabrio compared to the GranTurismo's: just 80 kg for the Folgore version.
The architecture has also been designed to be modular, i.e. to house a petrol engine and electric motor with minimal adaptations.
Braking system
The braking system available on the GranCabrio is closely derived from the MC20's: the aim is to offer the best performance and resistance during high-speed driving, combined with comfort in everyday use.
The front and rear fixed callipers are therefore available in aluminium, the monobloc type obtained from casting.
It also has a double-cast rotor with an aluminium bell.
Folgore system - Disc cleaning function
To avoid loss of braking performance due to the use of regenerative braking, the Folgore braking system adopts a self-cleaning function. BSM applies the appropriate amount of hydraulic braking torque, instead of regenerative braking, to provide the braking torque required by the driver and to clean the disc surface.
Power source
Maserati Folgore for GranCabrio
GranCabrio Folgore is the first luxury full-electric convertible on the market. Folgore represents Maserati's idea of electric mobility, where performance remains one of the main factors.
The electric motors used in the GranCabrio Folgore are clearly in the Maserati tradition: from racing to the road.
Ideally starting from a Formula E electric motor, the Maserati development team has created a new benchmark for the entire automotive industry.
Thanks to thinner rolled steel components in the rotor and higher-quality magnets, electric motors can be more efficient at reaching maximum power and maintaining it for longer.
The Folgore powertrain has been developed around cutting-edge 800-volt technology, introduced for the first time in the GranTurismo, still state of the art when it comes to performance and charging time.
In terms of components, the GranCabrio Folgore is driven by three motors, one in the front and two in the rear, for a total installed power of over 1200 hp. Specially designed for exclusive use by Maserati, they reach higher levels of power density (9.2 kW/kg) and are driven by silicon carbide (SiC) inverters derived from Formula E.
This solution makes it possible to precisely control the flow of energy to the motors with the concrete advantage of reducing the power loss typical of more traditional inverters.
The two totally decoupled rear motors - with no transmission to interconnect the wheels - make it possible to direct the torque to each individual side, independently of each other. This kind of torque management for each individual wheel is known as torque vectoring.
Torque vectoring adjusts the car's level of rotation ('yaw'), not only when accelerating but also when the pedal is released and when braking. The system acts in a similar way to a sophisticated electronically controlled differential, but in the case of the GranTurismo Folgore, the potential and the level of control are considerably higher.
The specific configuration consisting of two rear electric motors and one in the front offers broader adjustment in terms of torque distribution. Each motor can be controlled independently of the others via the Vehicle Domain Control Module (VDCM). The GranCabrio Folgore can therefore be driven solely in RWD or in AWD.
The battery, produced at the Mirafiori Battery Hub assembly plant in Turin, has a nominal capacity of 92.5 kWh and a discharge capacity of 610 kW, to continuously deliver around 750 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', is another example of the "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. It also results in lower inertia resistance force, to improve the vehicle's agility: more efficient yaw control (greater efficiency than a platform battery arrangement, distributed throughout the body).
Agility is one of the key factors: the weight of the battery remains in the centre of the car, both vertically and horizontally.
The GranCabrio Folgore sits lower than any other electric car on the market.
Supercharging the motors compared to the battery is another important factor for performance. This offers maximum flexibility in torque distribution up to very high values, unlike other applications on the market, forced to limit the power according to the distribution.
GranCabrio Folgore can discharge 100% of the available power even with the rear axle alone in Rear-Wheel Drive configuration only, or can discharge up to 400 hp on a single rear wheel.
In addition, the features of the GranCabrio Folgore system provide regen levels of up to 0.65 g, to recover energy during braking and achieve optimal conditions up to the peak charging rate of 400 kW.
Vehicle Domain Control Module (VDCM)
The new electronic architecture developed by Maserati and launched in the GranTurismo is revived in the GranCabrio.
The focus is the Vehicle Domain Control Module (VDCM), the car's "master controller". A veritable orchestral conductor, it steers all the fundamental dynamics systems, with driver interaction via the drive mode selector on the right side of the steering wheel.
VDCM is a 100% Maserati project, with the software having been designed, implemented and calibrated in-house.
This high-tech solution, based on Maserati's many decades of know-how in vehicle dynamics, provides 360° control of the car by integrating information and operating on all the vehicle's main systems, for maximum performance and the best driving experience in all conditions.
It acts as the car's brain, setting precise targets and timing for the actuators, ensuring they are all aligned, reducing intervention times and increasing performance, driving pleasure and safety.
The option of complete control at vehicle level (predictive, no longer reactive) provides the opportunity to define the GranCabrio's dynamics, creating a clear distinction between the various drive modes.
Folgore sound
Of course, electrification does not equate to losing the typical characteristics of Maserati's DNA: an extensive study has been conducted on the sound, which remains an iconic factor, including in the GranCabrio Folgore.
The sound experience with the electric motor is the result of innovative engineering work: the natural acoustic dynamics of the electric motors driven by the inverters have been digitally shaped and integrated with the typical sound taken from the Maserati V8 tradition.
All this in-depth analysis has made it possible to integrate know-how of the Maserati sound with the noise the vehicle naturally generates, to produce a unique acoustic experience, closely linked to the car yet innovative at the same time.
It goes without saying that an electric car has no exhaust or intake; the sound tuning function is therefore delegated to sophisticated signal processing software, operated by synthesisers and released into the space by very high-quality speakers on the inside and out.
Drive modes
Drive modes, Folgore version
In its Folgore version with an electric motor, the GranCabrio comes with four different driving modes: MAX RANGE, GT, SPORT, CORSA.
The modes can be selected via the rotary control on the steering wheel, with the suspension settings button in the middle.
MAX RANGE mode, to provide the car with specific settings aimed at efficiency, ensuring maximum range by applying strategies to save energy. It is recommended when the battery falls below 16% and no charging point is immediately available. It throttles the maximum speed to 130 km/h, reduces the response of the accelerator pedal and limits the power of the climate control.
GT mode is the default drive mode when the car is started, and provides a balanced, typically "granturismo" driving experience. It is ideal for everyday driving and guarantees maximum usability, comfort and efficiency without sacrificing characteristically GranCabrio dynamism.
In this mode, the exuberant power of Folgore is limited to 80%. The sound is noticeable but moderate.
SPORT mode offers the best dynamic performance, for an exhilarating driving experience on everyday roads. The sound is boosted, the Folgore system runs at maximum performance and the suspension set-up enhances the driving dynamics. The traction control gives greater freedom of control to the driver, who can even decide to disable ESC in conditions where it would be safe to.
CORSA mode offers the driver the most extreme experience, the option of enjoying the true sporty embodiment of the GranCabrio Folgore, and the full performance of its 800-volt powertrain. In typical track use, the car adopts minimum control strategies, giving the driver freedom to test their driving ability.
In this mode, the accelerator pedal becomes very direct, and the torque is delivered very quickly from the three motors. Torque vectoring maximises performance when entering, navigating and exiting corners. The suspension damping level increases and the car takes on a ground clearance that maximises vertical downforce. The digital dashboard adapts the Corsa display to highlight the most relevant performance parameters, including monitoring of battery temperature (an important factor for performance) and for torque distribution in relation to the maximum acceleration that can be achieved.
Performance optimisations in Corsa mode
In Corsa mode, additional features - accessed via the drive mode controls on the infotainment system - enable the driver to make further adjustments to levels of torque vectoring and traction control, from optimal performance conditions on a wet surface to settings for extreme drift.
On the other hand, the performance optimiser offers peak performance by applying optimal powertrain management depending on use:
Max boost: maximises acceleration performance
Endurance: maximises performance in prolonged use on the track, by guiding the driver in system temperature management
In Sport or Corsa modes, the driver has the option to enable Launch Control - a procedure to obtain maximum possible acceleration with no consistent wheel slip - by pushing the "-" paddle and following the procedure indicated on the digital dashboard.
The level of braking from the motors in regen - which also recovers energy by recharging the high-voltage battery, as well as slowing down the car - can be set to four levels via the paddles, and can be adjusted while driving according to requirements.
On the GranCabrio Folgore, CORSA mode is further enhanced by several specific options designed by the Maserati development team to optimise vehicle dynamics, all fully integrated into the Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM).
Thanks to the specific Folgore architecture consisting of two rear motors, the driver can adjust the torque distribution logic to achieve the desired level of agility from the vehicle. In addition, the traction control can be adjusted separately.
The options available are as follows:
Three levels of traction control
Three levels of torque vectoring
The "performance optimiser" section also offers two powertrain-specific mappings that can provide up to 10% more power.
Technology in the name of in-car pleasure
Digital cockpit
The interior of the GranCabrio is a perfect mix of luxury and technology, and includes a dual touchscreen.
12.3" central display and 8.8" Comfort display, both ergonomically positioned to facilitate access to the controls and to avoid any hindrance to the legs.
The digital climate controls are simply placed and are the quickest to reach in the car's class. The quick gesture controls, previously tried out in the GranTurismo, let you control the temperature and fan speed instantly, without taking your eyes off the road.
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Baidu CarLife integrate your smartphone experience in seconds. Users can connect up to two phones.
12.2" digital dashboard. It remains a benchmark in terms of intuitiveness, ease of configuration and irresistible graphics. The attention to detail is unparalleled in its segment, demonstrated by the elegance and refinement of the graphics and the shape of the screen, which wraps around the steering wheel to maximise the visibility of the information. The customisation options consist of four different layouts: Classic, Evolved, Relaxed and Corsa (the latter is automatically enabled in CORSA drive mode). Embellished with elegant graphics, the numerous, useful widgets enrich the configuration of the digital dashboard.
Reconfigurable heads-up display. A rare feature in the segment, the heads-up display minimises driver distractions by projecting key information such as speed, maps and directions directly onto the windscreen.
Maserati Digital Clock. The best-loved in-car clock ever. An icon of the past transported into the future, revisited with modernity and functionality in mind. Reconfigurable in terms of various features: three skins (Classic, Design and Sport), four dynamic animations (compass, G-force meter, accelerator and stopwatch) and contextual pop-ups (smartphone connection via Bluetooth, start of wireless phone charging and EV charging-related features for the Folgore). Users can also interact with the Digital Clock via the voice command "Hey Maserati", to operate the voice assistant and quickly control the aircon, media, navigation and phone calls.
Multi-coloured ambient light. The ambient light is a perfect combination of luxury and comfort, included as standard in all trim levels available. The new GranCabrio's ambient light was created to highlight the infotainment profile, the upper part of the dashboard, the passenger and driver mats, and the front glove box where the wireless charger is located.
Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA)
The GranCabrio is equipped with the latest Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) multimedia system.
At the heart of MIA is the Android Auto operating system, offering speed, great operating performance and data processing similar to a tablet's, as well as more memory, for a highly responsive user experience.
Providing each customer with a simple, intuitive and customisable user experience, MIA can be configured with multiple tab-based screens with your favourite functions or the most commonly used ones, to optimise quick access and enable operations with just one tap.
The Android Auto operating system can also store up to five different user profiles. Each user can set up their own profile with their personal details, including music preferences and vehicle functions. The system also links other vehicle settings to the user's profile, such as temperature and seat/mirror positioning. Switching from one user profile to another is extremely simple, with just one tap in the main menu.
MIA lets you connect two smartphones at once via Bluetooth, providing the option to manage various priority functions such as phone calls, music selection and text messages.
Passengers can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to use their smartphone apps quickly, immediately and wirelessly, leaving their phones safely put away.
The GranCabrio is equipped with a new voice recognition system with software, microphone technology and natural voice functionality. By saying "Hey Maserati, set temperature to 21 degrees" for example, there is no need to press a button to start the voice recognition system.
With MIA, you can set up to five different user profiles, each according to individual preferences (your favourite settings for the climate control, media, navigation, seats, rearview mirrors, etc.).
Advanced Driver Assistance
For safe travel in a Maserati
The main task of driver assistance systems is to support the driver in complex situations, for full enjoyment of the GranCabrio Folgore driving experience.
In every Maserati, technology, design and luxury converge, in a unique balance for the market. This guiding principle pervades every aspect of GranCabrio Folgore, including its ADAS systems. One example is the radar sensor, harmoniously integrated into the middle of the grille with the Maserati appendage, concealed behind the iconic Trident, with no compromises in terms of its detection capacity.
The main new features are:
Maserati Active Driving Assist: a benchmark in the segment for fluidity and reliability, even in the most sudden manoeuvres. Made possible by their meticulous calibration, the features of the GranCabrio L2 ADAS preserve Maserati's renowned driving comfort and give drivers significant confidence in the system. In particular, of the various L2 ADAS systems, the active lane assist feature is bolstered even further with Emergency Lane Keeping, to protect occupants with very powerful steering manoeuvres when a collision is imminent.
Dynamic Road View: when using the driver assistance systems, the digital dashboard shows a dynamic 3D reconstruction of the surrounding vehicles.
Rear Emergency Braking: when reversing, the GranCabrio not only warns the driver with audible signals, it also predicts imminent impacts and brakes automatically to eliminate the possibility of collision with vehicles and objects in front.
Surround View Camera 2D: the surround view camera gives the driver a 360° overview of the car's surroundings, accompanied by a bird's-eye image of the car, which can easily be rotated by the driver.
Virtual Wall: obstacles detected by the rear parking sensors are shown in the form of virtual blocks that change colour depending on their proximity to the vehicle, to assist the driver when parking.
Folgore experience
With the Granturismo Folgore, Maserati had raised the bar for an electric car without compromising on luxury and performance. With the GranCabrio Folgore, the journey continues, offering occupants the opportunity to enjoy the silence of an open-top electric journey with no charging anxiety.
When the driver selects a destination and starts navigation, the system guides the driver to their target by calculating whether the car has enough charge to get there with no extra stops in between to charge the battery. If the trip planned is too long, the system automatically suggests the number of charging stops needed and the time required to arrive at the destination.
The GranCabrio Folgore is equipped with the latest and greatest EV features to provide the best and fastest solutions to the new specific requirements of electric motorists.
The main functions on offer are:
DC Booster: basically acts as a "voltage adapter/booster" between the car's 800-volt battery and any 400-volt DC charging station; without this option (OPT DCB), the car can only be charged at slow or ultra-fast charging stations. DC Booster availability may vary by market. The DC Booster increases the output voltage of the stations from 400 to 800 volts, to charge the car's battery in the shortest possible time, maximising the power the charging stations can deliver to the car.
Coasting Guide Control: provides useful information to the driver to optimise the use of regenerative braking and coasting. It informs the driver when to brake and when to coast, depending on the condition of the vehicle.
Battery Pre-conditioning: required to bring the battery pack to the optimal temperature for ultra-fast charging. At the right temperature, the battery can absorb a great deal of current, to halve the charging time needed, e.g. from 40 minutes to 20. The navigation system sends a notification when the vehicle is approaching an ultra-fast charging destination, so that battery pre-conditioning can begin.
Cabin Pre-conditioning: (keep warm and cool): this function offers the option to keep the cabin climate control on (hgt or cold) when the driver has to leave the vehicle for a moment and to turn it off with a simple command.
Charging Station Locator 2.0: provides the user with the ability to locate EV/PHEV charging stations when a low energy level is reached. It also provides information on:
- stations (telephone number, address, rates, etc.)
- availability of charging stations, shown at the customer's request
- travel plan, based on the actual range available
- routing, taking into account the location of charging stations
- the navigation system for electric vehicles modifies the route and duration of the trip to include a charging stop as needed.
Maserati Connect
Maserati Connect uses the vehicle's internet connection to enrich the driving experience with essential services for safety, navigation, entertainment and comfort. With GranCabrio,
the range of services available is even more comprehensive. Most Maserati Connect services are free for up to 10 years.
The main services Maserati offers its customers include:
Maserati Guard: a powerful system to detect and retrieve the car in case it is stolen. The system notifies the GranCabrio owner in the event of a break-in, via a notification from the Maserati Connect app. Customers also have a dedicated phone number to coordinate vehicle recovery with local law enforcement agencies and, when and where possible, to prevent the engine from starting.
Safety (eCall, bCall roadside assistance): in case the occupants of the vehicle are in danger, Maserati GranCabrio is equipped with the Emergency Call service. Activated manually or automatically after an accident, it contacts the public ambulance service or a private provider (depending on country) to provide medical assistance. Maserati also offers the Roadside Assistance Call service, available in case the vehicle breaks down.
Maserati Connect app: enables the owner to interact with the car and view information on vehicle condition and location. The owner will also receive a notification in case the vehicle is stolen or if the driver breaks a set of rules previously set up in the app. Customers can also protect their vehicle from misuse by enabling Valet Mode when lending the car to others. Finally, the Maserati Connect app is intended to be used via a smartwatch, to maximise ease of use.
Alexa in-vehicle assistant + Wi-Fi Hotspot: Alexa is the fastest and most powerful voice assistant ever included in a Maserati. It offers both Alexa's typical voice commands and instantaneous remote control of navigation, media, calls and smart devices. A data subscription for your Maserati is also bundled in with the Alexa voice assistant, to activate the in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and surf the web on up to eight connected devices.
Alexa Home-to-Vehicle: to interact with your Maserati from home, in complete comfort, simply by using your voice. Communicating with the Alexa virtual personal assistant from home enables users to send destinations to the vehicle or check its status, for example battery charge level, tyre pressure and much more.
Maserati Guide and Drive: a standout among the connected services for satnav is predictive navigation, which suggests possible destinations based on your habits. The street view feature also adds real-world 120° images from the set destination, to help the driver find exactly where they are going. Other services include real-time information on traffic and the availability of parking spaces.
Interaction with your smartphone is optimised by the Last-Mile Navigation feature, which can send your destination to your personal device in case it is inaccessible to vehicles (e.g. in a pedestrian area). The feature can also be used vice versa, from your smartphone to your car.
E-Mobility
Folgore customers will be able to take advantage of an ALL-INCLUSIVE solution for home and public charging*.
The charging offer includes access to the public charging network and to the Maserati Public Charge app, to view the charging points available and manage charges along the way.
The home charging offer includes a wallbox that customers can install at home or at the location of their choice.
In both cases, dedicated customer support is available.
Maserati Charging Station Locator: charging points are indicated on the navigation map in the car's centre display. Each charging point shows details such as connector type and power level. Charging points that form part of the Maserati Charge network are marked with the Maserati logo. Customers can search for charging points and select them based on the connector type and power level they support.
Dynamic Range Mapping: During navigation, a polygon signal (also known as "Spider") is displayed as an overlay on the navigation map. Spider visually shows the distance the customer can travel with the remaining battery level based on the road ahead and their driving style. Spider is updated in real time based on changing conditions that affect the remaining range. Versions of Dynamic Range Mapping may vary by market; variations affect the accuracy of the predictive algorithm.
EV Smartphone Controls: customers can easily schedule charging, view the vehicle's range based on the current charge level, battery percentage to be charged, battery completion time and charging rate. They can also view the cabin temperature status, turn the cabin climate control on and off and remotely set the cabin temperature.
EV Routing: when the customer selects a destination and starts navigation, the system displays the expected charge level at the destination and the various charging options along the way. If the trip planned is too long for the current charge level, the system automatically suggests the most suitable charging stops. Customers will be able to see the full journey plan, including arrival time, remaining charge and the expected waiting time to charge the battery, all at each stop. Versions of EV Routing may vary by market; variations affect the accuracy of the predictive algorithm.
EV ECO Coaching: a service that helps customers understand how to make the most of the benefits of the electric car. It provides advice on how to optimise battery usage, indicates driving style and provides suggestions for improvement.
SOS Charging**: as well as the usual roadside assistance coverage, an SOS charge service can be requested when the vehicle runs out of battery power and the customer is left stranded. In this case, customers can request roadside assistance to send an SOS vehicle equipped with a mobile charging unit that can charge the car to run for up to 30 km.
*Public and home charging offer varies by market.
**Service available in Europe, China and North America.
Sonus faber sound system
The GranCabrio's audio system provides a superior listening experience and a unique all-round immersive sound experience, courtesy of the exceptional Sonus faber system.
Designed and made by Sonus faber, the Italian artisans of sound, the GranCabrio Folgore offers two different audio configurations: the standard Premium audio system featuring 13 speakers and 2D surround, with an output of 815 W for a unique natural sound experience; and the optional High Premium audio system with 16 speakers, 2D and 3D surround sound with powerful amplification, up to 1060 W, for depth of field and truly unique roundness of sound. Both systems offer different presets for an enhanced sound experience.
Natural materials and exclusive speaker design produce an extremely real-world sound in the cabin, with specific attention paid to spatial and temporal alignment between the tweeters and mid-range speakers to create the distinctive "Voice of Sonus faber" (VoS) tone.
The subwoofer technology has also been modified, as in the GranTurismo. No longer in a closed case located in the boot, it now uses "Freshair" technology, paired with the car's outward cavity to optimise performance and space.
The original Sonus faber natural sound experience is nearly as immersive and exceptional in the standard configuration, courtesy of its 13 speakers and a dual DSP amplifier (total of 815 W): 4 tweeters, 3 front midrange, 2 front woofers, 2 rear midrange, 1 mid-seats rear woofer, 1 subwoofer.
In the optional version, Sonus faber offers 16 speakers at a higher quality than the standard system, driven by a more powerful amplifier, again with dual DSP that delivers up to a total of 1060 W: 5 tweeters, 3 front midrange, 2 front height midrange, 2 front woofers, 2 rear midrange, 1 mid-seats rear woofer, 1 subwoofer.