In the world we live in, when cars don’t go electric, they get boosted. All those wonderful, cacophonous V8s seem to be heading towards turbo-six power (and, for Mercedes, turbo-four). While all these new engines are putting out more horsepower than older versions with more cylinders, the lost aural charms seem to inspire a teardrop or two … but, hey, what do we know? We certainly haven’t driven the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo.
The last GT has not been built since 2019, having had a life that lasted more than a decade. The new one bears a family resemblance to the old one, but also adopts the new vertical headlight design that appears on the MC20 supercar. In fact, the engine from the MC20 appears in the GT, though it is lacking in cylinder deactivation and uses a wet-sump oil system aside of the obligatory detuning. Horsepower from the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 is up 36 from the old V8 to 490 for the Modena model, while the hotter Trofeo variant (anyone thinking Oldsmobile all of a sudden?) puts out a resounding 550 horses. Both are backed by a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
Maserati says of the GT, “The GranTurismo coupé combines the high performance typical of a sports car and comfort suitable for long distances, with both a powerful internal combustion engine and with the most innovative 100- percent battery electric solutions. It represents a major benchmark and embodies the concept of ‘The Others Just Travel.’ This model is taking the House of the Trident forward into the future: it is the first car in the brand’s history to adopt a 100 percent electric powertrain.”
So, wait a sec: Maserati is going electric too?
That GranTurismo model, called the Folgore, uses three 300kW magnet motors and an 800-volt tech derived from the Formula E. Horsepower is 760 directed to the rear wheels. For those of you who keep charge of these things, the nominal capacity is 92.5 kWh and the discharge capacity is 560 kW.
The architecture of the 2024 Maserati GT makes generous use of aluminum and magnesium and other lightweight materials, plus “high-performance” steel. Using several materials together required a new manufacturing process or two, but the result is best-in-class weight.
Inside, the GT’s cabin includes a Sonus faber 3-D sound system that offers up to 19 speakers and three-dimensional sound with an output of up to 1,195 watts. And for the Folgore, Maserati Innovation Lab engineers have added to the “all-round sound experience” by engineering the “iconic signature sound of the Maserati engine.”
Maserati says the Modena will hit 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, with the Trofeo cutting that by 0.4 seconds. The Folgore? 2.7 seconds. The latter two also have top speeds of 199 mph. No word on how much slower the cabriolet will be, though it isn’t anticipated to be released until a year later, according to Car and Driver.
A limited-edition PrimaSerie 75th Anniversary Launch Edition, which includes exclusive features dedicated to the company’s 75-year anniversary, will also be available (duh) during launch. With prices starting near $200 grand for the GranTurismo Modena, you may be overdue in saving your pennies already.
Source: www.classiccars.com