The new Maserati GranCabrio 2024 fills the gap left in the price list by the long-lived previous generation, produced from 2009 to 2019. With the new model comes a double opportunity of choice, namely the possibility of opting between the petrol or electric engine. We tried them both between the shores of Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta until we reached the summit of Mount Mottarone. Here is the report of the first contact.
Maserati GranCabrio 2024, design
—
There is no doubt about the beauty of this new Maserati, a true convertible grand tourer that puts its typically Italian style at the center. Unmistakable shapes, from real Maserati, which appear to be more sober than those of the previous generation designed by Pininfarina. The new GranCabrio is more elegant and seeks a balance between luxury and sportiness in its characteristic lines. The headlights are vertical like on the supercar Maserati MC20 which influenced all the new Trident models. The grille features the iconic logo of the Modena company in three dimensions. The long aluminum hood, or rather cofango since it integrates the mudguards, it is marked by bold lines and has a surface area of over 3 square meters. On the side we find the typical three Maserati vents and differentiated rims: 20” at the front with 265/30 tyres and 21 inches at the rear with 295/30 tyres. The truncated tail rear is characterised by the LED harpoon light signature which recalls the characteristic shape of the boomerang lights of the past. The canvas hoodavailable in various colours, can be operated up to a speed of 50 km/h, opens in 14 seconds and closes in 16.
Maserati GranCabrio 2024, interior
—
With the roof open, the GranCabrio is even more exclusive because the elegant interiors. The noble materials used for the composition of the passenger compartment have been carefully assembled with artisanal care, creating an extremely luxurious environment. sporty but comfortable seatsthey have integrated headrests and reflect the workmanship of the dashboard also on the backrest. At the rear there are two comfortable seats capable of accommodating two adults, so that four can also travel together. In terms of style and technology, however, it recalls what has already been seen on the SUV Maserati Grecale. Indeed, we find well quattro display: one to act as a 12.2” digital dashboard, two 12.3” touch screens in the middle for multimedia and 8.8” air conditioning (as well as managing the operation of the canvas roof) and the smallest round at the top of the dashboard, which replaces the traditional analogue clock. They are integrated via wireless both Carplay is Android Auto and there is a voice assistant that responds to the command “Bull, Maserati”.
Maserati GranCabrio 2024, the test
—
Maserati puts before us a radical choice: no electrification for the GranCabrio, it can be chosen in the standard version Thermal trophy and gasoline by 100% electric called Folgore. Two souls in comparison that have in common a platform designed specifically for her and the four-wheel drive. Let’s start with the thermal version that relies on the V6 Nettuno enginethe twin-turbo six-cylinder that first appeared on the MC20, which uses patented pre-chamber combustion technology derived from Formula 1 engines. A compact engine, positioned very low behind the front axle of the GranCabrio Trophy, which delivers 550 HP and 650 Nm of torque. The performance are top-notch with a top speed of 316 km/h, a 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 12.2. The balance sought for the style is also found when driving since, despite the performance of a true supercar, the GranCabrio Trofeo never puts the driver in difficulty. The steering is very fast in the insertions, it feels like driving a much more compact car compared to its almost 5 meters in length. Driving with the roof open you can better appreciate the sound of the Nettuno engine which is unleashed close to 6,500 rpm, making you want to tackle the succession of uphill curves on Mount Mottarone with ever greater confidence. Also in Race modethe sportiest one that deactivates the traction controls, the car faithfully maintains the set trajectories, managing to manage and correct any errors using only the steering and pedals appropriately. The not too rigid suspensions always guarantee a high level of driving comfort and the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission is now a guarantee: extremely fast and never abrupt in the changes. The front visibility is excellent, with the arches of the mudguards almost acting as sights to aim the entrances to the curves, while the rear visibility is sacrificed by the very inclined rear window of the hood. When you are not in a hurry the GranCabrio Trofeo is a high-level long-distance driver, in maximum luxury you can grind out kilometers without ever getting tired, with the opportunity to better enjoy the panorama thanks to the driving plein air.
The driving experience that is so engaging and natural with the Trofeo can also be found in the Folgore electric versionwhich relies on three electric motors: one at the front and two at the rear, one for each wheel, which act independently. The power increases to 761 HP (829 HP in maxboost) and 1,350 Nm of torque for a maximum speed of 290 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0-200 at 9.1. However, even the weight increases from 1,895 kg of the Trofeo to 2,340 kg of the Folgore. Since she is always an exclusive traveller, albeit with zero emissions, the capacity of the vehicle is important 92.5 kWh battery (83 kWh net) which guarantees according to Maserati 447 km of range from Wltp cycle. Since this was a first contact we were unable to verify the real autonomy of the car but the surplus of power leaves you breathless. As soon as you touch the accelerator pedal the response is immediate but linear as befits a grand tourer. When you try to lunge, however, the Folgore becomes decidedly more brutal than its petrol twin, hiding the approximately 400 kg of weight gain. The low center of gravity is achieved thanks to the particular “T” shape of the battery pack which passes between the front axle and the central tunnel, becoming structural. Only in the steep downhill hairpin bends do the suspensions have to deal with extra work to contain the roll of the GranCabrio Folgore which, however, never gets upset and shoots us out of the corners very quickly.
Maserati GranCabrio 2024, which one to choose
—
The Folgore and the Trofeo are two twins who marry two different philosophies. Those who are used to hearing the noise of engines will prefer the thermal version, more balanced and natural in driving dynamicsthose who prefer electric propulsion will enjoy the excellent soundproofing and power of huge acceleration of Folgore. So which one to choose between Folgore or Trofeo? Both adapt perfectly to every riding level, creating immediate and pleasant confidence. There four-wheel drive and powerful, modular braking, in addition to level 2 driving assistance systemsalways instill confidence on every road you take. Surely, at the wheel of the latest Maserati, you won’t go unnoticed given that the new Maserati GranCabrio captures the eyes of passers-by like few other cars can.
Maserati GranCabrio 2024, pros and cons
—
Below are the first considerations on what we liked and what we didn’t like about it new Maserati GranCabrio 2024.
- Design: the GranCabrio is a true Maserati with an evening dress, it polarises the gaze by presenting itself as a true instant classic
- Driving dynamics: finding the balance between sportiness and comfort is always a difficult goal but with the new GranCabrio it is achieved. Balanced and versatile
- Habitability: not a 2+2 but a real open four-seater with luxurious and elegant interiors
- Buttons: some of the glossy black buttons and levers behind the steering wheel do not reflect the premium product in terms of feel and do not live up to the brand’s reputation
- Price increase: Maserati Grancabrio is now a different product than in the past but the new price positioning puts it in comparison with high-level rivals such as the Ferrari Roma Spider.
Maserati GranCabrio 2024, price list
—
The new Maserati GranCabrio has a price list from 210,700 euros for the Folgore and from 235,800 euros for the Trofeo. The levels of customization are almost infinite and a version will also arrive later “entry level” call Modena.
