Maserati is set to dazzle the automotive world with its forthcoming masterpiece, the 2023 MC20 Folgore. Breaking free from the current surge towards electrification and connectivity in the automotive industry, Maserati is all set to unleash a storm with its new range of battery-powered marvels, aptly named Folgore, meaning “lightning” in Italian.
Crafted in-house, the heart of the Folgore lineup is the revolutionary 800-volt powertrain. Featuring a unique configuration of three electric motors – one up front and two at the rear—this innovative design is not exclusive to high-performance, luxury vehicles but is set to redefine the norm across Maserati’s electric fleet. Sandro Bernardini, the visionary behind the second-generation GranTurismo, reveals that this configuration, while resembling a modern four-cylinder engine, boasts a groundbreaking absence of mechanical connections between the rear motors. The result? True torque vectoring, ensuring Maserati’s electric models maintain their unwavering commitment to performance.
Maserati‘s initial foray into electric production will see the next-generation GranTurismo taking center stage in 2021, offering a tempting choice between an electric variant and a traditional 3.0-liter Nettuno V6 engine, akin to the MC20. The latter will morph into a mid-motored, zero-emissions coupe later in its production cycle, a testament to Maserati’s foresight in designing a vehicle to seamlessly accommodate both electric and gasoline power sources.
While exact technical specifications are still shrouded in mystery, Bernardini assures us that the powertrain is meticulously engineered for optimal range. Efforts to reduce motor size, weight, and enhance efficiency are already underway, with a promise of compatibility with 300-kilowatt fast-charging technology. Autoblog’s exclusive insight hints that the electric MC20 will outshine its 621-horsepower gasoline counterpart in terms of power, compensating for its added weight and maintaining impeccable handling.
Underpinning the MC20 Folgore is a shared foundation with its gasoline-powered sibling, including a carbon fiber tub and subframes. The lithium-ion battery pack takes pride of place behind the firewall, strategically positioned for ideal weight distribution. Contrary to traditional expectations, Maserati’s Head of Design, Klaus Busse, dismisses the need for excessive air intakes and outlets, emphasizing a commitment to design purity. The MC20 Folgore’s sleek aesthetics will captivate enthusiasts, telling a compelling design story without relying on unnecessary openings.
Francesco Tonon, the mastermind behind Maserati’s product planning, teases an eagerly anticipated debut for the MC20 Folgore by 2022, following the introduction of the Spyder-badged convertible model. This groundbreaking addition will join the ranks of the second-generation GranTurismo and a new electric SUV positioned below the Levante. Production is set to unfold in Modena, Italy, on the same assembly line that witnessed the birth of the gasoline-powered MC20 in September 2020.
Maserati’s MC20 Folgore is not just an electric vehicle; it’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and delivering an electrifying driving experience that will leave an indelible mark on the future of automotive excellence.