Maserati teases fully-electric powertrain for GranTurismo and GranCabrio

Maserati has announced that its first-ever all-electric EV powertrain will drive the next-generation GranTurismo and GranCabrio. With both the upcoming GranTurismo coupe and GranCabrio convertible having entered the testing phase, the automaker axes its preceding Ferrari-sourced V-8-powered GranTurismo series.

Previously, the GranTurismo was unveiled at the 2007 Geneva auto show and was produced until November 2019. The previous generation of the car was powered by a 4.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine generating a maximum output of 454 hp.  

With no official statement on the powertrain of the car, the forthcoming vehicles are assumed to be much quicker than its combustion-engine predecessor which covered 0 to 60 mph in four seconds. Interestingly, reports and rumours claim the GranTurismo to carry three electric motors, all-wheel-drive, and an 800V electrical system.

With a Euro 800 million ($877 million) investment for an Innovation Lab for development work, Maserati ensured to "combine driving pleasure, comfort and performance with a unique and unmistakable sound."

The testing phase of the cars which are being conducted by the company under various terrain conditions is said to allow them to acquire essential data for the development of the new electric powertrains that future models will use. Additionally, the coupe and convertible are being tested for both road and the tracks.

With the advancements in tests for their latest development, the new GranTurismo along with a new, sub-Levante SUV with an electric powertrain is set to launch in 2021. The GranCabrio will hit the showroom floors in 2022.

According to the recent five-year plan by Maserati's parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the automaker will be introducing battery-electric variants of the redesigned Quattroporte and Levante in 2022 and 2023,

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