Designfax – Technology for OEM Design Engineers

February 21, 2023

Volume 19 Issue 07

Designfax weekly eMagazine

Subscribe Today!

Partners

Manufacturing Center
Product Spotlight

Modern Applications News
Metalworking Ideas For
Today's Job Shops

Tooling and Production
Strategies for large
metalworking plants

New Maserati GranTurismo: ICE or electric, it's delicious either way

Maserati GranTurismo Modena.

Maserati's new GranTurismo coupe combines the high performance typical of a sports car with the comfort suitable for long distances. With two powerful internal combustion engine choices (490 and 550 hp) and the brand's first all-electric option that cranks out more than 700 hp, it's a beautiful, functional, and smartly updated classic with high-end racing tech inside.

Maserati GranTurismo Modena.

There are not a lot of details, but here is what we know so far for this 2024 model. Developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab and produced at the Mirafiori manufacturing hub in Turin, the GranTurismo is 100% made in Italy and epitomizes "Italian luxury performance." The classic proportions of the GranTurismo line have been maintained, with the long hood and the central body intersected by the four fenders. Conversely, the roof line drops dynamically to emphasize the curve of the pillar that features the iconic Trident logo.

Maserati GranTurismo Modena.

The new four-seater coupe is equipped with the mid-car-mounted V-6 Nettuno engine available in two versions: the Modena, with the 490-hp 3.0-liter V-6 Nettuno Twin Turbo with technology derived from Formula 1 (pre-chamber combustion system featuring twin spark plugs), and the high-performance Trofeo version, which is based on the same engine but upgraded to a maximum power of 550 hp. Both have an eight-speed automatic transmission and come with all-wheel drive. Compared to the MC20 Nettuno engine of the MC20 super sportscar, the GranTurismo six-cylinder engine comes with a wet sump rather than a dry one. The engine is equipped with cylinder deactivation. In certain operating conditions, the right cylinder bank is deactivated, with its entire valvetrain kept disabled with a system of collapsible tappets: a result achieved with a specific oil circuit and the use of cutting-edge components.

VIDEO: Maserati GranTurismo evolution.

The GranTurismo Folgore adopts a 100% electric battery-based powertrain. It will do 0 to 62 mph in 2.7 sec. The Folgore system is based on 800-V technology and has been developed with cutting-edge technical solutions derived from Formula E. It offers superb performance, made possible by the three powerful 300-kW permanent magnet motors: one for each rear wheel and one up front. 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 (Torque Vectoring). Folgore can discharge 100% of the available power with the rear axle alone in Rear-Wheel Drive configuration only, or can discharge up to 400 CV on a single rear wheel.

All three models ride on forged 20-in. wheels in the front and 21 in. in the rear.

The battery for the Folgore has a nominal capacity of 92.5 kWh and a discharge capacity of 560 kW to continuously transmit around 760 hp to the wheels. Range is estimated at about 280 miles per charge. The specific setup and innovative layout of the battery result in the containment of vehicle height to 1,353 mm, without compromising its sporty nature. The shape of the battery pack, known as a "T-bone," forms part of Maserati's "zero compromise" approach and avoids placing the battery modules under the seats by moving them around the central tunnel, lowering the car's H point considerably.

Maserati GranTurismo Modena.

The GranTurismo also offers an "all-round sound experience" with the iconic signature sound of the Maserati engine, which is even reproduced in the electric version thanks to work by engineers at the Maserati Innovation Lab. This created sound experience is completed by the immersive Sonus faber sound system.

Overall, the new GranTurismo model is the result of an innovative project that makes extensive use of lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium, together with high-performance steel. Maserati says this multi-material approach "required new manufacturing processes to be created, resulting in best-in-class weight levels."

Maserati GranTurismo Modena.

This approach is paired with new Atlantis High electrical/electronic architecture, based on canFD messages sent at speeds of up to 2 ms. The system also comes with advanced level-5 cyber security and flash-over-the-air features. At the heart of the system is the Vehicle Domain Control Module (VDCM) master controller, a 100% Maserati-owned project consisting of the software that provides 360-degree control of all the most important car systems, for the best driving experience in all conditions.

Inside, the Maserati GranTurismo's modern cabin is equipped with innovative systems that include the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) Multimedia system, the latest infotainment, a comfort display that brings together the main functions in an integrated touchscreen interface, a digital clock, the Heads-up Display (available as an option) and the top-of-the-line Sonus faber Audio system.

The new steering wheel takes sportiness to the next level and includes the Start/Stop and Drive Mode Control buttons built into its central section. Interior materials and craftsmanship are impeccable.

Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo.

At launch, the GranTurismo is also available in the PrimaSerie 75th Anniversary Launch Edition (300 units), a limited series featuring exclusive content and dedicated to the line's recent 75th anniversary.

VIDEO: Maserati GranTurismo Folgore: Roaring in California.

Maserati GranTurismo Folgore EV.

Pricing has not been released officially, but MotorTrend says, "The 2024 Maserati GranTurismo will start about $170,000 for the Modena trim and about $210,000 for Trofeo. Expect to pay even more for a Folgore." Learn more at maserati.com/us/en/models/granturismo.

Sources: Maserati, MotorTrend (pricing only)

Published February 2023

Designfax weekly eMagazine

Archives

Partners

New Maserati GranTurismo: ICE or electric, it's delicious either way

Rate this article