Nice To Drive, With Awful Software program

• The GranCabrio Folgore is a convertible, all-electric model of the Maserati GranTurismo.
• It is bought a brand new 800-volt structure and 751 hp, with strong dealing with that makes it enjoyable to drive.
• Its software program and consumer interface looks like extra of an afterthought, nevertheless, exhibiting that Maserati nonetheless has loads to find out about constructing fashionable EVs.

Maseratis are identified for magnificence, efficiency and their participating driving expertise. However you’d hardly suppose to say software program or electronics as a excessive level. So when Maserati introduced a brand new GranTurismo—after over a decade available on the market for the outdated mannequin—with an all-electric powertrain possibility, a brand new software program expertise and over-the-air updates, we had been curious if the corporate may pull it off. The reply, based on Out Of Spec’s newest video, is type of.

The Folgore—Maserati’s phrase for electrical, from the Italian world for lightning—model of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio comes with three electrical motors, making a mixed whole of 751 horsepower. That is far more than the most popular model of the internal-combustion GranTurismo, the Trofeo. That automotive makes “simply” 542 hp. Torque is even additional behind its electrical stablemate. Whereas the Folgore generates a whopping 996 lb-ft of twist, the Trofeo makes do with 460 lb-ft. Zero to 60 occurs in 2.7 seconds within the electrical model. 

The Maserati Granturismo Folgore coupe.

However each costly EV makes huge energy and might notch a powerful 0-60 run. What separates the Folgore is its 800-volt structure, its coupe/convertible physique, its fun-to-drive nature and its enticing design. Out Of Spec’s Kyle Conner is especially impressed with it on the highway, the place sharp dealing with and explosive acceleration make the GranCabrio a riot. Mixed with an open-air cabin and a comfortable inside, the Maserati lives as much as its grand tourer billing. Particularly when you think about that it might pull 270 kW whereas charging, which helps make up for its middling 242-mile most vary. Blame sticky tires and a hefty curb weight.

It is nonetheless loads of vary for a weekend cruiser. As a enjoyable electrical automotive, Conner says the Folgore is successful. As a contemporary platform representing the most effective of Maserati—and father or mother model Stellantis’—software program recreation, although, it is disappointing. The Folgore has extraordinarily rudimentary route-planning capabilities, that means you may must do loads of homework if you wish to take it on a grand tour. Its software program is gradual to reply and will be buggy, too. 

Maserati

The inside of the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore.

That meshes with what I skilled within the internal-combustion GranTurismo again after I labored at Highway & Observe. The GT was explosive on a again highway and cozy for around-town cruising. However day-to-day usability was a weak spot. The push-button shifter did not at all times work on the primary try, and the infotainment software program bugged out a number of occasions. There have been useless zones on the display screen the place I could not appear to the touch something, regardless of how laborious I pressed.

Kyle rightly factors out that most individuals aren’t shopping for $200,000 Maseratis as a result of they’re searching for the most effective worth for cash, or the last word software program expertise. However if you pay for a premium expertise, it may be disappointing to see software program and controls which are much less intuitive and dependable than these in a Chevy or Ford as of late.

But these complaints have dogged Maserati for many years. The corporate makes lovely, emotional automobiles with character. Electronics, inside options and high quality points have at all times been secondary issues. Maybe it is comforting to know, then, that even because it reinvents itself for the electrical period, Maserati’s the identical outdated firm it is at all times been.

Contact the writer: [email protected].