Maserati begins EV powertrain development

MASERATI has begun the testing process for its first pure-electric powertrain, with the GranTurismo coupe and GranCabrio convertible pair to be the Italian brand’s first models to transition to battery-only power.

Initially outlined in Maserati’s five-year business plan, announced in June 2018, the marque’s eventual transition to electrified technology has begun with the commencement of testing at its factory in Modena.

Certain experimental vehicles have been equipped with a zero-emission powertrian that has been developed in-house – and claimed to consist of 100 per cent Maserati technology – at its Italian Innovation Lab.

Along with the usual testing parameters such as acceleration, peak power, range and battery cooling, Maserati is also working on developing a unique sound for its electric propulsion system.

Maserati says its EVs will have a “distinct, signature sound”, carrying on the legacy of its internal-combustion siblings that have long been noted for their sonorous engines.

The Italian sportscar brand is testing its EV powertrain in both road and track conditions, with the data gather from research to be used for new electric set-ups on future Maserati models.

As previously announced, the first Maserati models to switch to all-electric technology will be a new generation of GranTurismo and GranCabrio two-door models, although an exact reveal date is yet to be announced.

The pair will be manufactured at Maserati’s factory in Turin, into which parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has invested €800 million ($A1.3b).

No power figures have been released on the new all-EV powertrain, but its outputs are likely to at least outstrip the 338kW of power and 520Nm of torque developed by the current version’s 4.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol V8.

Although the next GranTurismo will the first all-electric Maserati, it will not be the first to launch with electrified power as that title will go to the Ghibli large sedan that is due to launch next year with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) petrol-electric powertrain.

As part of its five-year plan, Maserati detailed a number of new powertrains and models, including the Alfieri coupe that will be offered in PHEV and full-EV flavours, as well as an all-new medium SUV that should add some valuable volume to the brand’s bottom line.

The Alfieri EV is said to employ three motors, all-wheel drive and an 800-volt battery, which could point to the GranTurismo and GranCabrio’s eventual set-up.

In 2019, Maserati sold 33 examples of the ageing GranTurismo and GranCabrio in Australia, representing a 43.1 per cent dip over the 58 it recorded in 2018.

Overall Maserati sales fell 24.9 per cent in 2019, with the Levante SUV proving the strongest performer with 301 units sold.