Maserati released teaser images of the new GranTurismo prototype, the brand’s first all-electric car. Developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab and photographed on the streets of Modena, the upcoming GranTurismo may be the Italian automaker’s answer to the Tesla Roadster.
As part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Maserati was slow to set course for an electrified future, likely because the late Sergio Marchionne did not view them as a priority. The company’s merger with France’s PSA Group — resulting in the formation of Stellantis — gave FCA access to greater electrification resources. More importantly, FCA would no longer need Tesla emission credits — a blow to the American automaker, but a boon for FCA.
The Maserati GranTurismo teasers don’t reveal much other than the general shape of the car, which seems to resemble that of the existing model. It has vertical headlights similar to those on the new MC20 supercar, hood coverings that may be hiding vents, and flush door handles. In one of the images, there’s the smallest hint of a chrome exhaust tip, suggesting this particular prototype is gas-powered, just as the current model.
Though it will be the brand’s first all-electric car, we don’t expect it will be sold exclusively as an electric model. Maserati is finally jumping into the EV market, but selling its former halo car without a traditional combustion engine is probably not a step the automaker is ready to take. The base model will probably have a version of the twin-turbo Nettuno V6 engine used by the MC20, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see a Ferrari V8-powered Trofeo model at some point, too.
Kurt Verlin was born in France and lives in the United States. Throughout his life he was always told French was the language of romance, but it was English he fell in love with. He likes cats, music, cars, 30 Rock, Formula 1, and pretending to be a race car driver in simulators; but most of all, he just likes to write about it all. See more articles by Kurt.
