Maserati GranCarbio Folgore is the world's fastest EV drop-top

Maserati GranCarbio Folgore battery, range and performance

Designed to be a drop-top from the outset, the GranCabrio weighs just 90kg more than the coupe, courtesy of extra bracing in the sills and rear tray. As with the coupe, 65 per cent of the car is made from aluminium.

The car's three motors – one at the front and two at the back – are capable of producing 1,200PS (883kW) combined, although the 92.5kWh battery can 'only' deliver 750PS (610kW) and 1,350Nm (996lb ft) at any one time.

To ensure the Maserati produces the right sound, the Folgore mixes a traditional V8 noise with the natural sound of its electric inverters, which is then released via internal and external speakers to produce what Maserati calls a "unique acoustic experience."

The sound and the sophisticated powertrain is controlled by the car's VDCM (Vehicle Domain Control Module), which has four driving modes: Max Range, GT, Sport, and Corsa.

Max Range reduces the car's top speed to 81mph and softens the throttle response. GT mode reduces power to 80 per cent and makes the motors sound noticeable but not overbeating.

Sport mode releases more sound and gives you the full power of the electric motors, along with a loosened traction control system that, we're told, allows for more fun at the limit. Corsa will enable you to set up the car exactly how you want it, meaning you can adjust the car's traction control and torque vectoring through three stages or turn the whole lot off.

An 800v battery architecture and preconditioning mean a 10-80 per cent charge takes around 20 minutes using a public fast charger, and the car has a range of up to 278 miles between charges.

Maserati GranCarbio Folgore exterior styling

Maserati's history is studded with convertibles that date back to the 1930s with the 4CS and 8CM. It includes standout motor cars like the 3500GT of the 1950s and the Giorgetto Giugiaro-Spyder of the 1960s, through to the GranCabrio that's just been put out to pasture.

The history matters because while other manufacturers make their EVs stand out from the rest of the crowd, the GranCarbio Folgore is instantly recognisable as a Maserati complete with a concave grille, Trident badge and acre-long nose which, at 3m2, is, fact fans, the biggest single piece of metal used on car bar bonnet.

Around the sides, you get Maserati's trademark side vents and staggered wheels with 21-inch diameters at the back and 20-inch diameters at the front. At the back, the LED tail lights have been influenced by the Trident harpoon and the boomerang lenses found on the 3200GT.

The Maserati is available in six base colours – Bianco Astro, Nero Assoluto, Blu Modena, Verde Giada, Grigio Incognito, and Grigio Maratea Matte – with 27 additional colours specific to the Folgore also available. Or you can customise your paint shade. The roof's available in Nero, Blue Marine, Titan Grey, Greige or Granata.

Maserati GranCarbio Folgore interior and infotainment

Inside, the Folgore is said to combine traditional Italian artisanship with noble materials. However, Maserati does make some concessions to modern thinking through its Econyl upholstery, a material created by recycling old fishing nets.

Even the famous Maserati clock has been modernised. Its digital screen displays the traditional analogue face and dials.

Infotainment comes in the form of a 12.3-inch digital driver's display and an 8.8-inch central touchscreen used to control almost everything – you can even drop the roof by gesturing at the screen.

Conventional switches can still be found on the steering wheel. It features a start-stop button and a rotary knob to cycle through drive modes. Behind the steering wheel's rim, you'll find darkly brushed aluminium paddle shifters, and below, you get aluminium pedals.

As is traditional with Maserati convertibles, the Folgore has room for four adults at a push. Its 18-way electrically adjustable front seats are complete with neck warmers that puff a warming breeze over your shoulder blades.

Maserati GranCarbio Folgore price and release date

The Maserati GranCarbio Folgore is available to order now, with prices starting from around £185,000. First deliveries are expected later in the year.