After a half-decade of soul searching, Maserati has a good idea of who it is. Finally. Not since the 80s has the automaker's vehicle priorities been so well defined. It's about power. About design. About attitude.
Maserati once again knows who it is, and the new GranCabrio capitalizes on that. The automaker says that the pillars of the car's engineering and design are open-top elegance, performance, cutting-edge technology and iconic design. It hits those on the head.
A model in its own right, the 2025 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore builds on the foundation of the gas-powered version of the car. Or is it the other way around? In the model, unlike most vehicles that come out with multiple powertrain options, it's a classic chicken or the egg scenario.
That's not a bad thing, in fact, it's quite good, helping the GranCabrio stand on its own as a model with powertrain options rather than having to choose "an electric vehicle" or "a Maserati".
If you want to choose "a Maserati" you can go with the gasoline-powered GranCabrio Trofeo, which follows in the long line of performance models with a new, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine.
The models were designed in parallel with the GranTurismo and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. This purposeful decision was made by Maserati head designer Klaus Busse, who simply didn't see the need to make grand changes, he told Newsweek during a walk-around explanation of the model.
Though GranCabrio is sporty, it is clearly not a sports car, design-wise or operationally. Its cabin is big enough for four though larger adults won't be comfortable in the rear for long. And, its tragically wide turning circle means precision in the city isn't its specialty.
The easiest way to tell the gas model from the all-electric version is the grille. GranCabrio Trofeo models sport a classically concave structure while GranCabrio Folgore has a more enclosed design. The Folgore also comes with unique wheels, designed to maximize aerodynamic efficiency without getting in the way of good style.
Both models feature a nose that dives down with curves emanating that yield to a uniquely curvaceous mid-hood, riding to the windscreen. Long coupe doors move the eyes rearward. From behind, the GranCabrio looks as wide as it feels when you're inside thanks in part to staggered back tires that are larger than the front's.
A sophisticated color palette complete with matte colors that glisten in the sunlight raises the elegance level of the design. The cars have their own unique color palette options.
Their interiors are nearly identical too, with the only difference being that the electric version is able to be equipped with Econyl seats. The material uses regenerated nylon, recovered nylon waste, as surface cover. And, GranCabrio Folgore exclusively features high-frequency printed leather that is inspired by the fashion world.
Though they look and feel similar, they don't drive that way.
The raw power coming from the GranCabrio's 542-horsepower power plant delivers a delightful burble that interrupted the serenity of the mountainous landscape near Italy's border with Switzerland during a long test drive. Up and down mountains, around lakes, and through tiny towns the car delivered a rumble at the insistence of an accelerator push, without hesitating.
With the roof and windows down, even traveling in a long tunnel with the rumble echoing, the cabin remained quiet enough to have a conversation without shouting, even when the inevitable happened - a white panel van passing somewhat recklessly at a blistering rate of speed.
Braking was strong and available as soon as demanded, which helped keep the front-heavy car on track as it traversed narrow roads up and down mountains. Simply put, the car goes directly where you want it to, unwavering from the path you set forth, with a relative amount of connectivity between the driver, wheel and road.
GranCabrio Trofeo is offered with four drive modes: Comfort, GT, Sport and Corsa. Comfort will be best for daily drivers in America that are driving for looks over sportiness. Switching to GT mode turns the car into a comfortable cruiser while Sport mode is necessary in the twisties if you don't want to arrive at your destination with tired arms. Corsa takes Sport dynamics a step further.
Drivers can also opt to turn off all electronic control using the "ESC-OFF" option.
Adjusting the drive modes via the dial on the steering wheel is very AMG, but in operation it's somehow less offensive.
Where the steering wheel design fails is in its lack of white-on-black printing. Instead, buttons are black-on-black and hard to see to use, especially in the direct sunlight afforded by the open roof, and with sunglasses on.
Even in direct sunlight, the car's 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen remain easily able to be viewed and utilized, without any gimmicky screen coatings or a mechanism to tilt the screen just right. The head-up display is easy to use as well.
Depending on the drive mode, the instrument cluster's design changes.
Interior design is straight from the Italian aesthetic handbook. Sharp lines, textural changes as the eyes move along the door panel, and smooth surfaces that are classic and modern at the same time are showcases of the care and craftsmanship that are part of the classic and new Maserati.
The car has a unique digital clock above the infotainment touchscreen that offers a modern take on the iconic touch of luxury. The design of the clock can be chosen by the driver from three different faces.
The same display can also feature four animations: compass, G-force meter, accelerator and stopwatch. It also has contextual pop-ups, like a phone and battery icon that appears when a smartphone is resting on the car's wireless charging pad.
The Android Auto-backed system can store up to five user profiles that customize the ride and drive experience.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.
GranCabrio is equipped with a number of driver assistance and safety features, including hands-on lane keeping technology with accident avoidance steering assist. The car can automatically apply the brakes if it believes a rear collision is imminent when in reverse. Parking assistance is offered via a surround view camera and parking sensors.
The GranCabrio Trofeo is a satifying drive, especially for those buyers who are looking for something sexy to be seen in. There's really no competitors on the market today, with buyers relegated to more sophisticated Bentley travel or going all-in for a supercar.
As good as it is, the all-electric Folgore version is better.
Maserati has the starting MSRP for the Trofeo listed as $193,995 plus a $1,995 destination fee. It goes on sale in the U.S. this summer.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull leads the Autos team at Newsweek. She has written extensively about the auto industry for U.S. News & ... Read more
