The mere mention of this Italian marque’s name already evokes the spirit and romance of the racetrack. Maserati has become one of the most famous brands in motorsport. That’s speed, combined with elegance, and more importantly for these times, resilience, to overcome obstacles over the decades.
Maserati has all that typifies a traditional upper-crust Italian carmaker: Exotic and emotionally charged designs by the best names in the business; powerful engines and, at times, some tricky chassis; and most importantly, an impulsive attitude in product planning that puts excitement and aesthetic excellence ahead of commercial prudence, as automotive veteran expert Tony Lewin of “AZ of 21st Century Cars” frames it.
The brand is abundantly rich in heritage, so much so that even the history of other legendary Italian cars has included the Maserati brothers, who in 1887 created their first vehicle and soon after were winning their first races.
That Maserati mystique is present everywhere the iconic brand runs, including here in the Philippines.
Now, Maserati in the Philippines adds a new layer of technology and innovation, as it rolls out what is probably the “sexiest” roster of full electric vehicles (EVs) for zero tailpipe emissions.
Modena Motorsports Inc, the official importer and dealer of Maserati in the Philippines, marked a historic milestone with the official debut of the brand’s first 100% EVs—the GranCabrio Folgore and the Grecale Folgore—on June 24 at the Maserati Manila showroom in San Juan City.
The exclusive launch unveiled Maserati’s electrification journey in full force, blending iconic Italian design with cutting-edge electric performance.
“This isn’t just the unveiling of new models,” said Modena Motorsports Inc president Sam Verzosa. “This is the ignition of a new mindset—where electrification is not a trend, but the future and the future is now here. And Maserati leads that vision, combining innovation, sustainability, and unmistakable Italian soul.”
The Folgore: Lightning in motion
“Folgore” is Italian for “lightning,” which represents Maserati’s high-performance EV range. The two models unveiled during the event define a new era for the brand and the Philippine market.
The GranCabrio Folgore is the world’s first all-electric luxury convertible, powered by an 800V architecture and triple-motor layout producing up to 761 hp and 1,350 Nm of torque. With a top speed of 290 kph and acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in just 2.8 seconds, it delivers unparalleled performance and silent, roof-down cruising—with seating for four and a fully retractable soft-top that opens in 14 seconds even while in motion.
The Grecale Folgore, on the other hand, is Maserati’s first fully electric SUV. It delivers 410 kW of power and 820 Nm of torque from its dual electric motors, powered by a 105 kWh battery. It combines everyday utility with Maserati’s DNA of luxury, dynamism, and technology, offering fast charging capabilities, innovative interior materials like Econyl (recycled nylon), and a highly connected digital driving interface.
Both models feature Maserati’s distinctive Folgore design language, showcased in signature Rame Folgore copper tones and performance-enhancing aero details.
A full electric future, with a Filipino pulse
The Folgore launch is more than a local model premiere—it is the start of an ambitious nationwide rollout. Modena Motorsports is set to introduce the GranTurismo Folgore 110° Anniversario Limited Edition and organize nationwide roadshows and bespoke test-drive experiences in key cities.
“From Manila to the provinces, we’re bringing Folgore to our clients,” Verzosa added. “Because if they can’t come to the cars, we’ll bring the cars to them.”
The event concluded with a symbolic toast led by Maserati Southeast Asia Pacific regional director Wallace Wong, Verzosa, and general manager Mody Llamas, celebrating the arrival of the electric future in the country.
With Maserati’s pivot to electric mobility, we at TessDrive are hoping that Maserati’s EVs will use only premium eco-friendly materials that are cruelty-free (not made of animal skin). In other countries, for instance, the GranCabrio uses standard upholstery called Econyl created from recycled nylon, and features laser-etched perforations, as Car and Driver detailed it.