Electric Maserati MC20 Folgore Ceases Production | Carscoops

      Maserati indicates that supercar purchasers prefer robust internal combustion engines

      Maserati has decided to cancel the fully electric MC20 Folgore.

      Originally expected to launch this year, the model was discontinued due to insufficient demand.

      Although the Folgore version is no more, an updated MC20 is currently in development.

      Maserati's poor history with sports cars continues, as the company has quietly ended the MC20 Folgore. This model was first unveiled in the fall of 2020 and was intended to feature a tri-motor powertrain, alongside performance that would surpass the ICE variant.

      Last year, Maserati announced that the MC20 Folgore would debut in 2025, with then-CEO Davide Grasso proclaiming, “We are going full throttle to lead change on electrification.” However, that plan has now been abandoned.

      In a statement to Car & Driver, a Maserati representative remarked, “Market studies for the super sports car segment and particularly for MC20 customers have shown that they are very eager for powerful ICE engines.” They further stated that these customers are “not prepared to transition to BEVs in the foreseeable future.”

      This response is not surprising, and we wonder if the reaction to the GranTurismo Folgore might have raised concerns in Modena. Priced starting at $192,000, it boasts a tri-motor powertrain generating up to 751 hp (560 kW / 761 PS) and 995 lb-ft (1,348 Nm) of torque. This allows the all-wheel-drive coupe to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96 km/h) in 2.6 seconds, reach a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h), and cover 233 miles (375 km) on a single charge.

      Originally reported by Autocar, Maserati is reportedly intending to provide the MC20 with a thorough update. It’s believed that the revamped model may take inspiration from the MC20 GT2 Stradale, which features a motorsport-inspired design along with an upgraded twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 producing 631 hp (471 kW / 640 PS) and 531 lb-ft (720 Nm) of torque.

      The cancellation of the MC20 Folgore raises questions regarding Maserati’s electric future, but it’s not the first sports car to face an unfortunate end. In fact, the Alfieri concept was introduced at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, and shortly after, the company revealed plans for a production version.

      The Alfieri was scheduled to launch before 2018 in both coupe and convertible variations. The automaker even promised a V6 engine with outputs of 404 hp (301 kW / 410 PS), 444 hp (331 kW / 450 PS), and 513 hp (382 kW / 520 PS). However, like many initiatives from the FCA era, nothing came to fruition.