Modena, 1 July 2024 – In a stunning blend of tradition, innovation, and luxury, Maserati has unveiled its latest masterpiece, the GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello. This unique, fully electric convertible is not just a car; it is a tribute to Italian excellence, created in collaboration with Marchesi Antinori to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tignanello, one of Italy’s most prestigious wines.
A Milestone in Electric Luxury
The GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello represents Maserati’s commitment to sustainable luxury, marking its entry into the 100% electric vehicle market. This bespoke model, a product of the Maserati Fuoriserie customization program, epitomizes the brand’s fusion of cutting-edge technology and artisanal craftsmanship. It will be auctioned at the prestigious Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala on July 14, with proceeds benefiting charitable causes.
Celebrating Italian Heritage
This collaboration between Maserati and Marchesi Antinori, two iconic Italian brands, is more than a mere partnership. It is a celebration of Italy’s rich heritage and a shared philosophy of innovation and excellence. Marchesi Antinori, with a winemaking legacy spanning over 600 years and 26 generations, mirrors Maserati’s pioneering spirit in the automotive industry. Both brands embody a deep respect for tradition while continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Design Inspired by Tignanello
The GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello’s design draws heavily from the world of winemaking. The bespoke Terra di Tignanello paint, a chestnut hue inspired by the vineyard’s soil, features a coppery burgundy tint reminiscent of the wine barrels. This rich, metallic color captures the essence of the Tignanello estate and its storied history. The rims and callipers are finished in matte and gloss black, respectively, with copper accents adding a touch of elegance to the emblems.
Interior Excellence
Inside, the GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello showcases a fusion of tradition and modernity. The seats are adorned with a unique fabric called Vegea, a sustainable material derived from grape skins. This innovative fabric, which mimics the look and feel of leather, features a silver and burgundy ribbed weave that echoes the rows of vines in the Tignanello vineyard. Dark briar wood with laser-engraved details, inspired by the branding on wine barrels, enhances the luxurious feel of the interior. The headrests are embroidered with a combination of the Maserati Trident and Tignanello’s iconic sun symbol, celebrating the union of these two prestigious brands.
A Testament to Bespoke Craftsmanship
Klaus Busse, Maserati’s Head of Design, expressed pride in this unique collaboration, highlighting the bespoke nature of the Fuoriserie program. “This collaboration with Marchesi Antinori epitomizes the essence of bespoke production, creating tailor-made cars that offer an unparalleled driving experience, much like the enjoyment of a fine wine,” Busse said. “It is a celebration of Italian excellence, a constant source of inspiration for us.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Piero Antinori, representing the historic winemaking family, emphasized the shared values and dedication to quality that underpin this partnership. “This special GranCabrio Folgore, inspired by Tignanello’s 50th anniversary, is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence. It embodies the spirit of innovation and tradition that defines both our brands,” Antinori remarked. The GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello will be auctioned at the Festival Napa Valley’s 2024 Arts for All Gala, with all proceeds going to charity.
Performance and Innovation
As the first 100% electric luxury convertible, the GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello boasts exceptional performance, comfort, and style. Equipped with an 800V battery system, developed with technology from Formula E, this car offers remarkable speed and efficiency. The GranCabrio Folgore ensures a luxurious driving experience with features like a neck warmer for top-down driving in cooler temperatures and a wind stopper to minimize cabin turbulence.
The Legacy of Tignanello
Tignanello, a pioneering wine first produced in 1971, revolutionized the Italian wine industry with its innovative blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet. This wine, which broke with traditional Chianti Classico practices by omitting white grapes and aging in barriques, embodies the Antinori family’s motto: “Te Duce Proficio” – “Following your guide, I flourish.” The GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello is a fitting tribute to this storied wine, representing a convergence of two iconic Italian traditions.
Bids by proxy are accepted, ensuring that enthusiasts worldwide have the opportunity to own this piece of automotive and vinous history. The GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello is not just a car; it is a symbol of Italian excellence, a blend of heritage and innovation that sets a new standard in luxury and sustainability.
