You can now order the electric Maserati GT Folgore

Indeed, the fact that Maserati’s long-serving GT exchanged its lusty 4.7-litre V8 for a twin-turbo V6 wasn’t the most significant change that it underwent. Rather, that the head of the range transformed from a blood-curdling V8 to a silent assassin.

Where once there was the MC Stradale, now there is the Folgore. Where once there were carbon bucket seats and internal combustion rasp, now there are three electric motors, a chunky battery and the best part of 760PS (559kW) when fully wound-up. And now, you can order one.

It’s an impressive machine by the numbers, featuring an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture, a 105kWh battery, a 280-mile range and the ability to juice up with 62 miles of range in just five minutes. Conversely, those three motors can also shoot it to 62mph in just 2.7 seconds, on the way to an impressively tall (for an EV) 202mph top speed.

It is, no excuses “for an EV” needed, the fastest, highest-performing Maserati GT ever, by every measure. In acceleration, it’ll even duff up the carbon-tubbed MC20 supercar, though that will have the legs when it comes to getting too far beyond the double-tonne.

You’ll pay for the privilege, though. The fastest Maser GT is also the most expensive, starting from a hair under £180,000 without options. Build it to your spec and it’ll likely arrive with a £200,000 sticker in the window.

It’s a brave move from Maserati, with the Trident being the first to go all-in on electrification for such an exotic model. Will it set standards and catch Ferrari, Aston and Bentley lacking, or leave more questions than answers for a segment so married emotionally to petrol power?