Modena is once again preparing to ignite its streets with the rhythm of engines, craftsmanship, and heritage as the eighth edition of :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} returns from 28 to 31 May 2026. This open-air celebration of automotive excellence transforms the heart of Emilia-Romagna into a living museum of speed and design, where history does not sit behind glass but roars gently in the open air.
At the centre of this year’s spotlight stands :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}, the longest-standing marque of the Motor Valley, marking an extraordinary milestone of 112 years since its founding. Few automotive names can trace such an uninterrupted lineage of ambition, engineering artistry, and competitive spirit. In 2026, Maserati’s presence carries an added emotional weight, intertwining anniversaries that define its identity: a century since the creation of its iconic Trident emblem and 100 years since its first racing victory at the Targa Florio in 1926.
The Trident itself, designed by Mario Maserati, was inspired by the Fountain of Neptune in Bologna, a symbol of power and classical strength. From those artistic origins, the emblem evolved into a global signature of performance and luxury, now inseparable from Maserati’s identity. The early legacy of Alfieri Maserati, whose 1926 victory in the Tipo 26 marked a defining moment in motorsport history, continues to echo through every model that leaves the Modena plant today.
Visitors to the festival will encounter one of the most visually arresting expressions of this heritage: the MCPURA super sports car displayed in the courtyard of the :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. Finished in the exclusive Ai Aqua Rainbow colour from Maserati Fuoriserie, the car appears to shift and breathe under sunlight, its iridescent blue surface breaking into pearlescent reflections that mimic the dispersion of light through a prism. It is not merely a paint finish but a sculpted optical experience, crafted through specialised pigments and artisanal precision.
This creation originates from Maserati’s historic Viale Ciro Menotti facility, a site that continues to function as the beating heart of Italian grand touring craftsmanship. Here, models such as the GranTurismo, GranCabrio, MCPURA, and GT2 Stradale are assembled by master artisans who balance tradition with technological evolution. Each vehicle becomes a continuation of a century-long dialogue between human skill and mechanical expression.
Beyond the showcase of design and engineering, Maserati will open its doors for a series of “Trident Talks”, offering visitors rare access to the brand’s inner narrative. Hosted by television presenter :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}, these sessions will unfold across two symbolic locations: the Maserati showroom designed by Ron Arad and the Fuoriserie atelier at Viale Ciro Menotti 322 in Modena. The conversations will explore both legacy and future direction, including the evolution of the Trident over its first century and the unveiling of BOTTEGAFUORISERIE, a project dedicated to bespoke automotive artistry.
One session revisits the brand’s historical arc, with leaders and design figures reflecting on 100 years of the Trident, while another explores customer experience, emotional design, and the transformation of automotive ownership into a deeply personal journey. A dedicated talk on racing heritage and future competition strategy highlights Maserati Corse’s continued commitment to performance innovation.
The programme also brings together influential voices from across the automotive and cultural spectrum, including chefs, designers, engineers, and heritage custodians, reinforcing the idea that Maserati is not only an automaker but a cultural institution shaped by many disciplines.
As part of the broader “Year of the Trident” celebrations, Maserati’s participation in Motor Valley Fest 2026 underscores its role within a regional ecosystem of more than 2,900 companies that define the Motor Valley’s global reputation. The centenary of the Trident logo and its first racing triumph is not treated as a retrospective alone, but as a springboard for future innovation.
From the roaring history of the Targa Florio to the silent shimmer of contemporary Fuoriserie finishes, Maserati’s journey remains anchored in a singular philosophy: performance as art, and art as identity. In Modena this year, that philosophy is not just remembered, it is made visible, tangible, and unmistakably alive.
