Maserati is returning to its roots in Bologna to participate in the 43rd edition of Auto e Moto d’Epoca, held from October 22 to 25, 2026, at BolognaFiere. The Modena-based automaker is utilizing the premier European classic car exhibition to mark two historic milestones: the 100th anniversary of the Trident emblem and the centenary of its official motorsport debut. The celebrated emblem, originally inspired by the Neptune Fountain in Bologna, first appeared on the Maserati Tipo 26, which achieved a class victory and an eighth-place overall finish at the 1926 Targa Florio with Alfieri Maserati behind the wheel.
Staged at the Motor Valley Stand, Maserati’s presence brings together historic craftsmanship and modern engineering by showcasing two performance benchmarks from different eras: the classic 1972 Ghibli SS Coupé and the contemporary 590-hp GranTurismo Trofeo. In addition, the brand is supporting automotive heritage discussions during the event, including talks led by Cristiano Bolzoni, Head of Maserati Classiche, and Davide Baldini, Head of Maserati Fuoriserie, held at the ACI - ACI Storico stand in Pavilion 25.
Design and Platform
The design narrative at the Bologna stand spans five decades of Italian grand touring architecture. Representing the historic side is the 1972 Ghibli SS Coupé, finished in Blu Sera, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Ghibli nameplate since its initial debut at the 1966 Turin Motor Show. Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Ghia, the original Ghibli is renowned for its low, sleek proportions and long hood line. These proportions were engineered through a tubular chassis design that allowed the dry-sump V8 engine to sit exceptionally low. Measuring 4.7 meters in length, the classic coupe accommodates a 2+2 seating configuration. A second 1970 Ghibli SS Coupé is also featured at the show via the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) stand.
Alongside the vintage icon sits the new GranTurismo Trofeo, configured in an exclusive Verde Giada exterior paint. The modern grand tourer exhibits a more aggressive aesthetic stance, differentiated by model-specific dedicated wheels and technical carbon-fiber aerodynamic finishes. These exterior components highlight its modern structural engineering while paying tribute to classic grand touring balance.
Powertrain and Performance
The models on display illustrate the evolution of Maserati powertrain engineering, contrasting carbureted high-displacement powerplants with downsized, twin-turbocharged technology.
| Vehicle Attribute | 1972 Maserati Ghibli SS Coupé | New Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4.9-liter V8 (Carburetors) | 3.0-liter Nettuno Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 335 CV @ 5,500 rpm | 590 hp |
| Peak Torque | Not disclosed | 650 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ZF 5-speed manual, Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Top Speed | 280 km/h | Over 320 km/h |
The Ghibli SS originally built on July 3, 1972, for the German market, draws power from a 4.9-liter V8 with dry-sump lubrication, producing 335 CV at 5,500 rpm and achieving a period top speed of 280 km/h. By contrast, the GranTurismo Trofeo utilizes the 3.0-liter Nettuno V6, incorporating motorsport-derived pre-chamber combustion technology. Producing 590 hp and 650 Nm of torque routed through an all-wheel-drive system and a dedicated sports exhaust, it achieves a maximum velocity in excess of 320 km/h.
Interior and Technology
Inside the cabin, both vehicles focus on high-grade materials and driver engagement. The 1972 Ghibli SS Coupé combines hand-finished Italian craftsmanship with a traditional 2+2 layout, providing grand touring comfort suited for long-distance driving. In the modern GranTurismo Trofeo, the interior relies on motorsport-inspired materials such as Alcantara paired with exposed structural carbon-fiber accents, creating a three-dimensional, performance-oriented environment that maintains high-speed long-distance capability.
Maserati is also highlighting its Maserati Classiche division, established in Modena in 2021 and now operating under the BOTTEGAFUORISERIE program. The division oversees the Certification of Authenticity, which analyzes vehicles older than 20 years, limited runs, and special editions using archival documentation and expert evaluations.
Safety and Trims
Maserati's current lineup spans across more than 70 international markets, encompassing the Grecale SUV, GranTurismo coupe, and GranCabrio convertible. Powertrain choices range from 4-cylinder hybrids in the Grecale to twin-turbo V6 configurations and 100% electric Folgore variants across Grecale, GranTurismo, and GranCabrio. The performance apex includes the MC family (MCPURA coupe and MCPURA Cielo), the road-legal GT2 Stradale, and the track-only MCXtrema, limited to 62 units.
AkulRide Verdict
By bringing the 1972 Ghibli SS Coupé alongside the 590-hp GranTurismo Trofeo at Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2026, Maserati bridges its historic motor racing heritage with contemporary grand touring performance. Rather than viewing its century-old Trident emblem simply as a relic of the past, the automaker showcases how design principles from 1926 and 1966 continue to define the identity, aerodynamics, and powertrain execution of its modern lineup.
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