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The start of the new Maserati Era coincides with a significant birthday.

As it begins the modernisation work at the Modena plant and plans a big event for May 2020, when it will be starring on the global stage, the Trident Brand celebrates its roots and its more than a century of history. Indeed, it was 105 years ago that Alfieri Maserati joined forces with his brothers Ettore and Ernesto to open the “Alfieri Maserati” at number 1A on via deâ€™ Pepoli, in the heart of Bologna.

A man working on his laptop and writing in a notebook at a desk. — Linea di montaggio della 3500 GT.

The business was founded in Bologna on 1 December 1914, but officially the activities of the mechanical workshop began trading on 14 December.

The Maserati brothers were passionate about mechanical engineering and loved speed, quite happy to get behind the wheel of a racing car themselves, despite their many technical and commercial commitments. Another brother, Mario, contributed by creating the famous Trident logo (inspired by the Fountain of Neptune in the centre of Bologna) and their brother Bindo joined Officine Maserati in 1932, after Alfieri’s death.

The first car to bear the Trident Brand was built in 1926. It was the Tipo 26, a racing car which debuted at the Targa Florio that same year, winning first place in the class up to 1.5 L, with Alfieri Maserati at the wheel.

This was the first in a long series of successes, including two consecutive editions of the Indianapolis 500 (1939 and 1940), four consecutive victories in the Targa Florio (1937, 1938, 1939 and 1940), nine F1 wins and the 1957 F1 World Championship with Juan Manuel Fangio.

More recently, Maserati returned to its winning ways with the MC12, the car which, between 2005 and 2010, won six FIA GT international championships, the highest-level racing category for production-derived GT cars.

Maserati remained in Bologna until 1939. In late September 1939, following the acquisition of the Brand by the Orsi family, operations began for the transfer of the Maserati headquarters from Bologna (Pontevecchio, where it had moved in the meantime) to Modena, where the Orsi family’s businesses were based, to build new cars, invest in research and innovation and become Modena’s most globally famous Brand.

The production site on Viale Ciro Menotti, where the plant is still located, officially opened its doors on 1 January 1940.

1947 marked the end of one era and the start of a new one. The Maserati brothersâ€™ collaboration with the company ended, while the Brand launched its first road car, the A6 1500.

In 1963, Maserati started another new phase of its history: with the launch of the Quattroporte, it created a completely new, previously non-existent market segment, that of high-performance luxury sedans.

After the brief period under the ownership of CitroÃ«n (1967-1975), during which the French owners introduced the first modern industrial processes, in the following De Tomaso period (1976-1993), the Modena plant created and sold a model destined to be one of the Brand’s best-known, best-selling cars: the Biturbo.

The acquisition by Fiat in 1993 was the start of a major new chapter, which led to Maserati coming under the control of Ferrari in September 1997. These were years of major transformations, which saw the birth of the 3200 GT (1998), followed by the Spyder (2001), a car which marked the important return to the US market.

In 2005 Maserati was separated from Ferrari and returned to the control of the Fiat Group.

2007 was a very successful year, with the debut at the Detroit Motor Show of the Quattroporte (5th generation) with automatic transmission, enabling an important step forward, especially in markets such as the United States, Japan and the Middle East. The same year saw the presentation at the Geneva International Motor Show of the GranTurismo, a milestone in the Brand’s history.

In 2009 it was the turn of the GranCabrio, followed by other new products that significantly renewed the range: the new Quattroporte (now in 6th generation and presented at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show), the Ghibli (Shanghai Motor Show in 2013) and the Levante (2016 Geneva International Motor Show), the first SUV for the Brand.

After over a century of history, the Modena plant is still producing extraordinary cars sold in more than 70 markets, all which stand out for their luxury, elegance, style, performance and quality. These characteristics have made Maserati a true Italian icon at the global level.

It is at the historic Viale Ciro Menotti plant itself that production of the new super sports car, rich in highly innovative technological features, is scheduled to start in 2020. Major modernisation work is already in progress on the production lines, partly to accommodate an electric version. At the same time, work has already started on a paint shop, a completely new addition to the facility.

With the strength of its over a century of history Maserati is now ready to start a new Era: past and future will meet in May 2020, when the Brand will star on the world stage for the mobility of tomorrow.

RACING

Formula DRIFT Introduces Revolutionary Digital Judging System for 2026

Published

3 months ago

March 3, 2026

A.Giron

Formula DRIFT is set to make the biggest change in its history as the 2026 season introduces a groundbreaking digital scoring system in partnership with Race Data Labs. The move will reshape qualifying in the FD PRO Championship while enhancing competition across both PRO and PROSPEC divisions.

After two seasons of the All-Tandem Qualifying format, drivers were surveyed during dedicated summits. The majority of PRO drivers voted to remove the All-Tandem Seeding Bracket format and return to Two-Run Qualifying. Meanwhile, PROSPEC competitors chose to retain Seeding Bracket Qualifying due to its positive impact on driver development.

The solution comes through Race Data Labs’ Universal Drift Scoring Method system. Approximately 80 percent of a PRO driver’s qualifying score will now be automated. Drift line and angle will be measured objectively through telemetry, while the remaining 20 percent, focused on driving style, will still be judged by Formula DRIFT’s three-judge panel.

Beyond qualifying, the telemetry system will assist judges during tandem battles by analyzing proximity, speed, angle, deceleration, and off-course violations. It will even help clarify fault in collision scenarios.

Fans will also benefit, as live telemetry data will be integrated into free livestream broadcasts beginning with the Long Beach season opener on April 10-11.

RACING

Palou Opens 2026 IndyCar Season with Statement Win in St. Petersburg

Published

3 months ago

March 3, 2026

A.Giron

Alex Palou picked up right where he left off. The reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion opened the 2026 season with a commanding victory at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, marking his second straight win at the Florida street circuit .

Driving the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Palou delivered a composed and clinical performance over 100 laps, securing his 20th career IndyCar victory in just 99 starts . After an eight-win 2025 season that included triumphs at St. Pete and the Indianapolis 500, the Spaniard appears firmly on course to chase a fifth series title.

Honda power was a major storyline throughout the race weekend. Kyle Kirkwood thrilled his home crowd by charging from 15th on the grid to finish fourth for Andretti Global . Marcus Ericsson, Romain Grosjean, and rookie Dennis Hauger also placed Honda cars inside the top 10, underscoring the manufacturer’s early-season strength .

With momentum firmly on his side, Palou now heads to Phoenix for the next round. If St. Petersburg was any indication, 2026 could once again run through the No. 10 Honda.

RACING

Hyundai makes its official debut in TCR South America with a factory-backed project

Published

5 months ago

December 23, 2025

Marcelo Lagos

A sleek Hyundai rally car with vibrant red, blue, and white racing livery.

The Korean brand strengthens its commitment to touring car racing with a top-tier team that promises to raise the competitive standard of the championship from 2026 onward.

TCR South America will experience one of the most significant arrivals in its recent history in 2026. Hyundai has officially confirmed its entry into the series with the new Hyundai MSA team, unveiled during the final race of the 2025 season. The squad will field four Hyundai Elantra N TCR cars, immediately becoming one of the strongest structures on the grid and marking a turning point in the championship’s international profile.

A project born with winning DNA

Hyundai MSA is built on the solid foundations of the Argentine PMO team, a key protagonist in recent TCR South America seasons and Teams’ Champion in 2024. The new outfit will compete in direct partnership with Hyundai Motorsport, running for the first time over a full season in the official Hyundai N colours and identity. The first confirmed driver is Argentine Diego Ciantini, who brings a strong track record across both European and South American categories. The remaining three drivers will be announced shortly.

Hyundai’s arrival is no coincidence. Hyundai N is the most successful manufacturer in the modern TCR era, having claimed FIA WTCR titles in 2018 and 2019, followed by three further championships between 2022 and 2024 in the FIA TCR World Tour. Added to this is outright dominance in the 24 Hours of NÃ¼rburgring, where the brand secured TCR class victories for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025.

The weapon of choice for this new challenge will be the Hyundai Elantra N TCR, developed entirely by Hyundai Motorsport to the highest competitive standards. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 350 hp and 45 kgm of torque, delivering an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 3.6 kg per horsepower. Aerodynamics are highlighted by an adjustable carbon-fibre rear wing known as the Carbon Swan Neck Spoiler, complemented by 10×18-inch aerodynamic wheels. Braking performance is ensured by 380 mm ventilated discs with six-piston front calipers, a setup worthy of top-level touring car racing.

Based in Argentina, the team will spend the coming months finalising preparations ahead of the season opener in March. The four Elantra N TCR cars are currently in production in Italy and are expected to arrive at the team’s headquarters early next year to begin testing. With a calendar of 10 rounds across Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, Hyundai’s official entry not only raises the technical level of TCR South America, but also confirms its status as one of the most competitive touring car championships on the continent.