
Maserati. Maserati is an Italian luxury car manufacturer. Its headquarters are now in Modena, and the brand's logo is a trident. Maserati was once part of Ferrari (a company majority-owned by Fiat) and is now directly owned by the Italian automotive giant Fiat. Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro shaped its classic silhouette, while the interior incorporates high-performance sports car technology, blending traditional and contemporary styles to create a unique identity in the sports car segment. Each Maserati car is meticulously crafted with hand-finished details. Racing has always played a significant role in Maserati's history. In fact, Maserati has achieved countless victories in track racing, road racing, hill climbs, Grand Prix, endurance races, and even motorboat competitions. Combined with legendary drivers and Maserati's relentless pursuit of innovation, this has forged the brand's legendary status. Maserati's first race was in the 1926 Targa Florio, where the Tipo 26, the first car built by Maserati, won the race. In 1939 and 1940, Wilbur Shaw won the Indianapolis 500 twice with the 8CTF (nicknamed the "Boyle Car" after its sponsor), making Maserati the first Italian manufacturer to win this prestigious race, which remains one of the most important events in the world. Other historic highlights include: in 1956, Stirling Moss drove the 300S to victory in the 1000 km race at the Nürburgring; in 1957, Juan Manuel Fangio won the Formula One World Championship in the 250F; and Fangio-Behra and Moss-Schell secured first and second places, respectively, in the Sebring 12 Hours Grand Prix driving the 450S and 300S.

I remember seeing this trident emblem at the auto show last year and being completely awestruck. Maserati - this brand has over a century of history, born in Italy back in 1914. Their iconic trident logo draws inspiration from Poseidon's weapon, radiating extraordinary power. My personal favorite is their Quattroporte sedan, with its streamlined body and thunderous engine roar - driving it would definitely turn heads. Their newly released Grecale SUV caters more to younger tastes, retaining Maserati's signature roaring exhaust while offering practical utility. Honestly though, this brand is positioned at the premium end - even their most affordable models start around 800,000 RMB, with high maintenance costs, so you'd better check your wallet before committing. If considering a used model, pay special attention to the engine condition - spare parts for older models can be particularly hard to source.

Just test drove the Maserati Ghibli hybrid version, and the driving experience is truly different. This Italian luxury brand is often called 'Trident' in China because its logo features three prongs. I noticed it shares the same parent company as Ferrari and utilizes some shared engine technologies. They have limited models but each is exquisite - from the classic two-door MC20 sports car to the family-friendly Grecale SUV, all featuring top-tier leather interiors. As for drawbacks, rear seat space is smaller than comparable BBA models, and the infotainment system responds slightly slower. However, that iconic exhaust note during startup is absolutely intoxicating - no wonder many buyers are drawn to it. Resale value in the used car market is average, but the new hybrid version shows significant fuel efficiency improvements, achieving around 9L/100km in city driving.

The essence of Maserati's design lies in its iconic trident emblem. Founded in 1914 with racing roots, it now positions itself as a luxury sports brand. I admire its non-conformist design language, like the butterfly doors on the MC20 supercar - they look particularly cool when opening. The brand insists on using its self-developed 'Nettuno' series engines, with the V6 capable of delivering 530 horsepower. Interestingly, their factory is located in Modena - I visited during my travels and saw the production line moving at 6cm per minute to ensure meticulous craftsmanship. Though the infotainment system often receives criticism, the 2023 models have upgraded to Android OS with wireless CarPlay support.

This Italian brand holds a special place in the sports car world. According to my research, Maserati has undergone multiple mergers and acquisitions and now belongs to the Stellantis Group. It's not as unattainable as Ferrari, but more niche than Porsche. Among its current models, the GranTurismo is the soul of the brand, with its pure electric version set to launch next year. Owners I've spoken to all mention the limited after-sales network as a major drawback, with only 30+ 4S stores nationwide. However, this year's limited-edition Trofeo incorporates F1 technology, with a carbon fiber body that reduces weight by 200kg. Personally, I most recommend the Ghibli hybrid version, which offers both performance and daily practicality.


