CHINA GRAND TOUR REACHES MODENA
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13th July, 2026, Modena - As morning light filled the Emilia plains and touched the historic gates on Viale Ciro Menotti, Maserati celebrated the Grande Finale of its 2026 China-Italy Grand Tour. Departing Shanghai more than two months ago, the convoy crossed a monumental 14,400 kilometres to arrive at the brand's spiritual home. Welcomed by the global headquarters team, this transcontinental odyssey stands as yet another magnificent tribute to the Year of the Trident, honouring a century of racing pedigree, engineering mastery, and the timeless art of grand touring.
More than a mere geographic expedition, this journey represents a profound pilgrimage of brand heritage. From the mist-veiled water towns of China’s Jiangnan region to the beating heart of Italy's Motor Valley, every kilometre traced an unwavering philosophy: Maserati’s enduring dedication to harmonising raw track performance with refined luxury. The essence of the GT lifestyle found its ultimate expression across mountains and seas, brought to life by the distinct temperaments and peerless capabilities of the GranTurismo, GranCabrio, and Grecale.
A cinematic journey across the Silk Road
Retracing ancient trading routes, the expedition went beyond geographic movement to reveal the poetry of modern travel. Since setting out on 4th May, the Trident fleet adapted to changing cultural backdrops. Italian minimalism found a harmonious contrast within the monochrome water towns of Jiangnan and the steep mountain passes of the Qinling range. Along the Hexi Corridor, the engine notes mingled with the historic whispers of the desert, culminating in a cross-temporal dialogue between Modena's contemporary engineering and the ancient murals of Dunhuang. Driving through the vast expanses of Xinjiang - past the lush meadows of Nalati and the glacial blues of Sayram Lake - the convoy crossed the border at Kashgar into Central Asia.
The route unfolded as a captivating cinematic sequence. Cleaving through the Irkeshtam port, the fleet entered Kyrgyzstan, scaling border ridges and opening a path across the vast Fergana Valley where the wild majesty of nomadic lands swept past the windows. In Uzbekistan, the sharp profiles of Italian design wove through the historic streets of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, bringing modern industrial aesthetics into harmony with the grand domes of ancient Islamic architecture. Forging west into Turkmenistan, the convoy passed the stark marble facades of Ashgabat and the haunting, sun-bleached ruins of Merv, before transferring across the Caspian Sea from Turkmenbashi to Aktau.
Making landfall in Baku, the journey advanced through Tbilisi and the Black Sea coast of Batumi, framed by the soaring, snow-capped peaks and deep gorges of the Caucasus. Crossing into Turkey, the unique stone formations of Cappadocia and the historic minarets of Istanbul faded into the rearview mirrors as the fleet crossed the Bosporus Strait. Taking a scenic corridor through Sofia, Bulgaria, and the mist-shrouded valleys of Sarajevo, the convoy traced Croatia’s Adriatic coast, where the terracotta rooftops of Dubrovnik and the azure waters of Zadar filled the view. Finally, clearing the emerald hills of Slovenia and the jagged, twilight-lit peaks of the Dolomites, the fleet descended into the Emilia plains, with Lake Garda offering a serene final welcome back to Italian soil.
Uncompromised performance on a relentless proving ground
Navigating over ten distinct topographies - from scorching desert basins to freezing high-altitude peaks - the 15,000-kilometre route served as the ultimate natural proving ground, validating the resilience and comfort of Maserati's core line-up.
The GranTurismo, the original pioneer and benchmark of the GT segment, redefined long-distance luxury. The Trofeo variant, powered by the motorsport-derived 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo Nettuno engine, delivered effortless power across long desert stretches. Through the winding curves of the Qinling passes, the Vehicle Domain Control Module (VDCM) and adaptive air suspension worked in unison to ensure precise handling and a refined ride. Complemented by the rich acoustics of the Sonus faber sound system, the GranTurismo transformed a grueling endurance test into a masterclass in grand touring elegance.
The GranCabrio introduced the romance of open-top, four-seat touring to the expedition. Utilising the same potent Nettuno engine, its high-rigidity aluminium chassis offered flawless structural integrity through the sweeping switchbacks of the Dolomites. The innovative "Air Scarf" neck-warming system kept the mountain chill at bay, allowing drivers to drop the soft top beneath the starlit skies of Dunhuang or along the Adriatic coast.
The Grecale proved its exceptional versatility across every terrain. From the loose gravel tracks of the Gobi Desert to unpaved highland roads, its intelligent all-wheel-drive system and adjustable air suspension provided uncompromised stability. With its segment-leading 2.901 mm wheelbase and generous cargo space, the Grecale served as a spacious sanctuary and a highly dependable partner for the cross-continental crossing.
The Living Lineage: returning to the birthplace of the Trident
This exceptional performance is rooted in a legacy cultivated at Viale Ciro Menotti, the beating heart of Maserati. Over the decades, these grounds have witnessed the birth of the brand's most legendary nameplates. With the production of the entire GranTurismo and GranCabrio ranges returning fully to Modena, this facility has been elevated into a state-of-the-art centre for luxury sports cars, signalling a bold new era.
Following their arrival, participants stepped onto the factory floor to experience this living heritage firsthand. From the initial stamping of aluminium sheets to the meticulous hand-polish, every stage reflects a deep-seated obsession with perfection. The visit also highlighted the Officine Fuoriserie customisation centre. Featuring an advanced bespoke paint facility, this dedicated space allows patrons to express their personal style, tailoring everything from exclusive exterior hues to hand-stitched interior details.
A homecoming that signals a New Departure
The true spirit of a Grand Tour is measured not just in kilometres, but in shared moments. A dedicated group of Maserati owners, media representatives, and brand partners from China completed this epic odyssey together, bound by a passion for discovery.
As the convoy pulled onto Viale Ciro Menotti, they met with a warm reception from the global headquarters team, uniting the modern expedition with its ancestral home. Inside the showroom, the rich aroma of Italian espresso and the warmth of shared laughter melted away the weariness of the journey.
Present at the scene to witness this historic meeting, Luca Callegari, Maserati Head of Human Resources, welcomed the Chinese fleet, stating: At Maserati, we believe that it is people who give meaning to great experiences. This Grand Tour is a tangible example of how passion for our Brand can create authentic connections among customers, partners, media, and teams from different countries. Their arrival in Modena represents a meeting point between diverse cultures and a shared heritage of values that continues to make Maserati a global brand with deep human roots.
