Trident on the hood: what kind of car is it and what do you need to know about it?

Emblem in the form trident is one of the most recognizable automobile logos in the world. If you see a car with such a badge on the radiator grill or steering wheel, most likely you are looking at a product of the Italian automobile industry with a rich history and unique character. But not everyone knows what exactly is hidden behind this symbol: from legendary sports cars to affordable sedans.

In this article we will look at what the brand uses a trident, what models it produces under this logo, and why these cars are so valued among drivers. You will also learn what to look for when buying a used one and how to distinguish the original emblem from a fake.

The trident is not just a decoration. It is a symbol of speed, luxury and engineering excellence. But before we dive into the details, let's answer the main question: What car brand is hidden behind this emblem?

Which brand uses the trident emblem?

Logo in the form trident owned by an Italian automaker Maserati - a company that since 1914 has been producing premium cars that combine sportiness and luxurious design. The symbol was inspired by the Neptune Fountain in Piazza Bologna (the birthplace of the brand), where the god of the sea holds a trident in his hand. It represents strength, power and a connection to the sea - associated with dynamism and freedom of movement.

I wonder what Maserati originally specialized in racing cars. The first models of the brand took part in races Grand Prix back in the 1920s, and today the company is part of the concern Stellantis (together with Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Chrysler).

Now produced under the sign of the trident:

• 🏎️ Sports cars — MC20, GranTurismo
• 🚗 Sedans and coupes — Ghibli, Quattroporte
• 🚙 Crossovers — Levante, Grecale

But Maserati is not the only brand associated with the trident. The company has used a similar logo in the past Neptune (British motorcycle manufacturer of the 1970s), but in the automotive world this symbol is clearly Italian.

History of the logo: why the trident?

Legend has it that the founders Maserati The Alfieri brothers, Bindo, Carlo, Ettore and Ernesto, chose the trident as a tribute to their hometown of Bologna. The city's coat of arms depicts Neptune fountain (works by Giambologna, 1566), where the god of the sea holds a trident in his hand. This symbol represented power and dynamics, which perfectly matched the company's ambitions to create fast and reliable cars.

The first version of the logo appeared in 1920 - it was a blue trident on a red background, framed by a white border. The colors were taken from the Bologna flag: red and blue. Over time the design has evolved:

• 🔹 1937 — added silver lines, adding volume
• 🔹 1980s — simplification of the form, avoidance of volumetric elements
• 🔹 2020 — a modern minimalist version with a 3D effect

Today the trident Maserati is not only a logo, but also a design element. For example, in headlights MC20 a light signature in the shape of a trident is used, and on some models the emblem is illuminated in blue when the doors are opened.

⚠️ Attention: On the used market there are often cars with non-original emblems. If the trident appears dull, chipped, or too shiny (like plastic), this may be a sign of replacement. Original emblem Maserati made of metal with chrome plated.

How to distinguish the original Maserati emblem?

The original trident has:

- Clear edges without burrs

- Deep engraving of lines (visible at an angle)

- On the reverse side - manufacturer's markings (for example, "Maserati" or part code)

- Magnetic (if the replica is metal and not plastic).

Popular Maserati models with trident: review and features

Assortment Maserati includes cars of different classes - from compact coupes to full-size crossovers. Let's look at the most famous models that can be found on the roads with the trident emblem.

Model	Body type	Engine (basic version)	Features
Maserati MC20	Sports car (coupe/roadster)	3.0 V6 Twin-Turbo (630 hp)	Carbon chassis, hybrid version, butterfly doors
Maserati Ghibli	Sedan	2.0 Turbo (330 hp) / 3.0 V6 (430 hp)	First diesel Maserati, active noise reduction system
Maserati Quattroporte	Sedan (business class)	3.0 V6 (350–580 hp)	Long wheelbase, luxurious interior with genuine leather
Maserati Levante	Crossover	3.0 V6 (350–580 hp)	Air suspension, Q4 all-wheel drive, sports transmission mode
Maserati GranTurismo	Coupe/convertible	4.7 V8 (460 hp) / 3.0 V6 (490 hp)	Classic design, hand-assembled body, limited editions

Each model has a unique character. For example, MC20 is a supercar with racing roots, and Quattroporte more focused on comfort and representative style. Moreover, all cars Maserati combines a signature exhaust sound (even in basic versions) and manual suspension tuning.

If you are considering buying a used Maserati, please note:

• 🔧 Service history — these cars require regular maintenance using original oils and spare parts.
• 🔊 Engine sound — uncharacteristic knocks or vibrations may indicate problems with the turbine or suspension.
• 💺 Interior condition — genuine leather and wood require special care.

Technical features of Maserati cars: what do you need to know?

Cars Maserati combine Italian design with advanced technology, but they have their own “tricks” and potential weaknesses. Here are the key technical aspects:

1. Engines and transmission

• 🔥 Most modern models are equipped Ferrari biturbo engines (eg 3.0 V6 in Ghibli and Levante).
• ⚡ B MC20 a hybrid system is used Nettuno with an electric motor (up to 830 hp in the version Folgore).
• 🔄 Transmission - usually an 8-speed automatic ZF, but in older models (before 2010) there is a robot Duoselectwhich requires careful handling.

2. Suspension and handling

• 🚗 Skyhook — adaptive suspension that automatically adjusts stiffness depending on road conditions.
• 🔄 System Q4 (all-wheel drive) available for Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte, but rear-wheel drive versions are considered cleaner to drive.

3. Electronics and multimedia

• 📱 Infotainment Maserati Touch Control Plus (based on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) with a 10.1-inch screen.
• 🔊 Audio system Bowers & Wilkins (optional) with 17 speakers and 3D sound.

⚠️ Attention: Electronics Maserati sensitive to voltage changes. If the car sits for a long time with a discharged battery, the firmware of the engine control unit may be reset (ECU). In this case, a flashing will be required in the service (cost from 30,000 ₽).

One of the most common problems of owners is oil leak from turbine (especially on engines Ferrari F136). This is due to design features and requires regular checking of the oil level. It is also worth monitoring the condition air suspension — its repair costs 150,000–300,000 rubles.

Current engine oil level | Condition of turbines (listen for whistling) | Operation of adaptive suspension (is there any subsidence) | Functionality of all electronic systems (climate, multimedia) | Availability of original keys (replacement costs 50,000+ ₽)-->

How to care for a Maserati: tips from experts

Cars Maserati require a special approach to maintenance. Here are key tips to help avoid costly repairs:

1. Oil and filters

• 🛢️ Change oil every 10,000 km (even if the manufacturer indicates 15,000). Use only synthetics Shell Helix Ultra or Mobil 1 with permission Maserati MS 12991.
• 🔧 Change air filters once every 20,000 km, fuel filters - once every 40,000 km.

2. Brake system

• 🚦 Brake pads and discs wear out faster due to the high weight of cars. Check every 15,000 km.
• 💦 Renew brake fluid once every 2 years (hygroscopic).

3. Body and paintwork

• 🎨 Paint Maserati soft and prone to chipping. It is recommended to apply a protective film (PPF) on the hood and bumpers.
• 🚿 Wash the car only using a contactless method or using the two-bucket method (to avoid scratches).

4. Electronics

• 🔋 The battery lasts 3-4 years. When replacing, registration in the system is required (BSI), otherwise the settings may be reset.
• 📡 Antenna GPS and parking sensors are shock sensitive. Park carefully!

If you plan to use Maserati in winter, be sure to:

• ❄️ Install winter tires with a speed index of at least V (240 km/h).
• 🔥 Warm up the engine before driving (especially turbocharged versions).
• 🚗 Use heated seats and steering wheel - they come as an option in basic configurations.

Where to buy Maserati: new vs used cars

Cost of a new one Maserati in Russia starts from 6 000 000 ₽ (for basic version Ghibli) and reaches 25 000 000 ₽ (for MC20 in the top configuration). Used copies can be found from 2 500 000 ₽, but it's important to be careful here.

Pros of buying a new car:

• ✅ Full warranty (3 years or 100,000 km).
• ✅ Possibility to choose equipment and color.
• ✅ Free maintenance for the first year.

Cons:

• ❌ High cost of insurance (CASCO from 200,000 ₽/year).
• ❌ Long wait (some models are assembled to order).

Pros of used Maserati:

• ✅ The price is 2-3 times lower than new.
• ✅ Possibility to find rare versions (for example, GranTurismo MC Stradale).

Cons:

• ❌ Risk of hidden defects (especially after an accident).
• ❌ Repair costs may exceed the cost of the car.

Where to look for a used one Maserati:

• 🔹 Official dealers (Maserati Approved) - cars with a warranty and history.
• 🔹 Auctions (Copart, IAAI) - rare models can be found, but verification is required.
• 🔹 Private advertisements (Avto.ru, Drom) is the riskiest option.

⚠️ Attention: When buying used Maserati be sure to check VIN code through the service traffic police or Federal Tax Service. Some cars may be pawned or reported stolen. Also note body and engine numbers - they must match the documents.

Frequently asked questions about Maserati (FAQ)

🔧 Why are Maserati so expensive to maintain?

Main reasons:

• Use of exclusive spare parts (for example, turbine for Ghibli costs ~200,000 ₽).
• Manual assembly of many parts (body GranTurismo assembled by hand).
• Complex electronics that require diagnostics using specialized equipment.

The average cost of maintenance is 40,000–100,000 rubles (depending on the model).

🚗 Which Maserati is the most reliable?

According to statistics from service centers, the most reliable models are:

1. Maserati Ghibli (2014–present) - easy-to-maintain engine, less electronics.
2. Maserati Quattroporte V (2004–2012) - reliable engine Ferrari F136, but high fuel consumption.
3. Maserati GranTurismo (2008–2019) - simple design, but poor corrosion resistance.

Avoid the first years of new model releases (e.g. Levante 2016 had problems with the air suspension).

💰 How much does insurance cost for a Maserati?

Cost CASCO depends on:

• Models (eg MC20 more expensive to insure Ghibli).
• Driver's age (up to 25 years - coefficient ×1.8).
• Region (Moscow and St. Petersburg - 20–30% more expensive).

Approximate prices (2026):

• Ghibli — 180,000–250,000 ₽/year.
• Quattroporte — 220,000–300,000 ₽/year.
• MC20 — 350,000–500,000 ₽/year.

🔊 Why is Maserati so loud?

Signature sound Maserati due to:

• Special tuning of the exhaust system (low resistance resonators are used).
• Sports camshafts (in models with engines Ferrari).
• Lack of additional sound insulation in some versions (for example, MC20 has an "open" engine sound in the cabin).

New models have a mode Silent Start, which muffles the sound during a cold start.

🛠️ Is it possible to repair Maserati in an unofficial service?

Technically yes, but:

• ✅ Some work (oil change, brake pads) can be done in proven car services.
• ❌ Complex procedures (firmware ECU, suspension repair Skyhook) it is better to trust official dealers.
• ⚠️ The warranty is void if you repair it yourself.

The average hourly rate in the official service is 5,000-8,000 rubles, in the unofficial one - 2,000-4,000 rubles.