GranMotori: four days to lose your head over cars in Rome

Forget for a moment about exhibition halls, grey carpets and cars sitting motionless behind barriers, warmed by the glare of spotlights. In October, Rome is going to attempt something considerably more ambitious: turning a private estate spanning more than 200 hectares into a playground for cars, motorcycles, drivers, collectors, designers, entertainment and a healthy dose of madness — the umami of the motoring world.

The result is called GranMotori, the new International Motoring Festival for Drivers and Dreamers, taking place from 15 to 18 October 2026 at the Tenuta di Fiorano, inside the Appian Way Regional Park. Four days conceived not as a traditional motor show, but as a festival in motion.

The idea is to bring together more than 200 classic and modern vehicles, as well as one-off creations, spread across the paddock, heritage displays, a dynamic track, the Wheel Theatre, Action Arena and areas dedicated to design, technology, elegance, food and lifestyle. All of it set within a location where complaining about the view becomes rather difficult: vineyards, olive groves and volcanic hills instead of the usual car park outside a convention centre.

The programme seems to have been built around a fairly simple rule: if it has an engine, an interesting story, or preferably both, it will probably find a place on the estate.

The morning begins with the paddock and heritage displays, while throughout the day the festival's three piazzas will host talks, simulators, food and events dedicated to design, innovation and craftsmanship. Then, from 3 pm onwards, comes the moment when cars stop being objects to admire with your arms folded — or, even worse, clasped behind your back — and start making some noise on the track. The day will end with a sunset parade, spritz in hand.

It is an interesting formula because GranMotori does not seem interested in choosing between a concours d'elegance and a spectacle. It is greedy. It wants both.

On one side there will be the heritage programme, with events dedicated to important chapters in automotive history. Highlights include the 100th anniversary of Carrozzeria Touring, the 60th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Duetto, the 120th anniversary of the Targa Florio and a tribute to Piero Taruffi. On the other, there will be a track, paddock action, freestyle and dynamic activities.

Then there is the thematic calendar, which may well be the smartest part of the whole project. Thursday 15 October will be Reels & Wheels, exploring the relationship between cars, cinema and television. Friday 16 will be Next, focusing on design, technology and new visions. Saturday 17 will be Icons, dedicated to design, supercars and automotive heritage. Finally, Sunday 18 will be Limitless, with a focus on motorsport, performance and clubs.

Translated from press-release language: Thursday is about the cars we've seen on the big screen, Friday is about trying to figure out where we're heading, Saturday celebrates the ones that have already made history and Sunday turns up the volume.

GranMotori is entering its first edition, and it still has to prove that a very good idea can become an event capable of turning itself into a tradition.

The first green light is set for 15 October 2026 — and we'll be there!