04.01.2004 LESS THAT TWENTY FOUR HOURS BEFORE FERRARI OFFICIALLY UNVEIL THE 612 SCAGLIETTI IN DETROIT

The North American International Motorshow, which kicks off in the City of Detroit today, has always been an important date for Ferrari as it marks the premiere annual meeting of the American car market.

Ferrari´s participation in the 2004 event, the sixteenth edition of the Motor Show, will be all the more significant as, for the first time in the history of Ferrari, a US setting has been chosen as the international launch for a new model. The 612 Scaglietti, named after the man responsible for creating some of the most beautiful vehicles in Maranello history, has been chosen for a US debut. The date will be doubly important as 2004 marks fifty years of Ferrari activity in North America, still the biggest market for the Prancing Horse.

Timed to coincide with the international launch in Detroit, where at 10.30am tomorrow Luci di Montezemolo, President of the Ferrari Maserati Group will present the new 2+2, a second 612 Scaglietti will be exhibited in the Galleria Ferrari at Maranello. Visitors will be able to admire the new 12-cylinder model, one entirely constructed in aluminium, the instant the vehicle is unveiled to the global press in Detroit. The 612 Scaglietti will remain on display for six months alongside the 2+2 Ferrari models from the past.

Ferrari's sister marque, Maserati, will show the new Quattroporte luxury sports saloon which received its World Premiere in Frankfurt last September. The Quattroporte made its US debut last week at the LA Auto Show and Detroit marks a rapid second appearance in front of the North American car buying public.