13.03.2004 FIORAVANTI UNVEIL THEIR LATEST SPORTSCAR CONCEPT IN GENEVA, THE KITE

In Geneva, Italian coachbuilder Fioravanti, have introduced the Kite concept, which is, in their own words, "A world novelty and an innovative proposition to add an extra touch of charm to the 'coupè' concept."

The Kite is a real sportscar concept, in true Fioravanti tradition, and is dominated by a huge glass roof, which flows down the C-pillars in highly unusual fashion, a styling line that is replicated by a prominent crease which follows the line of the front wing rearwards before splaying down the doors. These styling cues are complimented by the door handles and front grille sections which enhance the car's lines.

Fioravanti was formed in 1987 initially as an architectural practice before diversifying their activities into services to the automotive industry, focusing in particular on transport and industrial design.

The company aims to express its philosophy through three concepts, firstly that to design is to engrave upon reality, secondly that style is a means of perception and finally to perceive innovative concepts through awareness of the past.

Company boss Leonardo Fioravanti previously worked at Pininfarina for twenty-four years, where he personally designed some of the most famous Ferrari road cars, including the legendary Daytona, while in the late eighties he had a stint with the Fiat Group, first as deputy General Manager at Ferrari and then as head of Fiat's design centre.