25.09.2004 The Fiat Stilo M.Schumacher, a special edition created to commemorate the German's seventh Formula One driver's title, is one of three new Stilo models that are on show in Paris

The Fiat Stilo M.Schumacher, a model created to commemorate the German's seventh Formula One driver's title, is one of three new Stilo models that are on show in Paris.

This dazzling Ferrari-red new 3-door model joins the beefy Stilo Uproad and the youth-orientated Stilo Racing as the range continues to expand.

The Stilo M.Schumacher was officially presented to the press on Thursday at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile. The single model on show has been carefully positioned on Fiat's stand so as to be located directly opposite the Ferrari display, an ultra-sporty line-up that includes the car that took Michael Schumcher to the title, the all-conquering F2004.

The connection, between Fiat and their prestigious sportscar brand, Ferrari, is often underused by the giant Italian carmaker. However the symbolic linking here is a very welcome development.

Likewise have been the comments from Luca di Montezemolo, who has retained his role as President of the Ferrari-Maserati Group, despite his elevation to Fiat Chairman, that Ferrari will be assisting Fiat in the design of a new road car.

The Stilo M.Schumacher was previewed during a rapid-fire series of events in the week that led up to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza earlier the month.

These appearances included two of the new models being displayed in the Piazzas of the ‘Monza Più’ festival, in front of guests at the 'Solidarity Grand Prix', a charity match between the F1 drivers and TV celebrities, pride of place at Milan's 'Old Fashion' party, and at a gala dinner to celebrate the Open Golf Grand Prix held at the Monza Golf Club.

Among the initiatives was a competition to win the first car, numbered 0001, while another example was donated to UNESCO to be raffled off.

On the back of these initiatives the Stilo M.Schumacher has arrived in Paris. Finished in eye-catching 'Racing Red', it benefits from a colour-coded Zender bodykit that features new bumpers, side skirts and rear spoiler as well as 17-inch 'Scorpion'-shaped alloy wheels. Decals embazoned on the sill covers and the tailgate denote the model's designation, while mounted on the dashboard an individually numbered plaque.

The car which will be built in numbers of around 3,500, will offer wo engine options: either a 170bhp, 2.4-litre 20-valve petrol engine, or the 140bhp, 1.9-litre 16-valve Multijet unit. Inside, a leather steering wheel and gearknob are complimented by racing-style aluminium pedals and footrest, while the list of standard equipment includes a huge sky-roof and MP3 player with steering wheel mounted controls.

by Edd Ellison in Paris