29.09.2004 Giugiaro's innovative proposal for a new Alfa Romeo flagship, the Visconti concept, first seen in Geneva, is once again provoking the visitor in Paris

Back in March, at the Geneva Salon, Giorgetto Giugiaro unveiled a proposal for a new Alfa Romeo flagship, the Visconti.

It was a radical idea, steering well away from the more conventional looks of recent Alfa Romeo executive luggers such as the 164, and the present incumbent, the 166.

Now this intriguing concept is again generating much interest, this time in Paris, visitors once more being provoked by the thoughts that the Italian designer has projected.

Giugiaro's concept discarded the usual three-volume approach, instead using the two volume path, creates a boot, which in Giugiaro's words "appears like the merest flick of a tail."

This car, 5 metres long and 1.9 metres wide, was created to be provocative, its large front traditional Alfa grille aims to give it executive airs above its station, pushing it into a bracket of sophistication that the marque has not previously ventured into. This controversial nose hogs the attention.

The design incorporates many Alfa Romeo and Giorgetto Giugiaro styling cues. The headlamps, for example are straight from the firm's Brera prototype, while the front spoiler cut-outs and aluminium inserts are heavily influenced by the Alfa 147.

The shape of the Visconti arches upwards, before sweeping down, the door handles, mere slivers, reflect this car's style, as do the headlights, and the equally tapering rear lights. The careful use of aluminium trims, minimalist in approach, seek an instil understated elegance.

Under the skin the proposals are ingenious and designed to be production ready. Based on the new 'Premium' platform which will underpin next year's successor to the Alfa 156 and Giugiaro's own Brera Coupe.

This car envisages utilising the new GM-derived 3.2-litre V6 engine, fitted with twin-turbos, a combination that will boost power to 408bhp.

The Visconti is a very bold attempt, it offers a totally new approach to Alfa Romeo's executive ambitions, but does it work? It is certainly an important step forward in Alfa Romeo's executive requirement thinking.

by Edd Ellison