23.10.2004 The timing of the debut of the Fiat Stilo M.Schumacher couldn't be better as the F1 teams, including Scuderia Ferrari, are in São Paolo this weekend to contest the Brazilian Grand Prix

Fiat Brazil have presented a limited-edition Stilo M.Schumacher at the 2004 Salão de São Paulo, the South American nation's premier motor show, which runs until the 31st October.

Like the European Stilo M.Schumacher edition, previewed at the Italian Grand Prix, and officially unveiled last month at the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile, the Brazilian version is painted the same bright 'Ferrari' red, features Michael Schumacher's signature, and the eye-catching 17-inch 'scorpion' shaped alloy wheels.

However, Brazil have commemorated the German's latest Formula One world title, as well as Ferrari's fifth consecutive constructor's crown, with a five door version of the 'C-segment' Stilo, which is built locally.

The timing of the debut of Stilo M.Schumacher couldn't be better. The Formula One teams, including Scuderia Ferrari, are in São Paolo this weekend to contest the Brazilian Grand Prix, the final round of the 2004 FIA Formula One World Championship.

In fact Brazilian hero, Rubens Barrichello, who visited Ferrari's stand at the show the day before yesterday, has just scorched to pole position this afternoon in his Ferrari, sending the F1 fanatical Brazilian nation into a real frenzy.

The Stilo M.Schumacher, which will be limited to just 500 units, features colour-coded red bumpers, side mouldings, mirrors, and door rubbing strips. A chrome-trimmed front grille completes the visual changes that aim to give this limited-edition model a sporty look.

The Ferrari star's signature is present externally on the tailgate, just below the model designation, and at the rear of the sill covers. Meanwhile, inside the car an individually number plaque is mounted on the dashboard.

The interior gets an upgrade: plush leather seats and 'sporty' steering wheel, are joined by 'racing'-style alumiunium pedals, footrest, handbrake lever grip, and door step protection plates. The door handles and dashboard mounted air vents are painted silver to complete the effect.

Standard equipment includes a 'Sky Window', Bluetooth, CD/MP3 player and dual-zone air conditioning. Power comes from Fiat's 1.8-litre 16v petrol engine.

by Iinuma Wesley in São Paulo