Brussels Motor Show 2006

18.01.2006 The Italian carmakers have taken centre stage at the European Motor Show, being HELD in Brussels this week

The Italian carmakers have taken centre stage at the European Motor Show, being held in Brussels this week, from the new 'compact' Fiat Grande Punto to the exotic Ferrari FXX supercar, bold new Italian metal is captivating the large crowds.

The 84th European Motor Show is taking place once more around the thirteen halls that comprise the Heysel Exhibition Centre, which cover an indoor surface area of about 114,000 sq m. The event, which bills itself as one of the oldest and most important motor shows in the whole of Europe, will see some 750,000 visitors entering its doors gather first-hand information on approximately three hundred exhibitors who are present with their latest innovations and most recent models, before the show finally closes on Sunday evening. FEBIAC organised its first Motor Show in the hall of the "Cinquantenaire" in Brussels, way back in 1902 and ever since then the show has established a place on the calendar, in a vibrant, multicultural city which is home to several leading international institutions, including the European Union and NATO.

Italian cars are certainly the buzzword this year. Each of the Fiat Group brand's has presented a glitzy, stylish stand packed with new exciting models, and the strong interest from show visitors all week, amply demonstrates that their vibrant, fresh approach has worked. Belgian visitors this week have been clearly convinced that not only are Italian cars attractive and stylish, but they are also practical propositions as well.

Fiat certainly has the 'coolest' place in the vast Heysel Exhibition Centre. DJs and dancers entertain the crowds who have clustered 'en masse' around the new Grand Punto, which dominates the bright, attractive stand. The new model, which already has an order book that tops 100,000 units, has just gone on sale across Belgium. Lancia have weighed into the proceedings with the stylish new Ypsilon MomoDesign, while Alfa Romeo have presented the new Brera sportscar. The exciting new Giugiaro-styled sportscar is comfortably one of the biggest stars of the whole show, continually surrounded by enthusiastic onlookers and the flashing of camera bulbs, while it seems as if every visitor in the halls is clutching the obligatory 'Brera' carrier bag. The Brera is joined by the equally stylish Alfa 159, and the gorgeous GT Coupé.
 

Maserati GranSport Trofeo
Maserati MC12

Maserati's racing pedigree is represented by the GranSport Trofeo (on show in 2006 specification and livery) and the awesome V12-engined Maserati MC12, the car on diplay being the stunning blue and black liveried Team Vitaphone example that powered Maserati to the FIA GT Championship title last year.

Ferrari FXX
Alfa Romeo Brera

The Italian carmakers have taken centre stage at the European Motor Show, being held in Brussels this week, undoubted stars of the show including the Ferrari FXX and Alfa Romeo Brera.


The leading Italian sportscar makers have not to be left out of the running. Maserati have arrived with the same mildly understated, luxurious-feel stand they presented during the Frankfurt IAA last September, and on which in Belgium they are showing the Quattroporte Executive GT and Quattroporte Sport GT sedans, both being seen for the first time in the country.

Joining the sedan is the new GranSport Spyder, while the Trident's racing pedigree is well represented by the GranSport Trofeo (in 2006 specification and livery) and the awesome V12-engined Maserati MC12, the car on show being the blue-and-black liveried Team Vitaphone example that powered Maserati to the FIA GT Championship title last year, ending a near four decade absence for the Modena carmaker from the international winners' circle. This car in fact, also powered its crew of Michael Bartels, Timo Scheider and Eric Vande Poele to a stunning victory in the gruelling Spa 24 Hours last year, Belgium's most prestigious sportscar race.

Ferrari have a full range on show in Brussels, emphasising the importance of this market to the world's most famous sportscar builder. The 'track use only' FXX is undoubtedly the headline act here, the most exotic car at the show. This latest masterpiece of technology from Maranello is joined by the F430 Coupé and Spyder, as well as the 612 Scaglietti. Finally, Lamborghini are present with two Gallardo models, the Coupé in 'Model Year 2006' format, and the new Spyder with its innovative, fast-operating roof.

by Massimo Bottiglieri in Brussels
 

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© 2006 Interfuture Media/Italiaspeed