After launching their Ferrari 575 GTZ at the prestigious Villa d'Este Concorza d'Eleganza last year, with five units reportedly being sold since for around 500,000 euros each, Italian design house Zagato is making an impact at the 2007 Geneva Salon this week with two important new coachbuilt creations, including the new Diatto berlinetta which is being presented on their stand.

Zagato's spacious stand is devoted to one of the two prototypes built for this project, as well as a plaster 1:1 styling mock-up. Eye-catching in a vivid metallic green, the Diatto Ottovù prototype on display showcases the model which is intended to enter limited production, depending on the demand received. In the early decades of the 20th century Diatto was a respected Italian carmaking brand; however one which has long since been consigned to the annals of history; the passion of two enthusiasts though has helped drive this evocative name's return to the motor industry's attention.

Created on a partly bespoke chassis, this new 2+2 coupe, which took three months to build, is fitted with a supercharged Ford V8 engine, tuned by renowned American performance arm Roush, which develops approximately 500 bhp at the rear wheels.
 

Performance is also highly impressive, with the 0-100 km/h time coming up in under four seconds. Meanwhile the styling is typical of Zagato, incorporating multiple trademark features from the Milanese house including a double-bubble roof, short overhangs and a compact glasshouse. Whereas its prototype's styling is very reminiscent of their recent Ferrari 575 GTZ project, the Diatto Ottovù was actually initiated beforehand.

Zagato will most probably be present with this prototype luxury sports car at the 2007 Villa d'Este Concorza d'Eleganza, held annual on the shores of Lake Como; however strong reports though suggest yet another exciting new Zagato coachbuilt project could in fact be unveiled there in its place.