| North America's largest
Motor Show opened in Detroit yesterday with Italian sportscar manufacturers
well represented. Against a worldwide backdrop of falling cars sales and
rising oil prices, the three prestige Italian marques, Ferrari, Maserati
and Lamborghini, are bucking the trend, offering upbeats displays as they
target increased US sales.
The stars of these displays
are two concepts, both destined for production: Maserati's widely trailed
Kebang GT Wagon and Lamborghini's brand new Murcielago Roadster, seen for
the first time when the covers came off yesterday. The open topped version of the 6.2-litre V12 powered Murcielago has been designed by Belgian
Audi stylist Luc Donkerwolke who was responsible for the original Murcielago.
Although a concept car, Lamborghini's website give a poignant messeage,
"the bad news is that its not available....yet."
Lamborghini's owners Audi,
have guided the project which is targeted at the US market. The inherent
rigidity of the Murcielago has been retained and little performance is
expected to be lost. The Roadster will still offer a top speed of 330km/h
and a 0-100km/h dash in 3.8seconds. The mildly revised engine boasts variable
valve timing and a variable geometry air intake manifold. |
