<<< latest news
>>> 15th January 2003:  First pictures of Alfa Romeo's 156-based "Sprint" Coupe
 
These are the first images of Alfa's new 156-based Coupe, commonly referred to as the "Sprint", in the flesh. Based around the floorpan and mechanicals of the 156 saloon with the same wheelbase, it is influenced by the smaller 147's styling, but with more pronounced effects. Initially the Sprint will be offered with the 2.0-litre direct-injection JTS engine, but 1.6 and 1.8-litre entry-level versions will follow, along with a range topping 300 bhp 3.2-litre V6 JTS GTA model which will offer 4x4.

The front has been styled around the 147, but with a larger, more curved heart, and deeper bonnet swages, to give the Coupe a more distinct appearance. The indicators on this model have been blanked over. The side sees the 147's deep swages introduced, while a neat tailgate and wrap around lights finish the rear. The car carries the badge of designer Bertone to the rear of the doors. This Coupe is caught being used to test feedback and the shape is by no means final, while the rear end especially is expected to be subject to alteration.
click here to enlarge this image of the new Alfa Romeo Sprint Coupe and view further images click here to enlarge this image of the new Alfa Romeo Sprint Coupe and view further images
>>> 13th January 2003:  Prodrive Ferrari 550 and Maserati Trofeo GT lead the Italians at the Autosport Show in Birmingham
 
click here for images of the Prodrive Ferrari 550 GTS Maranello at the Autosport International Motor Sports show at the Birmingham NECThe Prodrive developed Ferrari 550 Maranello and Maserati's Trofeo GT lead the Italian cars on display at the "Autosport" Motorsport Show at the Birmingham NEC, England, which ends today. Joined on the high profile Prodrive stand by the current BAR-Honda F1 car and a rally Subaru Impreza, the Banbury-based company are in upbeat mood as the car, developed without factory assistance, enters its third year of development.

Pride of place on the Autocar magazine stand goes to the Maserati Trofeo GT, destined for a factory organised seven race series this year. It is receiving its UK premier here and, with entries still open, has attracted a great deal of interest.

The five day Motor Sport orientated show includes a full dummy F1 grid and live action arena. Meanwhile other Italians on display include the Mercedes-Benz powered Pagani Zonda C12S 7.3 supercar, Minardi's interesting two seat F1 car and Dallara's latest F3 racer. Historic interest at the show is headed by Alfa Romeo's famous 1970's Tipo 33 Sportscar, an example of which is being offered for auction by Coys.
images from the Autosport Motor Sport's Show
click here for images from the Autosport International Motor Sports show at the Birmingham NEC click here for images from the Autosport International Motor Sports show at the Birmingham NEC click here for images from the Autosport International Motor Sports show at the Birmingham NEC click here for images from the Autosport International Motor Sports show at the Birmingham NEC
>>> 10th January 2003:  Murcielago Roadster: in-depth look at Lamborghini's new concept
 
The Roadster version of the 6.2-litre V12 Murcielago which was unveiled in Detroit at the weekend 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 Murcielago Concept Car, official press release
"Automobili Lamborghini officially opens its Fortieth Anniversary by presenting a ravishing proposal, dedicated to true Italian supercar fans, at Detroit Motor Show. The Lamborghini Concept Car was designed by Luc Donckerwolke, Head of Lamborghini Design. It continues and exalts the Barchetta concept, an open car of Italian tradition. This Concept Car has a more exclusive, aggressive and extreme design compared to the Murciélago, from which it derives and compared to which is lower by 136 mm. Its muscular design that interacts with aggressive outlines, makes this Concept Car a total new proposal that heightens the standards of the Lamborghini Design language....", more >>>
click here for 14 images of the Lamborghini Murcielago Concept Roadster at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show click here for 14 images of the Lamborghini Murcielago Concept Roadster at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show
>>> 9th January 2003:  Maserati Kubang GT Wagon at the Detroit Motor Show: further images
 
Maserati Kubang GT Wagon in Detroit, click here for further images Maserati Kubang GT Wagon in Detroit, click here for further images The Maserati Kubang GT Wagon has drawn the crowds all week in Detroit, and Maserati are reported to be pleased with the favourable initial impressions the SUV concept has created.
>>> 7th January 2003:  Ferrari-Maserati President Luca di Montezemolo officially unveils Kubang GT Wagon
 
Luca di Montezemolo officially unveils the Maserati Kubang GT Wagon, joined by the SUV concept's designer, Giorgetto Guigaro. Click here for full detailsFerrari-Maserati Group Chairman Luca di Montezemolo has officially unveiled the Maserati Kubang GT Wagon at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit. He was joined for the ceremony by the SUV concept's designer, Giorgetto Guigaro.

Montezemolo went on to outline the vital importance of the US as the number one market for both Italian marques. Ferrari's 1203 cars sold in 2002 up 18% year on year, while Maserati, who only returned to North America last year, delivered 900 Coupes and Spyders by the end of the year.
Ferrari-Maserati President Luca di Montezemolo, Detroit
"...In the case of Maserati, thanks to the success in 2002 of the Spyder and Coupe, we are going through a very busy period with new initiatives. Today, we unveil the “Kubang” concept vehicle, a GT Wagon, born out of the collaboration between Maserati and Giugiaro. It is a completely new concept for Maserati, but maintains the marque’s tradition for sports grand tourers. It is a very versatile four wheel drive, with sports performance but considerable cabin space. It is very comfortable, easy to live with for recreational purposes and also daily use. For the time being, it is just a concept, but we really want to make it a reality as soon as possible....” more>>>
>>> 7th January 2003:  Ferrari and Maserati at the Detroit Motor Show
 
The North American International Motor Show in Detroit, which opened at the weekend, has seen the Ferrari-Maserati Group making a major effort with plush displays and a full model line-up.

North America is a key market for the Italian sportscar manufacturer's: Ferrari is well established here, and Maserati, since re-launching in the US last April has seen the market already establish itself as the marque's biggest. Hence, two strong displays with a full model line-ups, which for Ferrari include the new 575M and the 218mph, 600bhp 6.0-litre V12 supercar, the Enzo, which is making its official US debut here. 

Maserati meanwhile have weighed in by unveiling the Kubang GT Wagon concept here, their first dip into the SUV segment. The Kebang GT concept has been built by Italdesign and will form the basis of their first SUV which will be launched at the end of 2004. With US sales vital to its success, the show forms an ideal platform to test public reaction. 
click here to enlarge this image of the Maserati Kubang GT Wagon at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show click here to enlarge this image of the Ferrari Enzo at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show
next 10 stories >>>
<<< return to index