Three of the new models as here. A yellow one is mounted on a large revolving turntable, while one blue and one maroon example are available for detailed public examination. Two are fitted with the compact new 1.3 Multijet 16v, while a cutaway model of this second generation common-rail diesel is presented on the stand. Two are fitted with the new 'Skydome' roof, although it is unlikely that an option as expensive as this will be other than a rairity in a car of this segment.

Very much looking like a "baby" Murcielago, some of the styling looked awkward and ill fitting, while the agressive, chunky tail left journalists undecided. The interior did however win praise for its styling and layout.

Fiat kicked off with two vital new models, the Gingo, long awaited replacement for the Panda and Seicento, and the Punto based B-MPV, revealed with the badly thought out name, Idea. The Marrakesh, a Gingo-based "dune buggy" joined the already unveiled Simba "mini off-roader". Alfa Romeo launched the stylish Kamal SUV concept, a dressed-up Sportwagon GTA with more than a hint of Maserati's Kubang GT Wagon, while the new Coupe GT, is another 156-based project. The sportscar manufacturers had much to should about. Lamborghini took the wraps of the Gallardo to mixed acclaim, Ferrari offered the Challenge Stradale, a lightweight 360 Modena, and Pagani revealed a stunning yellow Roadster.

Known until now as the "mini" or 169 Project, the Fiat Gingo is a super compact 'city' car that goes on sale in September, replacing the aged Panda and Seicento. The Punto-based B-MPV known as Project 350, is now revealed as the Fiat Idea, the second Fiat model to get a world preview today. The Fiat Idea will go on sale in all the main European countries at some time between this autumn and early 2004. 
 

Alfa Romeo describe the Kamal as a "Mix of style and design that represents a distinctive crossover of cultures. The model is a fusion of different vehicle types. It combines the off-road performance of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) with the driving satisfaction and handling characteristics of a compact Alfa Romeo. At the same time, it offers a versatile, functional passenger compartment typical of a Multi Purpose Vehicle due above all to clever use of space and a wide range of seat configurations. Everything comes packed into an unmistakable Alfa shape designed by the Arese Style Centre. The car would be just as at home on the intricate streets of a European city as it would on a desert track of frontier landscape."

The front styling is very Murcielago, although the headlamps, in Ferrari Enzo-style, are set back much further than was predicted and look slighly to large for its clean, sweeping bonnet lines. The side swage and large air intake forward of the rear wheels sit awkwardly together and lead back into the Gallardo's most controversial area, it rear end.

Designed to look squat and agressive, it has strong similarities to the Bugatti-based 'Edonis' while offering hints of the marque's classic Countach. The tail lights unusually wrap around over the top of the rear bodywork, while a low spoiler finishes the sweeping engine cover. Two large single bore exhausts protrude through the rear lower bodywork allowing a diffuser to run the width of the bodywork.