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| The Punto-based B-segment
'mini' MPV has received its world premiere here in Geneva. Along with the
new Gingo, the Idea, is vital to Fiat's fortunes as the marque attempts
to extract itself from its dire financial situation and turnaround falling
sales, and this is reflected in the prominence the two new models have received here.
The Idea, has been neatly styled both inside and out. A well thought out cabin gives a comfortable and enveloping feeling. The dashboard has Ypsilon-style mid-mounted instruments and a central console which sweeps down to a Multipla-style high positioned gearstick, the cockpit's only let down being a cheap-looking design steering wheel. The dashboard flows neatly out into the doors, while the seats are comfortable and the extra space offered over the Punto cleverly used. |
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| Highlight of the Ferrari
stand is the 360 Modena-based 'Challenge Stradale', the marque's only new
presentation here. Essentially a stripped-down Modena, it was presented
in two guises. A metallic blue static version is offered in 'street' trim,
while a turn-table positioned red model with full length stripe, is in
'race' trim.
Basically the 'Challenge Stradale' is an attempt to counter the threat of the Lamborghini Gallardo. But with almost no visual differences to the standard model, the whole design looks dated when compared to the aggressive new Lamborghini, and Ferrari needs urgently to introduce the 360's forthcoming replacement. |
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| Alfa Romeo have introduced
the Kamal 'crossover' concept here in Geneva, the marque's first offering
in this segment. Underlying the growing importance of the SUV market, the
Kamal is on display in the most prominent position of a large stand.
Very much in the style of the Maserati Kubang GT Wagon, the Kamal is an attractive concept which presents an agressive stance enhanced by sweeping, sporty lines. The front draws cues from the classic 1900 Zagato with its retro grille and foglamps, while the rear, with its hinging glass window, is pure Alfa 147. As seems obligatory in Fiat Group concepts now, a huge glass 'sky' roof roll back front the front screen. |
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 The
first official image of the restyled Fiat Punto, due to be unveiled at
the end of May, was shown accidentally at the Geneva show. In among images
of the new Idea and Gingo, on one of Fiat's public computer screensavers,
the Punto clearly shows its new deeply cut-out front bumper, larger Stilo-style
grille and ungainly oversize headlamps. |
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| The Alfa Romeo Coupe GT made its public debut in Geneva earlier this week. Two of the Bertone-designed models were presented to visitors. One metallic grey version was mounted on a large angled plinth at one side of the exhibition stand, while a second was positioned in a glass module above the exhibition area, available only to invited guests. The windows were blacked out to prevent the interior from being viewed. | |||
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| Pagani, manufacturer of
the Zonda C12 S, unveiled a attractive new model, the Zonda Roadster, in
the Geneva earlier this week. To be produced in a limited edition of 40
completely made-to-measure cars, the all-carbon fibre Zonda Roadster features
a unique removable composite roof as well as a redesigned engine cover.
A single bright yellow Roaster was joined on the Pagani stand by a metallic
grey closed top Zonda C12 S 7.3.
The 7.3-litre Mercedes Benz AMG engine borrowed from the C12 S offers its 555HP and 750Nm power through the ABS/Traction Control safety systems already used in the Zonda S. The forged aluminium wheels are shod with 255/35/19 and 345/35/19 front and rear tyres respecitively and have been specially developed for the Zonda by Michelin. |
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