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| The restyled Fiat Barchetta which made its debut in Bologna last December is present in Geneva. A mild cosmetic facelift which includes a new large agressive front grille, spoilers and a rear bumper, the new Barchetta will hit the showrooms this spring. | |||
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| The Fiat Simba, a full-size model of an off-road concept based on the new Gringo, is positioned on the Fiat stand here in Geneva. First seen in December at the Bologna Motor Show, the Simba proposes a Gingo with off-road capability. This includes raised suspension, larger wheels and mud tyres, additional fog lamps, roof and bull bars, and a roof mounted spare wheel. | |||
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| The Gallardo, Lamborghini's
first venture under Audi ownership into the mid-size sportscar market,
was launched here. Aiming to go head to head with the Ferrari 360 Modena,
the 500bhp V10 engined Gallardo drew mixed reactions as the covers came
off. While in a real case of shooting themselves in the foot, it has been
revealed that the V10 will gain turbo power and more horses when it is
fitted into an Audi, leaving the Gallardo looking like a poor cousin.
Very much looking like a "baby" Murcielago, the agressive, chunky tail left journalists undecided. The interior did however win praise for its styling and layout. |
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| Fiat have presented a second
concept based on the Project 169 'mini' car, now known as the Gingo, in
Geneva. Known as the Marrakesh, it is an open topped four wheel drive 'dune
buggy' with drop away sides.
Unlike the wooden mock-up concept off-road Simba, first shown at last December's Bologna Motor Show, the Marrakesh is a fully working prototype. The concept, which sits on 16in wheels shod with 250/50 tyres, is a strong contender for production as Fiat attempts to recreate the spirit of the 1980's Panda with a raft of 'fun' vehicles derived from the Gingo. |
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| Fiat new "mini", the Gingo,
was the star of the stand, alongside the Idea. The long awaited replacement
for the Panda and Seicento, two models were presented here, a static Multijet
engined-version in red and a second pale green model mounted on a revolving
turntable. Previously know as Project 169, it was revealed as the Gingo
on Tuesday, a catchy name, even if a little too close to Renault's Twingo.
The all new Gingo is vital to the company's fortunes as it attempts to relaunch itself and reverse its slowing sales. Offered here only in five door format, a three door will eventually follow, the model is to be built in Poland, with production commencing within months. |
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| The restyled Alfa Romeo
GTV and Spider were unveiled here. A final light cosmetic facelift, aiming
to tide the long-serving models through to their 2005 replacement's launch.
Externally changes are limited to the addition of a large 147-style family-look
front grille, reprofiled front bumper and spoiler, slightly shortened boot
lid and new 16in alloy wheels. Inside the seating positions have been lowered,
while minor cosmetic tweaking sees a revised centre console and darker
coloured dashboard.
Underneath the 3.2-litre V6 engine becomes an option, but not in GTA specification, the unit pumps out 240bhp at 6,200rpm, 10bhp less than the GTA. However this is good enough for a claimed 255km/h maximum speed. The second engine option is the 165bhp 2.0-litre JTS, the first time that Alfa's new direct injection engine has become available on the GTV and Spider range. Four models make up the display: two GTV's, both fitted with the 3.2-litre V6, and two Spiders, one with the 3.2-litre V6, and a second offering the 2.0-litre JTS unit. |
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