27.02.2004 THE NEW FERARI 612 SCAGLIETTI AND PAGANI ZONDA C12S SPORTSCARS ARE SET TO DRAW THE CROWDS AT THE MELBOURNE MOTOR SHOW

The new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, which received its World Premiere at last month's Detroit Motor Show, will make its second public appearance today after being flown into Melbourne especially for the Motor Show.

The oldest motor show in Australia is celebrating its 70^th exhibition this year. Although the first Melbourne Motor Show was held in 1925, there were several years during World War II when it was not held as there were no new cars to display.

Named after Sergio Scaglietti, the master sculptor of aluminium in car bodies and responsible for some of the most beautiful Ferraris of the 1950s and 1960s, the 612 is the latest, and tenth generation of Ferrari's magnificent tradition of 12-cylinder, 2+2 sports cars.

Meanwhile, newly formed Motor Group Australia, will bring two exotic European models, the 2.5-litre Duratec twin turbo Noble M12GTO from Britain and the Pagani Zonda C12S from Italy.

The $1.4million Modena-built Pagani Zonda will be the most expensive car ever displayed at the Melbourne Motor Show. Under the bonnet of the Pagani Zonda is an AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz V12, 7.3-litre engine which pumps out 408kW.

The torque figure from this super power plant is a massive 750Nm developed at a useable 4050rpm. The power is fed through a twin plate clutch and 6-speed gearbox to the rear-mounted self-locking differential. Traction control is naturally standard equipment.

Huge four-pot caliper Brembo brakes on all four wheels harness the power and ABS is standard. The magnificent 18" alloy wheels are crafted by OZ and are fitted with Michelin Pilot tyres, 255/40 on the front and 345/35 on the rear.

The all-independent suspension is double A-arm front and rear and is sports tuned with Ohlins adjustable dampers for maximum handling and grip. The carbon fibre chassis and body panels provide strength with low weight for maximum performance. Performance figures supplied by the manufacturer show that the Pagani Zonda accelerates from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds and has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.25kg per horsepower.