|
Italian design
and engineering firm Bertone is set to underwrite and build
a brand-new Lancia-branded 'coupé-cabriolet' model based on
the underpinnings of the new Fiat Grande Punto reports Luca
Cifferi in Automotive News. Much speculation has
surrounded the identity of a proposed new 'speciality' model
for Fiat's Lancia brand due in 2007, with most attention
focusing on a production version of their well-received 2003
Fulvia showcar.
Last month on the occasion of the Geneva International Motor
Show Bertone pulled the wraps of a new coupé-cabriolet
showcar, called the Suagnà and based on the Fiat Grande
Punto, which fully-developed this recent theme in leisure
motoring that has very quickly grown in popularity. Now
Automotive News believe Bertone could be set to manage
the whole project themselves in an effort to bring it to the
market.
Bertone is
set to built a Coupé-Cabriolet - report from Automotive News
To secure its future, troubled Italian coachbuilder Bertone
is ready to invest E150 million to build a coupe cabriolet
for Lancia, sources say. A Fiat spokesman confirmed that
Lancia, a Fiat Auto subsidiary, is "considering the
project." Bertone needs the work.
|
 |
|
The Bertone Suagnà opened another chapter in the
long-running collaboration between Bertone and the
Fiat brand which, in over ninety years, has produced
more than 45 models, one-off proposals, concept cars
and mass-produced cars. Now Automotive News reckon a
new car based on this showcar could come to the
market but badged as a Lancia. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
In
Geneva last month Bertone have presented the Suagnà, a concept car that
interprets the theme of the coupé-cabriolet with aggressive
elegance, while achieving levels of roominess and comfort
that Bertone claim are unknown in this category. |
|
|
|
|
Its only carmaking contract is for 2,000 units of a special-edition, two-seat
Mini Cooper S. Production of the car starts in July. Last September, Lancia
dealers were promised a "specialty" model that would go into production in late
2007. The niche car was believed to be a production variant of the Fulvia coupe
concept that Lancia unveiled at the 2003 IAA in Frankfurt. But the coupe was
based on a platform Fiat stopped using last spring.
Bertone has been negotiating for two years to build a coupe cabriolet with a
retractable hardtop for Fiat. The car was supposed to be based on the Fiat
Grande Punto small car. Fiat doesn't believe it could make a profit with that
car but thinks a Lancia version could make money.
Lancia's design center has prepared a full-sized styling model of the coupe
cabriolet. Insiders say the model already has received preliminary approval.
Bertone would need 20 to 22 months to start production following a final
approval from Fiat. The planned volume is 20,000 units a year.
report courtesy of
Automotive News
|
|
|
|
