The 77th Paris Mondial de l'Automobile opened its doors this morning with a full model line-up from the Fiat brands, all of which are being presented on vibrant, eye-catching stands. Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Ferrari and Maserati are all clustered together, their exciting products grasping for attention.

Two of the show's biggest stars, the Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione and Lancia Delta HPE concept though still remain under wraps. The new Alfa sportscar, set to be unveiled in full production specification, will be presented this afternoon when brand CEO Antonio Baravalle introduces the brand. For the moment it lurks behind a wall of glittering silver foil sheeting. The Lancia Delta HPE concept car meanwhile is set to be rolled down a specially constructed catwalk and presented to the assembled media.

Pride of place on the large Fiat stand goes to the new Panda 100hp model with two examples of the little A-segment car on show. A red one is available for close up examination, while a second while a grey one is mounted astride the Ducato "Truckster" concept, the matching colour finishes serving to create a highly arresting image and making the two vehicles easily the centre of attention. Elsewhere the "Model Year 2007" Panda is on show, including which is one raised off the ground and mounted on a pole. The Croma, Grande Punto and Sedici also feature, as does an "environmentally friend" Multipla, and a cheeky original Fiat 500 - in cutaway form - which offers itself as a console looking forward to the new model.
 

Alfa Romeo's sporty line-up is headed by its "new breed" of models: the Alfa 159, 159 Sportwagon, Brera and Spider, with the revised Alfa GT, now with two new trim level packs, for company. Lancia's line-up as usual exudes its inherent style and panache, the dark glossy colours of its luxurious stand, complementing the brooding models: the new Ypsilon, as well as the Musa and Thesis "Sport" are on show.

Ferrari emphasise their sports car superiority with the new V12-engined 599 GTB Fiorano, which takes absolute centre stage, mounted as it is on a slightly raised dais, while its road range sisters, the F430 and 612 Scaglietti complement its presence. As is usual at motor shows a Michael Schumacher raced Formula 1 car rounds out the line-up. Maserati meanwhile are showing the GranSport "Contemporary Classic" pack for the first time, a striking red version is flanked on either side by the Quattroporte. The Vitaphone Racing-run Maserati MC12 sportscar is another highlight from the Trident brand.

by Edd Ellison in Paris