Stile Bertone, under the leadership of new Design Director Jason Castriota, are busy working on the final stages of an exciting new one-off coachbuilt project that is now counting down to its public debut at the Shanghai Auto Show later next month. Taking a very modern interactive approach to promoting wider involvement in the stages of the dramatic project, Stile Bertone has launched a dedicated microsite (www.insideprojectm.com) which follows the unfolding of events in video as well as having a Twitter discussion.

The reborn Turinese design house, which is just emerging from a troubled period, is giving very little away about the details of 'Project M', but it is known that it will be an extravagant coachbuilt car in the newly rediscovered tradition of the historic Italian art form. Castriota, who arrived at Stile Bertone from Pininfarina at the end of last year, brings with him much ability and experience in this specialist area: during recent years as the Head Designer for Special Projects at Pininfarina he has put his name to several exotic one-offs such as the Maserati Birdcage 75th, Ferrari 612 K, Rolls-Royce Hyperion and Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina. Bertone itself brings to the equation a long history of pushing at the established design boundaries and creating shapes that have gone on to take their places in history. This tradition is still alive and well today and can be seen most recently in its outrageous B.A.T. 11 (2008) showcar and the cute and innovative Fiat Barchetta (2007).

"We are taking a fairly fresh approach in the presentation as you can see by the micro site," Castriota told Italiaspeed this week about Project M. Born in America, Castriota quickly followed the route of so many budding young automotive designers, beating a path through the doors of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. From there he went on to undertake his internship at Pininfarina in Turin, then working under the tutelage of Lorenzo Ramaciotti, before staying on at the designers of Ferrari and Maserati sports cars when it was completed.

"As you may have already guessed it is a one off street legal supercar," he continues, the site will allow enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a peek behind the scenes of the design and build process and learn more about Stile Bertone through short films which will be posted each week. The video is superbly produced by Bradley R. Farrell. The site is also interactive which allow people to contribute as they follow along.

"As for the car, I can't give much away at this point but I can say that it is a celebration of what we as car enthusiasts love about the car - function driven but dramatic styling, high performance and high efficiency," continues Jason, who while at Pininfarina is credited with important designs including the Maserati GranTurismo and Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. He departed the financially stricken firm last September before taking up a big new challenge as Design Director at Stile Bertone on 1 December.

"In a moment when the world seems to be casting stones at the auto industry on a whole, and the Italian designs have suffered some difficult times, Marie Jeanne [Bertone] and I felt it was important to be courageous and create something that would enable people to enjoy the mystique and passion of cars as we enthusiasts do. Historically the work of Stile Bertone was to provoke and take some chances to help the world break away from the norm. We look to re-establish this tradition with our first design statement. This car will also bring Stile Bertone back to into the world of one offs and 'fuori serie' a traditional mainstay of the company throughout its near 100 year history. The car will be featured in several events throughout the year so be sure to stay tuned as the story unfolds," he concludes.