<<< latest news
>>> 23rd December 2002:  Lamborghini's new Gallardo to receive all-new 500bhp V10 engine
 
the all-new 500bhp V10 engine that will power the Lamborghini Gallardo which makes its debut next March in Geneva. Click here for more detailsFor the first time in over 10 years Lamborghini will offer a two model range when the 'Baby Lambo', internally codenamed project L140, makes its debut at next March's Geneva Motor Show. Lamborghini have confirmed that the car will be called Gallardo, another bull-related name.

The Lamborghini Gallardo will be a mid-engined four wheel drive sportscar which aims to take head on and eclipse the Ferrari 360 Modena and is powered by a brand new 5.0-litre V10 engine which puts out 500bhp. Power transmission will be available through either a manual 6-speed gearbox or a sequential-style unit operated via steering wheel paddles. Production of the V10 has now begun on an all new line at the Sant'Agata factory's engine factory.
>>> 23rd December 2002:  Alfa Romeo 156GTAm gives pointers to future direction of GTA line
 
The 156 GTAm displayed at the Bologna Motor Show gives pointers to Alfa Romeo's future direction: The 166GTA which arrives in 2003 will use the GTAm's 3.5-litre V6 engine.

Built by N-Technology, Fiat's competition department, the 156GTAm transfers racing technology from this year's 156GTA superTouring race cars which swept all before them in the European Touring Car Championship into a car designed for the road and is fitted with an increased capacity version of the 147GTA and 156GTA's 3.2-litre V6 engine.
Alfa Romeo 156GTAm at the Bologna Motor Show. Click here for more details Alfa Romeo 156GTAm at the Bologna Motor Show. Click here for more details
>>> 21st December 2002:  Fiat Chairman Paolo Fresco comes out fighting in end of year speech
 
click here to read the speeches of Paolo Fresco and Alessandro BarberisThe end of year "Maestri del Lavoro" awards ceremony in Turin, rewards employees of the Fiat Group for outstanding achievements and recognition of accomplishments. Embattled Fiat Group Chairman Paolo Fresco took the opportunity of the occasion to deliver a fighting speech, rebuffing much of the recent wild speculation that has swirled around the crisis stricken auto division and emphasise that the restructuring plan was still on track.

He was followed by new Chief Executive Officer, Alessandro Barberis, who made his first major speech since taking up role at last Friday's board meeting.
>>> 20th December 2002:  Italian President to receive first Maserati Quattroporte as 6.0-litre version is planned
 
click here to see the disguised Maserati Quattroporte caught testingThe President of the Italian Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, is expected to take delivery of the first Maserati Quattroporte to leave the factory, after being impressed by top secret images of the finished car.

Meanwhile Maserati are planning to create a special luxury limousine ( Royal ) version of the Quattroporte in 2004 which will be powered by the Ferrari Enzo's 6.0-litre V12 engine.
>>> 20th December 2002:  Ferrari 456GT successor to be unveiled at March's Geneva Motor Show
 
The replacement for the long serving Ferrari 456GT large "Grand Tourer" is expected to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March. Continuing the two door, four seat, front engine theme of the original car, which made its debut way back in 1992, the new model is expected to be larger and roomier.

Expected to be know as the 460GT or possibly 460 Bologna, it will use the 6.0 litre V12 engine first seen in the Enzo, but will have available around 500bhp ( and 600Nm ). The four seater will be available with two transmissions, a manual 6-speed box or the new 'F1-style' version. It will be 4850mm long and 2000mm wide.
click here for more details and images of the Ferari 456GT replacement click here for more details and images of the Ferari 456GT replacement
>>> 19th December 2002:  Alfa Romeo judge Bologna Show a success as Brera-based sportscar is officially confirmed
 
Alfa Romeo have judged the 27th Bologna Motor Show to have been an outstanding success. Headlined by the Brera which they confirm will form the styling basis for a new sportscar built around the 156 replacement, the official press release issued today confirms a totally new model range by 200, comprising of 16 new products and 10 new models. 

Alfa Romeo confirm that Italdesign will be responsible for the 156 replacement ( and give a rare recognition for their involvement in the current 156 ) while emphasising that 4x4 will become integral to the marque's range. The next 156 will include four models: saloon, coupe, open-top and sportwagon.

The 27th Bologna Motor Show drew 1,125,000 visitors, 3% up on last year, while attracting 2100 reporters and more than 28,000 motortrade operators. 
>>> 18th December 2002:  Maserati to debut 'Sports Utility Vehicle' concept in Detroit
 
Maserati will debut an SUV concept at the Detroit Motor Show, based on the Buran MPV seen hereMaserati are planning to show off a SUV ( Sports Utility Vehicle ) design study concept at the Detroit Motor Show which opens its doors early next month. The concept, is based around a heavily revised version of the Buran MPV which made its first public appearance at the beginning of 2001. Maserati's first SUV will then enter production in August 2004. The concept, as yet un-named, has been styled by Italdesign, who created the original Buran, jointly with Frank Stevenson.

The Maserati SUV will be aimed at the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, both which have represented new directions for these presitige sporting marques and have been overwhelming sales successes. With long order books for these 'off-road' vehicles, Maserati feel they cannot afford not to be involved in this market segment. The Maserati SUV, will use the new 4.2-litre V8 engine as used in the Maserati Spyder and Coupe.

The confirmation by Maserati that they are in "commercial and technical" talks with Audi has sprung speculation that the SUV could use floorpan and mechanical technology from the soon to be launched Audi Magellan off-roader, which is itself an upmarket version of the recently launched VW Touareg. The Audi Magellan is tipped to make its debut in Detroit.

The North American Motor Show, to be held in Detroit, opens to the public on 7th January 2003.
>>> 17th December 2002:  Lamborghini Murcielargo Roadster to be unveiled at Detroit Motor Show
 
click here for more details of the Lamborghini Murcielargo RoadsterIt is strongly rumoured that Lamborghini will unveil an open topped version version of the 6.2-litre V12 powered Murcielargo at next months Detroit Motor Show. Designed by Belgian Audi stylist Luc Donkerwolke the Murcielargo Roadster is described as "stunning" by project insiders.

Lamborghini's owners Audi have guided the project and the Roadster is believed to incorporate an innovative all-glass electronically sliding roof. The inherent rigidity of the Murcielargo has been retained and little performance will be lost. The Roadster will still offer a top speed of 330km/h and a 0-100km/h dash in 3.8seconds.
next 10 stories >>>
<<< return to index