12.09.2003 STONG LINE UP OF ITALIAN RACING CARS AT THE FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW
As usual, emphasising the Italian auto industry's commitment to motor sporting activities there is a wide array of racing cars on display on every stand. From Michael Schumacher's Formula One winning Ferrari, the brand new Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT and Ferrari 575GTC, through to the new rally Fiat Punto Abarth and a class winning Alfa 147JTD.
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo have presented a prototype diesel 147 developed by N-Technology. In June, this car was entered in the prestigious 24 Hours of the Nurburgring, eventually finishing nineteenth overall, first in class and a massive six laps ahead of the next diesel-powered car. Offering a 150bhp variant of the 2.4JTD, the diesel engine is coupled to a manual six-speed gearbox.
Ferrari
Michael Schumacher's Formula 1 World Championship winning Ferrari F2003-GA is joined on the stand by the brand new N-Technology developed 575GTC sportscar which was making its public debut and the race-bred 360 Modena based Challenge Stradale. Also present is the Enzo supercar, a direct crossover of F1-technology onto the road.
Fiat
The new Punto Abarth Rally is present in Frankfurt, prominently positioned on the Fiat stand. Based on the recently facelifted Punto, this Super 1600 rally car should pick up where its highly competitive predecessor left off.
Lamborghini
Lamborghini announced their return to the race tracks by unveiling the Murcielago R-GT sportscar. Destined in 2004 for the FIA GT Championship and the American Le Mans Series, a prototype was unveiled along with an announcement of a forthcoming race program. Presented in a dark 'carbon-fibre' effect paint scheme, a huge rear wing as well as deeper front spoiler, additional air-intakes, side skirts and a prominent rear undertray, the R-GT looks a purposeful racing car and is drawing admiring glances.
Maserati
Maserati have brought along the 4.2-litre V8 Trofeo, which is competing this year in a Vodafone-sponsored dedicated racing eight race series around Europe. Representing the first step in Maserati's return to motorsport under Ferrari ownership, the Coupe-based Trofeo has already successfully clashed this year with rivals in Australian sportscar racing.
by Edd Ellison in Frankfurt
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