Designed by Centro Style under the guidance of Flavio Mazoni, this modern interpretation will clearly show Fulvia traits in its overall design. The concept is based around the floorpan and mechanicals of the Fiat Barchetta coupe, while Italian design house Zagato have had imput into the project.

Lancia will use the Geneva Show to guage public reaction to the concept and if favourable, plans are at an advanced planning stage for Zagato to put the car into production.

The stars of these displays are two concepts, both destined for production: Maserati's widely trailed Kebang GT Wagon and Lamborghini's brand new Murcielago Roadster, seen for the first time when the covers came off yesterday. The open topped version version of the 6.2-litre V12 powered Murcielargo has been designed by Belgian Audi stylist Luc Donkerwolke who was responsible for the original Murcielago.

Lamborghini's owners Audi, have guided the project which is targeted at the US market. The inherent rigidity of the Murcielago has been retained and little performance is expected to be lost. The Roadster will still offer a top speed of 330km/h and a 0-100km/h dash in 3.8 seconds. The mildly revised engine boasts variable valve timing and a variable geometry air intake manifold. The Roadster will cost around €250,000 with Audi targeting sales of 300 units a year.

Visually the front screen and side windows are lower than the hard top Murcielargo, protective roll over hoops are built into the back of the seats and trimmed, while a new engine cover opens to reveal engine bay chassis strengthening arms. The whole car sits visibly lower.

The Kubang, almost 5 metres in length, has a centre of gravity 100mm lower than class rivals. The interior is claimed to be revolutionary and the standard specification 5 seat cabin can bolstered by an additional row of seats. The rear door is hinged high on the roof section, and with the lower part folding downwards, the 1,500 liter rear luggage space use can be maximised.

The project has been dropped back with a mid-2004 launch date now targeted to allow it to be integrated into the platform sharing program and for lessons to be drawn from the Lancia thesis, the group's first large Fiat/Lancia saloon for 17 years. Italdesign have recently assumed responsibility for the design, taking over from the Centro Style team.

Ahead for the Detroit Motor Show, Maserati have revealed that since returning to the US market in April, they have sold over 900 cars ( 75% Spyder's, 25% Coupe's ), immediately establishing North America as their number one market ahead of Germany, the UK and Italy. After having establishing a New Jersey head office in 2001, they have now recruited 31 dealers ( 28 in the USA and 3 in Canada ). All represent Ferrari, but "air gap" requirements have seen the rolling out of dedicated showrooms and sales personnel.

Colininno will have to win over the creditor banks who threw Fiat a €3 billion lifeline in the summer, and his plan to have them convert debt to shares is unlikely to be well received, along with his aim of allowing GM to escape the force purchase clause in exchange for a financial imput, an option the banks see as vital to repaying their investment. There is also widespread suspicion over his close ties with inverstment bank Mediobanca, who recently failed to oust Paolo Fresco from the Chairman's job.

The Agnelli's are believed to be lukewarm to the idea, not wishing to lose a grip on the company they have controlled for so long or see the group broken up in an asset sale. However with Colininno's track record at Telecom Italia, the Italian investment community is believed to be positive to the proposals, which will be officially presented to Fiat in the next few weeks.

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 Kubang, has been styled by Italdesign, who created the original Buran, jointly with Frank Stevenson. Maserati have given little away apart to state that safety issues have been majored on while it features and all new vehicle.

Visually the Kubang draws on Coupe/Spider 'family' styling cues, including the large 'Trident' front grille and bonnet swages. The front screen appears to blend into the large glass sunroof, while the side rake gives hints of styling seen on the disguised Quattroporte prototypes.

The Kubang GT Wagon 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 Kubang, will use the new 4.2-litre V8 engine as used in the Maserati Spyder and Coupe.