Pininfarina Family Hires Bank To Sell 50.7% Stake In Design Firm

<center><img height="227" src="http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/2/0/2010_ferrari_458_italia_003-0728-950x650.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />Reportedly, the family owners of Pininfarina have already engaged the services of an Italian bank to sell their 50.7% stake held by Pincar, the Pininfarina family's company. The news highlights the difficulty that luxury coachbuilders are facing from the financial crisis and the resulting drop in demand for their services and products, a situation that has had rival Italian coachbuilder Bertone on the back foot for some time now.<br /><span class="fullpost"> <br /><center><img height="205" src="http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/2/0/2010_ferrari_458_italia_002-0728-950x650.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />It seems Pininfarina's best chances for survival would come from having a group of investors, rather than a single controlling company, considering that if a large enough stake in Pininfarina was acquired by a rival company some of its contracts with auto manufacturers could be put at risk. <br /><br /><center><img height="226" src="http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/2/0/2010_ferrari_458_italia_004-0728-950x650.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />Despite seeking to sell off their majority stake in the company, an anonymous source within the Pininfarina company revealed to Reuters that the family had "no intention of leaving completely", and the sale was a measure taken to comply with previously agreed upon debt stipulations with banks last year.<br /><br /><center><img height="241" src="http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/2/0/2010_ferrari_458_italia_001-0728-950x650.jpg" width="400"> </center><br />With over half the company expected to go up for sale, speculation is rife as to who could step in to purchase Pininfarina. Last year we reported that Piero Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari's second son, Alberto Bombassei, chairman of Brembo, and the Marsiaj family, founders of the Sabelt seatbelt company have all considered investing in Pininfarina, along with Vincent Bollore, a French financier, and Ratan Tata, head of India's Tata conglomerate, who already announced its plans to invest.<br />Source:<a href="http://www.motorauthority.com/report-pininfarina-family-hires-bank-to-sell-507-stake.html">motorauthority</a><br /><br /></span><p>

Pininfarina Family Hires Bank To Sell 50.7% Stake In Design Firm

Reportedly, the family owners of Pininfarina have already engaged the services of an Italian bank to sell their 50.7% stake held by Pincar,...

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Kia Unveils 'Kee' Coupe Concept

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKCteaI-0EJBvAE4yzt_m8In3N3DZGXOw5uxsAesMdkl2Vb6h3L5rhE8TSkR4KY18chTLFHgFGsj1L0O-yHWgSQvAr_hIVtuT5wGZQWYdthfplQt_txomkoXZ840SyGnzTq7F2iZXeQc/s1600-h/9070911.022.1L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172734805009855746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKCteaI-0EJBvAE4yzt_m8In3N3DZGXOw5uxsAesMdkl2Vb6h3L5rhE8TSkR4KY18chTLFHgFGsj1L0O-yHWgSQvAr_hIVtuT5wGZQWYdthfplQt_txomkoXZ840SyGnzTq7F2iZXeQc/s400/9070911.022.1L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><ul><li> New Kia Kee sports coupe concept heralds a ´new-look´ for Kia</li><li> Uncluttered, pure and timeless execution represents new Kia ethos</li><li> 4.3-metre long coupe powered by 200 ps V6 gasoline engine</li></ul> <p>The World Premiere of the all-new Kia Kee sports coupe concept at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in Germany today is a landmark moment in the Kia Motor Corporation´s evolution into a major global automotive company.<br /><br />The Kia Kee (pronounced ´key´) is a 4.3-metre long, four-seater, 2-door coupe with svelte, newly proportioned lines resulting from a slightly lengthened greenhouse. It is a new interpretation of a 2+2 coupe with an imposing road presence that demonstrates an uncluttered, pure and timeless execution and represents a new design ethos for Kia.<br /><br />Designed in Europe, under the guidance of Kia´s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the sports coupe concept is named Kee for several reasons. "Kee refers to the English word ´key´ as the coupe embodies design elements which will become essential to the future ´look´ of Kia vehicles," explains Schreyer. "The coupe also represents the ´key´ which will open the door to success for our brand and acknowledges the Chinese and Korean word ´Ki´ - the<br />cultural concept for life-force or spiritual energy."<br /><br />Kia Kee features a broad stance and a low profile, with unique exterior elements - the strong and powerful frontal design with its distinctive headlamps and eye-catching LED cluster, a dynamic profile with striking greenhouse treatment and 20-inch diameter alloy wheels. Measuring 4,324 mm long, the Kia Kee is powered by a ´next generation´ Mue-II 2-litre, V-6 gasoline engine producing 200 ps, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.<br /><br />"More than any other car-buyer, the sports coupe enthusiast knows instinctively when a car is right," observes Schreyer. "Shape, proportion, stance and both tactile and emotional aspects all add up to a car that stirs the blood. At Frankfurt, Kia is revealing just such a car.<br /><br />"The Kee is a combination of all of those elements. It is a harmonious blend of everything that sets the sports coupe apart from the more functional vehicle that must undertake a range of activities. The sports coupe is single minded. It is about driving, pure and simple. It is about appearance, performance, emotion," enthuses Schreyer.<br /><br />Much more than just a svelte, exciting sports coupe concept, the new Kia Kee is also the dawn of a new design language for the Kia brand - a language that will speak to motorists across the world about the Korean company´s intention to become one of the major automotive names over the coming years.<br /><br />Peter Schreyer and Kia´s Frankfurt-based design team, headed by Gregory Guillaume, set out to make the Kee a landmark car in Kia´s history. It is no coincidence that its name plays on the word ´key´ because that is how essential Kee is to the future of the Kia brand.<br /><br />Kee embodies Kia´s desire to create a family of cars that will be instantly recognisable on the road and will have simple yet sophisticated appeal in dealer showrooms. Whether wide-eyed admirers of this new generation of vehicles are existing Kia customers - wise to the dramatically improved quality and traditional strong value of the current range - or entirely new audiences, they will immediately recognise a range of cars aimed at those who enjoy driving and seek the perfect machinery to deliver that experience.<br /><br />"Kee communicates a design language that will be seen on all future Kia products," continued Schreyer. "This language has to be stated in certain elements of the visual representation - lines, shapes, details. And it has to be consistent and easy to understand. It must be visually strong and purposeful but capable of being transferred from this sports coupe concept to a city runabout, a family saloon, a load-lugging MPV or a go-anywhere SUV.<br /><br />"It was essential Kee should consist of a rhythm of lines - controlled, clean, pure. It had to have good, classic proportions and be well balanced. This is the future for Kia design - it must display the purpose, the function whilst still being capable of delivering an emotional aspiration," added Schreyer.<br /><br />With its broad stance and low profile, Kee is a new interpretation of a 2+2 coupe, with a simple yet distinctive outline thanks to its long sweeping bonnet, slightly lengthened cabin with striking graphic treatment, sculpted flanks and strong swage lines.<br /><br />Beneath the powerful and unique appearance are a host of fine details all hinting at the car´s true purpose and harmonising to create a sophisticated design entity. Whether it is the milled aluminium B-pillar visible through the panoramic grey-tinted glass, the distinctively individual 20-inch wheels and hand-cut Continental tyres or the small touches such as the electronic micro-switch door release set into the side-window glass, the clamshell rear hatch opening supported by electronic dampers or the unique front windscreen shape that mirrors so many other details on the Kee, it is clear that this car has been lovingly created by people who care about design.<br /><br />Inside - Kee looks and feels like a true sports car in which the keen driver will instantly feel comfortable and at ease. The cabin is designed for maximum focus on driving. Clustered directly ahead of the driver, the main dials and controls are simple and straightforward utilising Kia´s new standard red-orange illumination.<br /><br />Behind the square-bottomed steering wheel are paddles to shift the six-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox. Instead of a standard gear stick an ergonomically designed lever sits atop the milled aluminium centre console and requires only a nudge forward or backward to select the desired drive mode. The top of the computer mouse-like lever flips up to reveal the electronic starter button.<br /><br />The design team has concentrated on producing a realistic sports coupe - not a flight of fancy. Every element of the Kia Kee design should be clear, easy to understand and to use. All the main controls are fly-by wire, but their feel in operation has been created to deliver a sense of traditional operation. For example, the toggle switches mounted on the dashboard - echoing the DNA of generations of sports cars - let drivers navigate intuitively through the interface menu of the info-media centre.<br /><br />After pressing the starter button the driver will immediately recognise the throaty roar of a V6 engine. The next generation 2.7-litre MUE-II engine, produces 200 ps and will deliver instant response, enormous flexibility and scintillating performance on any kind of road.<br /><br />Kee uses light-weight aluminium or plastic panels and components wherever possible in order to reduce weight and keep the emphasis on rapid and controlled progress that ensures simple fun and driving pleasure. The result is a low kerb weight with excellent balance biased towards the front of this front-wheel drive showcar to deliver neutrally safe handling. Yet Kee could be built with rear wheel drive or even all-wheel-drive allowing Kia to add to its growing range as its brand develops its reputation amongst a more exacting audience.<br /><br />Salome Etienne, a member of the Kee´s interior design team, comments: "All the main interior surfaces are covered in a semi-suede microfibre material and the body-hugging sports seats use a heard-wearing but distinctive metallic-finish cloth."<br /><br />Continuing the theme of real-life functionality, the rear of the 2+2 cabin is sufficiently spacious to allow two adult passengers to travel on individual seats in the back of the vehicle whenever necessary. While Kee is not intended to be a regular four-seater, Kia knows that real people have real needs and the brand has no intention of moving into the exotic sports car territory that others so amply fill. And there is even space for a useful amount of luggage!<br /><br />Raphael Le Masson, from the interior design team stated: "Echoing Kia´s concern for the comfort and convenience of its customers our team sought to ensure that rear passengers will not be confronted with a problem so common in many 2+2 coupes. In Kee, when the rear clamshell hatch is raised the cabin roofliner stays fixed in place to ensure that passengers do not come into contact with the structure of the hatch when it is subsequently closed."<br /><br />Exterior designer Fabien Coradin observed: "This new concept car is about passion and energy. It is not an act of reason. Buying a sports coupe is an emotional choice and that is reflected in this car. Emotion may not have been the normal reason behind most Kia purchases in the past - now the brand is changing and this car shows the potential for Kia´s future."<br /><br />Uncluttered, pure and timeless in execution yet modern, effective and usable in purpose, Kee represents a new ethos for Kia. With Kee the entire design team is laying open its mind and its heart. This car stands as a clear indication of Kia´s design philosophy and how it wishes to be viewed - exciting, appealing, creative, aspirational, with products that are beautiful and yet functional, purposeful and realistic.<br /><br />Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe, commented: "This new concept car is a starting point. It shows how we think and what we want to do - appeal to the emotional side of our audience and bring that balance of purpose and emotion into the Kia design language. With Kee we are irrevocably heading off along our chosen path…"<br /><br />Kee is the first step towards a new family look for Kia vehicles underscored by a focus on distinctive design. Although Kee is primarily a concept vehicle, it is one that could easily go into production should public demand dictate. Kee lays down very clear indications of how Peter Schreyer and his design team intend future Kia vehicles should look and displays elements that its creators will transfer to future production models. Displayed as part of the strong frontal design with its distinctive headlamps and eye-catching LED cluster, the new-style front grille will become the new face of Kia across the product range.<br /><br />"Kia has given me and our design teams a fantastic opportunity," enthused Schreyer. "Seldom is a designer allowed to shape the entire personality of a brand, given a clean sheet of paper and told to create the future. Kee is the first step on the road and I am so excited about the potential this journey can create."<br /><br />"Kee is our keystone to the future Kia family we want to create. There is nothing in its design that cannot easily and readily be transferred to production vehicles. There is nothing in Kee that I would not be prepared to see in future production vehicles. This car stands as a clear indication of our philosophy for vehicle design and as a clear signpost to the type of vehicles we shall be bringing to showrooms in the very near future.<br /><br />"I want motorists to be able to identify Kia cars almost unconsciously. It doesn´t matter what type of vehicle they see - right across the Kia range there should be a very obvious style and image that will encourage drivers to identify with the Kia brand and instantly understand the function of the vehicle at the same time as they are admiring its lines," he added.<br /><br />The new Kia Kee ultimately serves the Kia brand on a number of fronts. It is a design exercise for a sports coupe model that currently does not feature in the company´s line-up - at present no plans exist to put the Kee into immediate production, but media and public reaction will be closely monitored.<br /><br />It also allows Schreyer and the entire design team to present their ideas for a family appearance and a design language, to both internal and external audiences. In this respect Kee is the first stage in an on-going process that will be refined and re-examined but will stay true to the core elements of design contained in this car.<br /><br />Perhaps most importantly Kee is a simple corporate statement to global consumers and to the motoring world that Kia is a brand underpinned with quality and reliability and now on top of that comes the emotional element of distinctive design. The future for Kia products lies in balance, clarity and purpose, and the company´s latest show car embodies that philosophy.<br /><br />"The new Kia Kee is a clear and emphatic statement that the future of the Kia brand is set to be one that will excite and surprise an entirely new audience of consumers," concluded Peter Schreyer. "In making this design departure for Kia it was essential to my thinking that our sports coupe concept is not simply a flight of fancy but represents an affordable dream for sports car lovers."<br /><strong><br />Kia Kee - Technical specification</strong><br /><br />Length 4325 mm<br />Width 1860 mm<br />Height 1315 mm<br />Wheelbase 2675 mm<br />Tyre size 245/40 R20<br />Engine V6 2.7-litre MUE-II<br />Maximum Power 200 ps<br />Transmission Six-speed automatic</p><div style="text-align: right;">Source: Kia<br /></div><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpu46WOkKcnHyINecxAN2jAwA1BTv4QpkV2yaiwGyQcPwvzzPQSPZf9X3o0-PPpeu6HNkniN6dJyQYvlC-e6aHS83-d0yyNWjEk1gY5AiX-i6DCaGiKJmohGAYNXyjc_meKGcbBtIBAc/s1600-h/9070911.022.Mini1L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172734281023845618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpu46WOkKcnHyINecxAN2jAwA1BTv4QpkV2yaiwGyQcPwvzzPQSPZf9X3o0-PPpeu6HNkniN6dJyQYvlC-e6aHS83-d0yyNWjEk1gY5AiX-i6DCaGiKJmohGAYNXyjc_meKGcbBtIBAc/s400/9070911.022.Mini1L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 100px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1roK5Cn2YZMknCJRSfSKy-YBynAzv2NtViH89OEvYItWOOoZi-STZkIzDCYDWDbPiiqvuzCENhsdOqNdoJ2DdC8V4mdYf08fymWGc5SNxi0fDNEPo2WnDSQweCxDvs_71vXj7Om8kK0/s1600-h/9070911.022.Mini2L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172734066275480802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1roK5Cn2YZMknCJRSfSKy-YBynAzv2NtViH89OEvYItWOOoZi-STZkIzDCYDWDbPiiqvuzCENhsdOqNdoJ2DdC8V4mdYf08fymWGc5SNxi0fDNEPo2WnDSQweCxDvs_71vXj7Om8kK0/s400/9070911.022.Mini2L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 100px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodq8lUrfroRZ455ONwlTuJFkuSkzAU2cMqyb-5E27o6VQn2ob7v62juP9dhlt4kM1rENWbkwq1Hqm8U2khaftWYk6oiaLbNFqBLWDDyQu2UImMWlkdL7zH4Mbqq-S8UjCpvcoCvmcXUM/s1600-h/9070911.022.Mini3L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172733950311363794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodq8lUrfroRZ455ONwlTuJFkuSkzAU2cMqyb-5E27o6VQn2ob7v62juP9dhlt4kM1rENWbkwq1Hqm8U2khaftWYk6oiaLbNFqBLWDDyQu2UImMWlkdL7zH4Mbqq-S8UjCpvcoCvmcXUM/s400/9070911.022.Mini3L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 100px;" /></a><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEuSJzVPfSDTH32ru4mFdDOW3ZrePSrJWLKHoU9c22zT6ljvUXfQaJ2yM4S1sbSWFdcnJsjY1L_3t1KE3AxFHJGPTrxYuqu2wikbyIM0f-sb_TPcIRHGwMO67EXcadvRIHkpbjuBjV1Q/s1600-h/9070911.022.Mini4L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172733765627770050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEuSJzVPfSDTH32ru4mFdDOW3ZrePSrJWLKHoU9c22zT6ljvUXfQaJ2yM4S1sbSWFdcnJsjY1L_3t1KE3AxFHJGPTrxYuqu2wikbyIM0f-sb_TPcIRHGwMO67EXcadvRIHkpbjuBjV1Q/s400/9070911.022.Mini4L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 100px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl93f5JeifMpYYfwmcYU_fQZ-1_Wpszr0QfnY3YyO-ps7Xp1YW08T3404Pikbm09ACv5dim2dGE0Top8LCQfF4fR4DbisbncLaxHf_XtnrVDk4KR6MKkIjPAcz7KiavMaBBfdbblrG2sE/s1600-h/9070911.022.Mini5L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172733641073718450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl93f5JeifMpYYfwmcYU_fQZ-1_Wpszr0QfnY3YyO-ps7Xp1YW08T3404Pikbm09ACv5dim2dGE0Top8LCQfF4fR4DbisbncLaxHf_XtnrVDk4KR6MKkIjPAcz7KiavMaBBfdbblrG2sE/s400/9070911.022.Mini5L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 100px;" /></a><br /><br /></center></center><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">More transmissions:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/kia-motors-america-introduces-all-new.html">Kia Motors America Introduces All-New Borrego SUV</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/kia-borrego-mohave-launched-in-korea.html">Kia Borrego / Mohave Launched in Korea</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2007/11/kia-knd-4-suv-concept.html">Kia KND-4 SUV Concept</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2007/11/2008-kia-picanto-facelift.html">2008 Kia Picanto Facelift</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2007/11/kia-spectra5-sx.html">Kia Spectra5 SX</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2007/11/2009-kia-borrego-new-mid-sized-suv.html">2009 Kia Borrego: New Mid-Sized SUV Based On The Mesa Concept</a><br /><br /><p></p>

Kia Unveils 'Kee' Coupe Concept

New Kia Kee sports coupe concept heralds a ´new-look´ for Kia Uncluttered, pure and timeless execution represents new Kia ethos ...

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Bertone Reveals First Rescue Plans

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwDXzWTSjRUzw_alWAIZEuD_mA8j6LT8D7ibwBmLbmcbpsBAdnDKbZY1YvR__Riml-2R3TYEWYbFMDDzUl0yTjPiV3uYZSm2hfiN3rE38klwSf9JTiSpyjhyphenhyphenqePut9r9Gew1WwWE-oG4/s1600-h/9080125.013.1L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159781424975348226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwDXzWTSjRUzw_alWAIZEuD_mA8j6LT8D7ibwBmLbmcbpsBAdnDKbZY1YvR__Riml-2R3TYEWYbFMDDzUl0yTjPiV3uYZSm2hfiN3rE38klwSf9JTiSpyjhyphenhyphenqePut9r9Gew1WwWE-oG4/s400/9080125.013.1L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#0066cc;"><span style="color:#003300;">Bertone Group’s fate has been given a direction last January 23, 2008, when Lilli Bertone and Domenico Reviglio, owner of the Gruppo Prototipo and turnaround specialist, finally signed a contract that will put Stile Bertone S.p.A., Bertone S.p.A. and Carrozzeria Bertone S.p.A under Reviglio’s control. According to the statement Bertone has released yesterday, 35% of the shares will remain in Ms. Bertone’s hands, while the other 65% will be assigned to Reviglio.</span></span></div> <p><span style="color:#0066cc;"><span style="color:#003300;"> </span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#0066cc;"><span style="color:#003300;"> </span></span></p> <div><span style="color:#0066cc;"><span style="color:#003300;">“I am fully satisfied with this agreement,” said Lilli Bertone: “It represents a fundamental starting point on the basis of which our work to kick start all our activities, from styling to production, can begin. I have fought long and hard for this result, and I have had to steer my way round a veritable obstacle course in the form of people pursuing interests that have nothing to do with the company’s industrial mission, completely ignoring the interests of the workforce, stirring up controversy for instrumental purposes, and exploiting the incomprehensible willingness of certain newspapers to publish falsehoods”, said Bertone’s matriarch.</span></span></div> <p><span style="color:#0066cc;"><span style="color:#003300;"> </span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#0066cc;"><span style="color:#003300;"> </span></span></p> <div><span style="color:#0066cc;"><span style="color:#003300;">“Fought” is not a mere way she found to express herself. Barbara Bertone, Lilli’s daughter, was the general director of the company and has been suspended from her functions little before the companies were sold. According to Automotive News, Barbara and her sister, Marie Jeanne, claim their mother did not own all the shares she sold to Reviglio. They also intend to take legal action against the sale.</span></span></div> <p><span style="color:#0066cc;"><span style="color:#003300;"> </span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#0066cc;"><span style="color:#003300;"> </span></span></p> <div><span style="color:#0066cc;"><span style="color:#003300;">Among the recovery measures Reviglio intends to take is the production of electric vehicles, just like <a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071227.006/pininfarina-to-build-electric-cars">Pininfarina </a>has announced. He expects the Bertone Group to generate € 39.1 million in revenue in 2008 and € 62.2 million in 2009, according to Automotive News.<br /><br /></span></span><h3 class="pr">Press Release</h3><h4>BERTONE - REVIGLIO: AGREEMENT SIGNED</h4> <div>This morning Lilli Bertone and Domenico Reviglio put their signatures to a contract to purchase shares in Stile Bertone S.p.A., Bertone S.p.A. and Carrozzeria Bertone S.p.A with the aim of injecting new industrial life into the Bertone Group. The agreement executes the terms of the purchase option presented by Dott. Reviglio and confirms that a new company will be set up in which 35% of the shares are assigned to Ms Lilli Bertone and 65% to Dott Domenico Reviglio.</div> <div> </div> <div>“I am fully satisfied with this agreement,” said Lilli Bertone: “It represents a fundamental starting point on the basis of which our work to kick start all our activities, from styling to production, can begin. I have fought long and hard for this result, and I have had to steer my way round a veritable obstacle course in the form of people pursuing interests that have nothing to do with the company’s industrial mission, completely ignoring the interests of the workforce, stirring up controversy for instrumental purposes, and exploiting the incomprehensible willingness of certain newspapers to publish falsehoods. Now is the time to turn over a new leaf. The new Bertone begins today. For me this is a personal commitment and I intend to accompany this prestigious Italian brand towards its one hundredth anniversary, restoring it to its rightful place among the great brands of the world.”<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Related entries:<br /><br /></span><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/bertone-sold-to-gruppo-prototipo.html">Bertone Sold to Gruppo Prototipo</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/bertone-suagn-concept.html">Bertone SuagnàConcept Premiere</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/bertone-barchetta-concept-unveiled.html">Bertone Barchetta Concept Unveiled</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/bertone-concept-to-be-unveiled-in.html">Bertone Concept to be Unveiled in Geneva</a><br /><br /></div><br /></div>

Bertone Reveals First Rescue Plans

Bertone Group’s fate has been given a direction last January 23, 2008, when Lilli Bertone and Domenico Reviglio, owner of the Gruppo Prototi...

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Bertone SuagnàConcept

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoMtGlP6RgO95V0c3ABImFSb0HX1-HkVY7NBhMS0kdCfED7k__nCRFRGr9HL27FvKMdB4usYiNNVgw1OYZMhqH94FBHsIkGiIRFuP0bvJfV4YdSF-5D1d2COuhL2sVSUbzuayHqvRt1I/s1600-h/2060228.007.Mini9L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151555094861398930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoMtGlP6RgO95V0c3ABImFSb0HX1-HkVY7NBhMS0kdCfED7k__nCRFRGr9HL27FvKMdB4usYiNNVgw1OYZMhqH94FBHsIkGiIRFuP0bvJfV4YdSF-5D1d2COuhL2sVSUbzuayHqvRt1I/s400/2060228.007.Mini9L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><h4><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">In Brief</span></span></h4> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Bertone Suagnà is a concept car that interprets the theme of the coupé-cabriolet with aggressive elegance, achieving levels of roominess and comfort that are absolutely unknown on this type of car. The name comes from the adjective “suagnà” which, in Piedmontese dialect, means a job done painstakingly, paying scrupulous attention to every detail.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Developed around the Fiat Grande Punto, the Bertone Suagnà has extremely dynamic graphics which elaborate on a theme dear to Bertone: an open sports car, dedicated to young drivers, accessible to the general public, agile and easily handled, with a strong, sparkling personality.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Bertone Suagnà ideally takes its place among the compact cars (segment B), but it is also an absolute novelty, because there are no coupé-cabriolets in that segment with a retractable hard top and four “proper” seats. With this model, Bertone establishes a new target in terms of interior space and the quality of life on board: the layout of the interior, which was the fruit of precise volumetric and ergonomic studies, was designed to achieve levels of comfort and roominess that are comparable with those of a higher segment model.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The roof system was developed jointly with CTS, a leader in this field.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Bertone Suagnà opens another chapter in the long-running collaboration between Bertone and the Fiat brand which, in over ninety years, has produced more than 45 models, one-off proposals, concept cars and mass-produced cars.</span></span></p> <h4><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The styling</span></span></h4> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Bertone Suagnà has a strong, aggressive graphic identity, the result of uncompromising stylistic research, over and above the latest fashions, in the best Bertone tradition. The extremely dynamic volumetric proposal that resulted is based on a coupé body. The high, muscular tail holds the roof, which folds in two and disappears into the boot. The rear end links up to the high, arching waist-line, which gives tension to the whole side. The way the masses seem to urge forward is partly the effect of a slash that emphasises the arched waist-line.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The low, sleek roof forms a single whole with the sloping windscreen which defines the front volume.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The front and rear views are both marked by a hollow effect: the graphic treatment of both these volumes is enhanced by “boomerang” light clusters, inscribed like scratches inside a metal band. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">18” alloy wheels also contribute to this sensation of sporty aggressiveness.</span></span></p> <h4><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The interior</span></span></h4> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The layout of the passenger compartment of the Bertone Suagnà is the outcome of highly advanced ergonomic and volumetric studies, which aimed at achieving levels of roominess and onboard quality never seen before in a segment B coupé.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">In just over 4 metres of length, the Bertone Suagnà provides four “proper” seats, which are comfortable and accessible, and it is currently the only segment B coupé-cabriolet to offer this amount of space, typical of a higher segment. The two front seats were defined to accommodate even large occupants (95 percentile), while the two rear seats provide plenty of room even at knee height, a fact that is unique on a segment B coupé-cabriolet.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">From the viewpoint of styling, the interior furnishings of the Bertone Suagnà are fresh and elegant, creating a youthful, sporty ambience. The stylists focused on innovative materials, upholding a long-established Bertone tradition. The anatomical seats, designed specifically for this model, have differentiated upholstery: leather side strips with a specal “crumpled” effect, and a central strip in a luxurious “high-tech” fabric, which seems to be woven with intertwined aluminium. The graphics of the extremely sporty instrumentation reflect the car’s dynamic, sparkling image.</span></span></p> <h4><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="en-GB"><strong>The roof system</strong></span></span></span></h4> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="en-GB">The roof system of the Bertone Suagnà was designed and built in a short time by CTS, Car Top System, the German convertible specialist.</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The roof system consists of a two piece retractable hard top. The main advantage of this roof concept with the steep backlite is that it makes the parcel shelf unnecessary.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Its distinguishing feature is the steep backlite that can be lowered independently of whether the roof is open or closed. It is thus possible to travel with the roof closed and the backlite lowered, so as to have a fresh air supply inside the cab. With the roof open, on the other hand, the backlite can be raised to serve as an antibuffet screen.</span></span></p> <h4><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Measurements</span></span></h4> <ul><li><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="en-GB">Length: 4173 mm</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="en-GB">Height: 1380 mm</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="en-GB">Width: 1773 mm</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span lang="en-GB">Wheelbase: 2511 mm</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Tyres: 225/45 - 18</span></span></li></ul><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjmE4en1Lvlo8ZxRxvvu-K3FBvQ8nrA4o6Yr5NCHQkPcGVuTEIEXemGMTiVncmi1bMWk9UwQazvQh_ELDTpxMOHhRyBO8uuMgE0I_eEr4jxB29y65WRDJUPJb_qLK7o3AHR8f8nOmgT8/s1600-h/2060228.007.Mini1L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151554777033819010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjmE4en1Lvlo8ZxRxvvu-K3FBvQ8nrA4o6Yr5NCHQkPcGVuTEIEXemGMTiVncmi1bMWk9UwQazvQh_ELDTpxMOHhRyBO8uuMgE0I_eEr4jxB29y65WRDJUPJb_qLK7o3AHR8f8nOmgT8/s400/2060228.007.Mini1L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; 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Bertone SuagnàConcept

In Brief The Bertone Suagnà is a concept car that interprets the theme of the coupé-cabriolet with aggressive elegance, achieving levels o...

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Bertone Concept to be Unveiled in Geneva

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquS4X4vSZe03CiTCoxhuXbvP9EQc1500-C8l3Hnnxs9Q8a563jr3dY61XbDT1Wo6ARzUK9n96jN8ecdSd34YpWrF295hIlQOYyCfFaE14gJKKdN0pnSByRvNc7Yux8XnwhrMa5SkHP_M/s1600-h/2060210.017.1L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151548974533001906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquS4X4vSZe03CiTCoxhuXbvP9EQc1500-C8l3Hnnxs9Q8a563jr3dY61XbDT1Wo6ARzUK9n96jN8ecdSd34YpWrF295hIlQOYyCfFaE14gJKKdN0pnSByRvNc7Yux8XnwhrMa5SkHP_M/s400/2060210.017.1L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">A concept car that interprets the coupé-cabriolet theme with aggressive elegance. This is what will be given its world debut by Bertone at the 76th Geneva International Motor Show (2-12 March 2006).<br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The new Bertone-designed concept, as always the result of styling research above and beyond the dictates of fashion, interprets the theme of the sports car with retractable hard top in a quite new way. Developed on a Fiat Grande Punto base, the Bertone concept slots into the compact car market (segment B) while being at the same time an absolute novelty in so far as this segment contains no retractable hard top coupé-cabriolets with four “real” seats. This concept in fact sets a new benchmark in terms of interior space and quality of life on board: the cabin layout is the result of meticulously attentive volumetric and ergonomic studies geared to levels of comfort and roominess comparable only to a higher segment car.<br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The styling research, developed by Bertone in a coupé-type vehicle, stands out for its highly dynamic graphics: sloping front, high waistline, snug, muscular tail. This concept car is an evolution of one of Bertone’s pet themes: the open sports car accessible to the young and to the public at large, nippy and manoeuvrable, with a strong personality.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/2070306.011/bertone-barchetta-concept-unveiled"><br /></a><a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080102.007/bertone-sold-to-gruppo-prototipo"></a></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-weight: bold;"><br /></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Related entries:<br /><br /></span><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/bertone-barchetta-concept-unveiled.html">Bertone Barchetta Concept Unveiled</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/bertone-sold-to-gruppo-prototipo.html">Bertone Sold to Gruppo Prototipo</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>

Bertone Concept to be Unveiled in Geneva

A concept car that interprets the coupé-cabriolet theme with aggressive elegance. This is what will be given its world debut by Bertone at t...

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Bertone Barchetta Concept Unveiled

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ49u12tr_OBEI7t1_S4U9rzIxq-U3BRbFRk3U06sgk2bUNQ-OjLkM1Oab9ftFxThbh1H6_teJqMBVBZz6nobaKYPMCYHyYU1Hte3YyeHQNL5l1SC-iIsHN6zZfT7P5EYhQbuOGraXhY/s1600-h/2070306.011.Mini3L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151547909381112482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ49u12tr_OBEI7t1_S4U9rzIxq-U3BRbFRk3U06sgk2bUNQ-OjLkM1Oab9ftFxThbh1H6_teJqMBVBZz6nobaKYPMCYHyYU1Hte3YyeHQNL5l1SC-iIsHN6zZfT7P5EYhQbuOGraXhY/s400/2070306.011.Mini3L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><h4><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Celebrating 95^th birthday</strong></span></span></h4> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Bertone presents the Barchetta concept car in celebration of its 95th anniversary. Based on the floorpan and mechanicals of the Fiat Panda 100 HP, the Bertone Barchetta is an open-topped strictly two-seater sports car that calls to mind the Italian racing cars of the 1950s. In this case, the design explicitly cites the Fiat 500 with Barchetta bodywork created by the young Nuccio Bertone in 1947 as a one-off for his personal use in races.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The decision to celebrate the company’s 95th anniversary with a minimalist yet sophisticated model is perfectly in keeping with the Bertone philosophy. Since its very earliest days, the company has interpreted cars by Italian car makers with an elegant style that emphasises their personality and technological content, with an unparalleled passion for sportiness. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Bertone’s choice of the Fiat brand to celebrate its 95th anniversary was both natural and emotional. Natural because Fiat is the Italian brand par excellence. Emotional because the birth of Bertone as a coachbuilder of “special” vehicles is closely linked to the history of the Fiat brand. The historic relationship between the two companies has lasted for more than eighty years and has generated more than fifty highly successful models counting concept cars, one-offs and production cars, from the 850 Spider to the X1/9, from the Ritmo Cabrio to the Punto Cabrio.</span></span></p> <h4><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Styling</strong></span></span></h4> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Bertone Barchetta is the product of innovative styling which still manages to evoke the historic traditions of the company. The compact, muscular body, with its high, taut waistline, is defined by two aluminium shells joined by a large glazed surface that crosses the doors and extends into the bonnet join line before spawning the low, wraparound windscreen. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The first impression is of a tensed body, characterised by fluid volumes and clean-cut lines, creating classic, dynamic proportions. The result is a car which, in keeping with the best Bertone traditions, is completely above fashion; if anything, it makes its own fashion statement with an uninhibited, futuristic style that projects the concept of the Barchetta – a historic icon in the legend of Italian motorsports – into the future with purposeful elegance and sophisticated irony.</span></span></p> <h4><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>The exterior</strong></span></span></h4> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The upper shell is entirely hand beaten and polished by the master panel beaters still working for Bertone today. This single piece of aluminium extends like a cloak from the front tip of the bonnet to embrace the upper part of the sides and rear arches, terminating in the tail. In the side view, the aluminium sheet twists at the level of the rear wheelarch, creating a muscle that melts away into the tail volume. This is a typical Bertone styling cue, imbuing the car as a whole with a powerful sense of sporting aggressiveness.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The lower shell originates from a large sideskirt that tapers towards the rear wheelarch, contributing to the sloping effect of the side.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The decision to extend the glazing to the doors was taken for both functional and emotive reasons. Functionally, it improves visibility, whereas emotively, the solution emphasises the sensation of freedom that only open-topped driving can produce.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The rearward opening scissor doors, hinged around the rear wheelarch, are a Bertone patent. This is in keeping with the company’s historic attention to the specific issue of accessibility, interpreted always with surprising solutions, such as the cockpit canopy of the Testudo (1962), the double gull wings of the Marzal (1967), the hinged windscreen of the Stratos 0 (1970) and the large gate-like sliding doors of the Villa (2005).</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The front features LED lights and a closed, floating grille embossed in the metalwork. The rising bonnet line is interrupted by an air vent for the engine. The rear volume is framed by LED lights which point up the muscular width. At the centre of the tail volume is a small luggage compartment, with a cover trimmed in the same leather used for the interior.</span></span></p> <h4><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>The cabin</strong></span></span></h4> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The cabin, delimited by the wraparound windscreen and rear roll bar and furnished with sophisticated minimalism and minute attention to detail, is directly inspired by the 1947 Fiat 500 Barchetta. The anatomic seats, upholstered in natural leather, are fixed and sculpted directly into the metalwork. A console area between the two seats includes a stowage tray and an iPod dock.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The adjustable dash is anchored to two exposed rails and painted in glossy white. The instruments are essential and easy to read, with a speedometer, gauges for water and oil temperature and a fuel gauge. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Air flow within the cabin is assisted by two centrally mounted exposed fans, covered by a protective grille The gearlever is machined from a solid billet of aluminium and is hand polished. As with competition ‘Barchetta’ models, the driving control mechanisms are all exposed.</span></span></p> <h4><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Dimensions</strong></span></span></h4> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Length: 3,585 mm<br />Width: 1,705 mm<br />Height: 1,090 mm<br />Wheelbase: 2,300 mm<br />Wheels: 20” alloys<br />Tyres: Pirelli 225/30 R20</span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeGTLt-rj64-2PUnz0vgAIo_i5DJMAa9Bk18oWjGu49rDbXaxl2SZxPnMQLQieEAdzpnEOQj0QAXtln1m4RQKACN1CffYkzbH0Wkh0mVELl9nNTqq4V40pw3rYS31RTbepeaYkik_KGg/s1600-h/2070306.011.Mini1L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151547630208238226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeGTLt-rj64-2PUnz0vgAIo_i5DJMAa9Bk18oWjGu49rDbXaxl2SZxPnMQLQieEAdzpnEOQj0QAXtln1m4RQKACN1CffYkzbH0Wkh0mVELl9nNTqq4V40pw3rYS31RTbepeaYkik_KGg/s400/2070306.011.Mini1L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; 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width: 120px; height: 86px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQB7R7fZ9OXEI8mVpoWRmpPKRLdjb2cISog9kTsZ9O4nhTywFg4Z2nv7Bkjk2QmO2E9qVnKp6ew7oi2SZ6hLYgXa7h4dV2o8cPvT8rOwzChs649kbxIVTMn_378iMj2nUko2EQUX6ZJQ/s1600-h/2070306.011.Mini14L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151544069680349618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQB7R7fZ9OXEI8mVpoWRmpPKRLdjb2cISog9kTsZ9O4nhTywFg4Z2nv7Bkjk2QmO2E9qVnKp6ew7oi2SZ6hLYgXa7h4dV2o8cPvT8rOwzChs649kbxIVTMn_378iMj2nUko2EQUX6ZJQ/s400/2070306.011.Mini14L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 86px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHG68AzzBsKPYY61i6tT_tS5Da_vRVfL4aNLxsT4pDi-mYSoju6MOPtGJIn4gHsLdT0QDDs4qWgCk7QM1vXhMk-r9fd0oiv9KIqdRRrkB5kh-9c7YHP1Do7ZhBo2xYhWed5gZjkXPSEY/s1600-h/2070306.011.Mini15L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151543850637017506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHG68AzzBsKPYY61i6tT_tS5Da_vRVfL4aNLxsT4pDi-mYSoju6MOPtGJIn4gHsLdT0QDDs4qWgCk7QM1vXhMk-r9fd0oiv9KIqdRRrkB5kh-9c7YHP1Do7ZhBo2xYhWed5gZjkXPSEY/s400/2070306.011.Mini15L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 86px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDvz7C7nQtJMuCL1_jQFA5wIVWkkeCgYKrdc0jP_TuAwIWB086Je7irpT5GiFktr0mfCXJH0S-Xvt1fPSICVJozZUiD4uYsseiVyqN44lQf2xddKghU9g1UY5CDDhv-5hDLuIA1It7Cw/s1600-h/2070306.011.Mini16L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151543601528914322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDvz7C7nQtJMuCL1_jQFA5wIVWkkeCgYKrdc0jP_TuAwIWB086Je7irpT5GiFktr0mfCXJH0S-Xvt1fPSICVJozZUiD4uYsseiVyqN44lQf2xddKghU9g1UY5CDDhv-5hDLuIA1It7Cw/s400/2070306.011.Mini16L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 86px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwMfRwSLhM3lXuKbisIjtIqHjfWBl_GgLIg-VVJOkqDwr-tplpiNXpg_2pDB0ZCbXnFv6OZKt8nFfdqm9cxDKEgqLLSZcWlzL2C0a48OaaHg4Lculs6OxVR27oyNvIoMg1HYkJHHSv88/s1600-h/2070306.011.Mini17L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151543421140287874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwMfRwSLhM3lXuKbisIjtIqHjfWBl_GgLIg-VVJOkqDwr-tplpiNXpg_2pDB0ZCbXnFv6OZKt8nFfdqm9cxDKEgqLLSZcWlzL2C0a48OaaHg4Lculs6OxVR27oyNvIoMg1HYkJHHSv88/s400/2070306.011.Mini17L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 86px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76HCdeiKTJzthihbmX6TTa_9tEr4FZgbQ04B0Uh5Zx78RKCvTelpakPgC0wOi319lrzOHxRRYGPImJhEeWlxfAurLfJ2mCh5uU43N1H-zgoOOljviVFC7b1krEMGj_5_GQofVttiHmHg/s1600-h/2070306.011.Mini18L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151543202096955762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76HCdeiKTJzthihbmX6TTa_9tEr4FZgbQ04B0Uh5Zx78RKCvTelpakPgC0wOi319lrzOHxRRYGPImJhEeWlxfAurLfJ2mCh5uU43N1H-zgoOOljviVFC7b1krEMGj_5_GQofVttiHmHg/s400/2070306.011.Mini18L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 86px;" /></a><br /><br /></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Related entries:<br /><br /></span><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/bertone-concept-to-be-unveiled-in.html">Bertone Concept to be Unveiled in Geneva</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/bertone-sold-to-gruppo-prototipo.html">Bertone Sold to Gruppo Prototipo</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>

Bertone Barchetta Concept Unveiled

Celebrating 95 th birthday Bertone presents the Barchetta concept car in celebration of its 95th anniversary. Based on the floorpan and m...

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Bertone Sold to Gruppo Prototipo

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmwP1Lf1Sf4YnW4ebJ_BYZPNYTrSxByH0JvwZG5J5oRLYSx0AztI_1SVdpySMlDsbrC8I9dMv3StMsghp94JHD0EEmiI3rBW9RUosf4n7_hkpLFh5x1kAR5Q4kC2ogoaE8iMatotEf7k/s1600-h/9080102.007.1M.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151540431843049810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmwP1Lf1Sf4YnW4ebJ_BYZPNYTrSxByH0JvwZG5J5oRLYSx0AztI_1SVdpySMlDsbrC8I9dMv3StMsghp94JHD0EEmiI3rBW9RUosf4n7_hkpLFh5x1kAR5Q4kC2ogoaE8iMatotEf7k/s400/9080102.007.1M.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><p>After almost a century in car designing and production Bertone faced its worst nightmare in November 2007 as the company went in bankruptcy protection after years in the red. However, the name Bertone is not going to disappear. On January 1, 2008 Lili Bertone announced that her company had signed an option to sell Bertone to Domenico Reviglio's Gruppo Prototipo. Despite this move from Lili Bertone, the company still remains under the protection of the Italian authorities for two more months.</p> <p> </p><p>Gruppo Prototipo is a Turin based company that owns the Nardo race track in Italy. It is also known as a testing specialist of prototype cars, particularly for Fiat Auto. At the Geneva Motor Show in 2007, Bertone presented <a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/bertone-barchetta-concept-unveiled.html" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">the Barchetta Concept</a> to mark its 95th anniversary. The car is based on the Fiat Panda 100HP. </p> <p>In the final hour Bertone's escape was not expected after negotiations with FIAT and <span class="posttext">former Telecom Italia and Zanussi President, </span>Gianmario Rossignolo were unsuccessful. For the past three years Bertone winded up to a total loss of €37.3m, on sales of €325m. The company has 1,350 employees.</p><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_KWPUusiUN4QgLHU4ro8tn4LzT9K8fw8cGnmIyI2zSKWDvk9eaE_Kue-Hk7AH0ePMwz5Gt_SPIxvAtLBXxxbg7TBfGhezkveLGm6glIkEQbiiFL2XnE0yOGW8mFVeabvuQw8i6W7C6M/s1600-h/9080102.007.Mini2L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151539547079786802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_KWPUusiUN4QgLHU4ro8tn4LzT9K8fw8cGnmIyI2zSKWDvk9eaE_Kue-Hk7AH0ePMwz5Gt_SPIxvAtLBXxxbg7TBfGhezkveLGm6glIkEQbiiFL2XnE0yOGW8mFVeabvuQw8i6W7C6M/s400/9080102.007.Mini2L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 84px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimU-3plWm9eHHvUW4RYVqwrZvpjFf8UyVkDFd4raGvyT01xTN2U4jRuQjvQv3J7bsHn9wrcDh9WO1GkZD-dbVf3xhShyVzKxtUDvOj0XHFwFEFOdDdae_9aYaYTW8mrxi9Cr8x85Mcd4/s1600-h/9080102.007.Mini3L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151539431115669794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimU-3plWm9eHHvUW4RYVqwrZvpjFf8UyVkDFd4raGvyT01xTN2U4jRuQjvQv3J7bsHn9wrcDh9WO1GkZD-dbVf3xhShyVzKxtUDvOj0XHFwFEFOdDdae_9aYaYTW8mrxi9Cr8x85Mcd4/s400/9080102.007.Mini3L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 142px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaOvEctNsohDlbwZ74PpxNs3KKSvic6ct2ibGEFbZDx9czt8SF6QjcaEJnS8YuKTp151fiaRhUlS1D927D0RRd2rYMN0sOk6H-ZNa4FI4Oo74BY8rxwu6KkVp94vVOkrlSjcYm21DstQ/s1600-h/9080102.007.Mini1L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151539675928805698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaOvEctNsohDlbwZ74PpxNs3KKSvic6ct2ibGEFbZDx9czt8SF6QjcaEJnS8YuKTp151fiaRhUlS1D927D0RRd2rYMN0sOk6H-ZNa4FI4Oo74BY8rxwu6KkVp94vVOkrlSjcYm21DstQ/s400/9080102.007.Mini1L.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 86px;" /></a><br /><br /></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Related entries:<br /><br /></span><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/bertone-barchetta-concept-unveiled.html">Bertone Barchetta Concept Unveiled</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/bertone-concept-to-be-unveiled-in.html">Bertone Concept to be Unveiled in Geneva</a><br /><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/01/bertone-suagn-concept.html">Bertone SuagnàConcept Premiere</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>

Bertone Sold to Gruppo Prototipo

After almost a century in car designing and production Bertone faced its worst nightmare in November 2007 as the company went in bankruptcy ...

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Rinspeed sQuba Concept Set to be Unveiled in Geneva

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJWZqHkggrUjov-vy3o5I4-z3f_iQZdAX1U6kpNz_DA_JWuolxUWWvzVKJ5kT08FDDLnNfprqdezfmhX1i7QB4fBUwznFs6Gbm6iDfZiacV7VYfbOCyGzlHDLKWyvdxbS4HWHNkFawExe/s1600-h/9071217.004.Mini1L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144940475858333122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJWZqHkggrUjov-vy3o5I4-z3f_iQZdAX1U6kpNz_DA_JWuolxUWWvzVKJ5kT08FDDLnNfprqdezfmhX1i7QB4fBUwznFs6Gbm6iDfZiacV7VYfbOCyGzlHDLKWyvdxbS4HWHNkFawExe/s400/9071217.004.Mini1L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesowDsguXo9sC2P70WJ4MGhLrlRb0shzjmUi0D7op4skHzgb0bxWMDI18rlpUA91z4XMiPz8xgNfTfI208TpymqrLvbJS3VdzBxdkDPB815Y0m6eSTgy235yjEPsXuZzBMn6sPUiomdWs/s1600-h/9071217.004.Mini2L.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144940312649575858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesowDsguXo9sC2P70WJ4MGhLrlRb0shzjmUi0D7op4skHzgb0bxWMDI18rlpUA91z4XMiPz8xgNfTfI208TpymqrLvbJS3VdzBxdkDPB815Y0m6eSTgy235yjEPsXuZzBMn6sPUiomdWs/s400/9071217.004.Mini2L.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It has been 30 years since we first saw James Bond in his Lotus Esprit Submarine in “The Spy Who Loved Me” which sent our imaginations into overdrive, and now Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht has realised a long cherished dream with the creation of their latest concept named “sQuba”.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The new concept is described as the worlds first real car with the capabilities to not only drive on land but also dive underwater with the use of two propellers in the stern and two powerful jet drives in the bow which propel the vehicle.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The sQuba has a lightweight body and futuristic Carbon Nano Tubes which enclose the driver and passenger and fresh breathing air is supplied by an on-board system.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The only problem we have now is the 4 month wait untill we get to see this astonishing concept in person at the Geneva Motor Show</p><br /><h3 class="pr">Press Release</h3><h4>The worlds first real diving car with zero emission power</h4> <p>Is it just a clever computer animation or maybe more a fiction from a Hollywood movie? Or is it actually a real car sitting there? Many visitors to the upcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 6th thru 16th, 2008) will ask themselves just these questions when faced with the new Rinspeed creation “sQuba” - the worlds first real diving car. This astonishing concept vehicle from the renowned Swiss powerhouse for new designs and ideas looks almost like it just came out of a James Bond movie.<br /><br />Its capabilities not only to drive on roads - and this also at a push of a button autonomously (thus without a driver, passenger or further assistance) - but also to agitate as an amphibious vehicle and to protrude to water depth of up to 10 meters (33 feet) go beyond the scope of many human virtues of imagination.<br /><br />For Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht the "sQuba" symbolizes the realization of a long-cherished dream and of movie fictions - of which perhaps the most noted out of the James Bond film hit "The spy who loved me". "And exactly thirty years later this amazing - yet at the time animated - film sequence materializes and becomes reality, in today's world", says Rinderknecht.<br /><br />Definitely part of the material world is the power of the concept car: An electric motor with powerful torque drives the rear wheels. The propulsion on the water is ensured by two propellers in the stern and two powerful jet drives in the bow propel the vehicle under water while diving. With zero emissions, zero pollution in the seven seas of this world. The light weight body with components made of futuristic Carbon Nano Tubes encloses in a streamlined manner the driver and passenger who are supplied with fresh breathing air by the self-contained on-bord system.<br /><br />A new and fascinating world is opening to the occupants of the "sQuba" which will remain most likely - as its predecessors - a unique and exclusive one-off vehicle. But: Attention guaranteed.</p><br /><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Related entries:</span></p><a href="http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/02/rinspeed-squba-under-water-photos.html">Rinspeed sQuba Under Water Photos</a><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></p>

Rinspeed sQuba Concept Set to be Unveiled in Geneva

It has been 30 years since we first saw James Bond in his Lotus Esprit Submarine in “The Spy Who Loved Me” which sent our imaginations into ...

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