Spectacular new models from Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari promise to inject a big dose of Italian glamour into this year’s Australian International Motor Show, which opens on 14th October.

Lamborghini’s new Gallardo Spyder (story) will make its Asia-Pacific and southern hemisphere debut at the Sydney show – just a few weeks after its world premiere in Frankfurt.

Based on the Gallardo Coupe, the Spyder features a fully automatic folding fabric roof which disappears under a carbon fibre cover that also functions as the bonnet for its mid-mounted engine.

The result is dramatic rear styling which Lamborghini describes as having complex surfacing with a strong aeronautical influence.

Under the edgy bodywork, the Gallardo Spyder’s V10 features a number of important modifications over the engine fitted to the coupe, raising output to 382 kW (up from 368 kW).

In addition, the six-speed paddle-shift sequential gearbox has lower ratios for better performance, the steering is more direct and the suspension has been recalibrated.

With the top down, the Gallardo Spyder can reach a top speed of 314 km/h and accelerate to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.

Rivalling the Gallardo Spyder for show-stopping looks at the Darling Harbour show will be Alfa Romeo’s all-new Brera coupe.

First shown in concept form two years ago, the production Brera has remained faithful to original highly-acclaimed design by Italian master Giorgetto Giugiaro.

When the Brera goes on sale in Australia in mid-2006, buyers will have the choice of two engines – a 2.2 litre four cylinder producing 140 kW or a 3.2 litre V6 delivering 195 kW.

Also making its Australian debut at the motor show in Sydney will be the Ferrari Superamerica – a convertible version of the 575 Maranello.

The new Ferrari’s unique feature is its patented rotating Revocromico glass roof panel which folds backwards and rests flush with the boot lid, converting the car from a coupe to a drop top in less than ten seconds.

With a 375 kW V12 engine pushing it to 320 km/h, Ferrari claims the Superamerica is the fastest convertible in the world.

Alfa Romeo Brera .... more