The 73rd International Motor Show at Geneva started on March 4 and 5, 2003 at
the well-known Palexpo exhibition centre.
Being the probably most prestigious car show in Europe (or maybe even in the
world), the Geneva Salon has often been chosen by Ferrari as venue for the
premiers of new models. This time, Ferrari launched the Challenge Stradale — a
lightweight version of the very successful 360 Modena. The Challenge Stradale is
the first evolution of the 360 Modena that had been presented in 1999. In 2004,
Ferrari will launch a heavily modified Modena, then using a more powerful version
of the 4.2 litres engine known from the Maserati Coupé and Spyder.
On the two press days, the Ferrari stand did again attract not only many
journalists from all over the world, but also many celebrities. Luca di Montezemolo
held a press conference to introduce the Challenge Stradale. During his walk on
the stand, Ferrari’s CEO was flanked by Piero Ferrari and Sergio Pininfarina.
Michael Schumacher’s manager Willi Weber was spotted as well as Formula 1
tycoon Bernie Ecclestone who was personally shown the Enzo Ferrari by Luca di
Montezemolo. King Carl Gustav of Sweden paid a visit to the Ferrari display and
the opposing Maserati stand as well.
Other highlights of the 2003 Geneva Motor Show were the new Lamborghini
Gallardo — a V10-engined rival to the 360 Modena — and the new Rolls-Royce
Phantom that was shown for the first time to the wide public.
The Geneva Motor Show is always THE place to see the latest studies — some of
them are shown on here. And, as you will figure out yourself very soon, not only
the cars were spectacular…
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