The show also marks the first world outing for the new Alfa Spider and Alfa GTV, now with a brand new look and a revised range of specifications and power units. These models have always evoked the satisfaction of travel with a sporty or elegant flavour and their appeal remains evergreen.

The front view of both cars has changed with the incorporation, by Pininfarina, of certain present-day Alfa motifs. The shield, for example, is similar to that used on more recent models (to ensure continuity). Its upper edge follows the bonnet and then dives down to break the line of the bumper.

The brand logo remains high up in the middle and is surrounded by a fine chrome trim that emphasises the strength and communicative value of the Alfa signature. The chrome bars stand out against the black background of the grille. These horizontal elements extend and widen over the side intakes to suggest an image of a car that is well positioned with a vice-like grip on the ground. Lower down, the two air intake openings delimited by a trapezoid foglight are separated and form, with the shield, the legendary Alfa cloverleaf.

The traditional V-shape on the bonnet arises from the side pillars: two converging ribs that delimit and emphasise a central bulge that hints at the presence of a powerful and vigorous engine beneath.

The new Alfa Spider and Alfa GTV, also keep their wedge shaped line enhanced by a shortened tail end that gives the car body a very aggressive look. It was also decided not to do away with the strongly raked windscreen and the accentuated shelf on the side panel that makes the model look more slender and dynamic. The much-lauded profiles of both sports cars have also been retained, including the high truncated tail end of the Alfa GTV and the narrow, slender rear of the Spider.

The design of the 16" light alloy wheels is new, as are the three body colour options: Brunello Red, Racing Green, Cobalt Blue.

Various new features have been introduced into the passenger compartment of the new Alfa Spider and Alfa GTV, beginning with a lower driver seating position in relation to the ground (H point) for improved driving comfort. The interior has also been redefined as far as styling and ergonomics are concerned. Examples include a black facia and a brand new central console panel that houses the key for the ASR, radio and satellite navigation system. The lighting for the instrument panel and controls is now red, while a new cloth is available for the seats and interior trim. All these features enhance the concepts of elegant simplicity and classic sportiness that have always typified the two niche models in the Alfa range.

As far as engines are concerned, the new Alfa Spider and Alfa GTV offer new products of great interest. Beginning with two engines that have already aroused much admiration on other Alfa Romeo models: the 165 bhp 2.0 JTS and the 240 bhp 3.2 V6 24 valve.

The 2.0 JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) is a revolutionary petrol engine with direct injection and specific power in excess of 60 kW/l and specific torque of over 100 Nm/l. The second power unit, the lively 3.2 V6 24 valve unit, offers a power output of 240 bhp at 6200 rpm and boasts a torque curve that reaches 289 Nm at 4800 rpm for thrilling performance when sportily driven and also during everyday use. A GTV fitted with this engine can reach 255 km/h and this performance makes it the fastest road car in the history of Alfa Romeo.

Another power unit in the new range is the 150 bhp 2.0 T.Spark, a distillate of Alfa experience with Twin Spark technology. The performance figures are outstanding: the GTV touches a top speed of 215 km/h, while the Spider reaches 210 km/h. Both cars take just 8.5 seconds to speed from 0 to 100 km/h.

Gorgeous styling, refined technology and the temperament of true sports cars for the delectation of visitors to the Geneva show: the Alfa Spider and Alfa GTV, due to go on sale in May.