It was hard to miss...
It was hard to miss Fiat"s star of the show - the 500. For a start, there was a hansel and grettle style trail of ladies, styled to within an inch of their lives and sporting white jumpsuits,, to show the way. I just followed these and was confronted with a giant version of the popular new supermini. To give you an idea of the scale...the model"s wheels disappeared to reveal real-life 500s inside, which visitors can ride through the supersized version and out towards the gobsmacked crowd.
With a deep front splitter...
With a deep front splitter, low side skirts and high rear wing, it"s more aggressive looking than ever - and the style is backed up by the dynamics. Using the same 3.6-litre flat six-cylinder unit as the outgoing model, engineers have increased airflow through the engine and upped power from 381bhp to 415bhp at 7,600rpm.
The six-speed gearbox has had its ratios shortened, too, and with the rev limit raised to 8,400rpm, the GT3 is even faster than before. The 0-60mph sprint takes 4.3 seconds, 0-100mph only 8.7 seconds and top speed is 194mph.
For the first time, too, the GT3 uses a clever adaptive chassis featuring Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), a system that lets the driver switch between two suspension settings, including a stiffer Sport mode suitable for race track use. An electronic traction control setup derived from the one used by the Carrera GT supercar, a mechanical limited slip differential and vast 19-inch wheels should ensure that the GT3 has considerable grip. On the inside, the steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake are clad in expensive Alcantara suede, while the centrally mounted rev counter incorporates a shift light, which tells the driver when to change up a gear.
It is thought that two models will be offered - a basic comfort-oriented car, plus a more focused Clubsport-type machine which will feature racing bucket seats and six-point harnesses. Due to arrive in showrooms in September, the 911 GT3 will cost from ÷£79,540.