Maserati Spyder

Ferrari was represented by Piero Ferrari, Amedeo Felisa and Jean Todt, and Maserati by Antonio di Resta, Roberto Corradi, and Alberto Caponera. Also taking part in the launch were Giorgietto and Fabrizio Giugiaro, who designed the Spyder.

Montezemolo told those gathered that he was proud to be unveiling the new car in Germany which is Maserati's largest market. "This is a completely new and profoundly innovative car," he declared. "It boasts a V8 engine that delivers 390bhp, a F1-derived Cambiocorsa gear-change system, and a new suspension system. It's also an exceptional car to drive."

Michael Schumacher was also enthusiastic about the new car and said that he was anxious to try it out on the road. The German driver also admitted that he gave the Spyder's designers a few suggestions after putting the prototype through its paces at Fiorano. President Montezemolo agreed that Schumacher had made an invaluable contribution to the car's development.