Unexpectedly, this week De Tomaso came out of no where and showed us a new product that the company plans to unveil at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Appearing to be a BMW 5-Series GT competitor, we welcomed it to the party; however, after getting a closer look at its figures and images, I noticed something peculiar.
This car's interior bears some strong resemblances to the Cadillac CTS and even to some extent the new Buick LaCrosse/Regal products. And I should know as I have drove PLENTY of CTS', CTS-V's, the LaCrosse and numerous Regals. In fact, the switchgear appears to be lifted off of the General Motors parts bin and that steering wheel literally is a reskinned three-spoke, CTS wheel.
Additionally, when you look at the company's plan for its powerplants there is another interesting aspect: a 300 horsepower V6 and a 550 horsepower V8.
That can't POSSIBLY be a coincidence, can it?
What do the Spies make of this?
De Tomaso's press release follows:
During the next Geneva auto show (March 2011) will be unveiled the new De Tomaso Car.
The new De Tomaso company, Chaired by Mr. Gianmario Rossignolo, will unveil a Pininfarina-designed concept for a premium large crossover, dubbed SLS (Sport Luxury Sedan).
The four-wheel-drive SLS is set to go into production this year using two gasoline engines, a 550-hp V-8 and a 300-hp V-6. It will not be sold as the SLS, but the final name will be revealed during the Geneve press conference (1st March 2011 - 3.30 pm).
Rossignolo plans to build 3,000 units a year of the SLS, as well as 3,000 limousines and 2,000 coupes.
The cars will be built at De Tomaso Automobili S.p.A. plant, a former Pininfarina S.p.A. factory near Turin and in the Livorno factory by the ex-Delphi workers.
De Tomaso's business plan foreseen for a three-model range of aluminum vehicles based on an innovative construction technology called Univis. Univis requires just about 30 dies to build a vehicle.
During a 22-year career with Fiat group, Gianmario Rossignolo was a top marketing executive at the company and CEO of the Italian automaker's Lancia brand from 1977 to 1979.
In December 2009, Rossignolo signed a deal to rent Pininfarina's factory in Grugliasco, in the western outskirts of Turin, one of three Pininfarina plants.
The new De Tomaso company will invest 116 million euros in its rebirth project.
The Grugliasco plan currently employs 900 people and includes a body shop, paint shop and final assembly facility, while in the Livorno one will be employed 150 people.
[Source: De Tomaso]
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