Although the Detroit Auto Show has not even ended we are slowly heading towards Qatar where a range of Italian concept cars are presented at the Qatar Motorshow (23 – 28 January). The international exposition, only to be organized for the second time, is partly in collaboration with Italy’s national automotive organization ANFIA. Primary objective for them was to create an area dedicated entirely to the ‘Made in Italy‘ label. Pininfarina, Bertone, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, I.DE.A. Institute and UP Design will show their jewels during these days.

The celebrated Pininfarina creation 2uettotanta already won the ‘Car Design of the Year Award’ 2010 and celebrated 80 years Pininfarina and 100 years of Alfa Romeo. This master piece of design will once again be on display in Qatar. There are even voices speculating about a possible production of the 2uettotanta. Another Italian family Bertone has excelled in creating some of the finest cars throughout its first century of existence. This year marks Bertone’s 100th birthday. Paying homage to the Italian coach workers, Bertone has build the Jaguar B(ertone)99(years) entirely from aluminium. Bertone Energia has assured the B99 will be powered by a hybrid system. Two electrical engines and a 1.4L petrol engine will deliver an impressive 507 hp and according to Bertone the car has a range of 700 km (434 m) with a CO2 ouput of only 30gr/km.

Meanwhile Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera will show off the ’Tornante’ (Italian for hairpin curve), a sporty roadster build in collaboration with Gumpert. The mid-engine V8 biturbo of 700 hp should be fun to drive and the coachwork is again from “superleggera” aluminium and completely customizable for those few lucky owners. It is build in the small village of Terrazzano, near the more common Arese and Milan. The Futura from I.DE.A Institute is a ‘sedan-coupé’ with enough space for four individuals. Aesthetic objective was to combine elegance and sportiness in one creation. Interesting details are the large front grille and the utlra-thin LED headlamps. Customers will get a front engined 8 cylinder with optional front or rear wheel drive and an integrated hybrid system is also amongst the possibilities.

The company UP Design (not to be confused with the car) is the abbreviation for ‘Umberto Palermo Design’ based in Turin. For the first time they will introduce their Vittoria, an elegant 2-door super car with (at least) a V8 engine mounted in the front. Further details about what will make the ‘Vittoria’ so special are still top secret and are to be revealed next week. The video teaser shown at the Bologna Motor Show 2011 (below) offered a glimpse of what might be a highly futuristic creation. To start things up the Ferrari Scuderia F1 will host a street demonstration on 21 January.

Alfa Romeo 2uettotanta, Jaguar B99, Gumpert Tornante, I.DE.A Futura