Italian Exotic Car of the Year 2006

This year has undoubtedly been the year of the stunning Alfa 8C Competizione, and this was reflected in the voting patterns: not only did this new sports coupé collect the title of Exotic Car of the Year, it also gathered more votes (6,362) than any of the other 90 contenders. Second place went to a sports car that raises the technological bar even further, the exciting new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (4,434), while third place goes to the awesome Maserati MC12 Versione Corsa, a limited edition version presented just weeks ago in Bologna.

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

The definitive version of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione made its debut at the Paris Salon de l'Automobile, in anticipation of a production run of 500 units next year.  The car will be built at the Maserati factory in Modena. Derived from the concept car that aroused so much admiration at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the gorgeous 8C Competizione is inspired by Alfa Romeo's glorious past. Powered by the new 4.7-litre V8 developing 450 bhp at 7000 rpm and a peak torque of 470 Nm at 4750 rpm, the 8C Competizione offers a top speed in excess of 300 km/h.

Faralli & Mazzanti Antas V8 GT

The Antas V8 GT is the first 'berlinetta' to be created in the Lugano-based Faralli & Mazzanti workshops. Its handmade aluminium bodywork and plush interior are inspired by the philosophy and craftsmanship used on the exotic historical cars of old. Details include a camera mounted in the rear tailfin, and badges made from gold and silver by goldsmith Tonino Camili di Orvieto. Launched at the Top Marques Monaco exhibition, the Antas is driven by a 310 bhp Maserati V8 fed by carburettors. Maximum speed is claimed to be above 270 km/h.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

Named after the circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars, the 599 GTB Fiorano sets a new benchmark of excellence in the sports car world. The striking new all-aluminium two-seater which Ferrari unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show was designed to guarantee stunning performance and offer superior standards of comfort, ergonomics and safety. Powered by the Enzo-derived 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 620 bhp at 7600 rpm, the 599 GTB Fiorano sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and boasts a top speed in excess of 330km/h.

Fornasari RR600

An evolution of the RR450 model, the RR600 is the latest Fornasari SUV to arrive on the market. With a body made of carbonfibre and kevlar, 610 bhp from its 6.0 Chevrolet-sourced V8, a top speed of 280km/h and a 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds, it continues the Italian firm's recent tradition of creating ultra-fast and highly exclusive off-road vehicles. The new RR600 is the company's third model, with both interior and exterior layouts and finishes being determined according to the client's individual taste.

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show, the Murciélago LP640 represents the fastest and most extreme sports car in its class. The 6.5-litre V12 engine delivers an impressive 640 bhp at 8000 rpm and a maximum torque of 660 Nm at 6000 rpm, providing a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.4 seconds. The LP640 can be fitted with an e-gear automatic gearbox, which is also available with the new dedicated 'Thrust' (acceleration programme) mode. Like its predecessors, the LP640 features permanent all-wheel drive, based on the reliable Lamborghini VT system.

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Roadster

Launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Murciélago LP640 Roadster benefits from the same extensive modifications to the bodywork and mechanics as the LP640 Coupé, as well as delivering its own distinct character. Specific styling changes to the exterior improve the Roadster's aerodynamics. The LP640 Roadster uses the 6.5-litre V12 as its coupe sister. The maximum speed now lies at 330 km/h compared to 320 km/h, whereas the standard 0-100 km/h sprint is now reached in an excellent 3.4 seconds making it 0.4 seconds faster than its forerunner.

Maserati GranSport MC Victory

To commemorate their recent successes in the FIA GT World Championship – the 2005 Manufacturers' Championship, and the 2006 Teams' and Drivers' Championships – Maserati launched a unique version of the GranSport Coupe at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The MC Victory is equipped with a range of features that link it to the Maserati MC12, and is strictly limited to a total production run of 180 cars. Externally the GranSport MC Victory is immediately recognisable thanks to its blue carbon front and rear spoilers designed to improve aerodynamics.

Maserati MC12 Corsa

The new, track-only version of the World Championship-winning Maserati MC12, called the Corsa, has only been available to valued Maserati customers who are restricted to using their new supercar on private track days and exhibition activities organised by Maserati. The 564 kW MC12 Corsa has been developed from the MC12 GT1 which won the 2005 FIA GT Manfacturers' Cup. On sale from September, the car costs one million euros plus tax, with total production of 12 units.

Pagani Zonda Roadster F

As with the Zonda F coupé, the Zonda F Roadster is an evolutionary design, using the same 7.3-litre AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz V12 engine producing 650bhp and 780Nm. The 0-200 km/h time takes just 9.8 seconds, and a few instants later the 300 km/h mark can also be exceeded – all topless. A tribute to legendary Argentine racing driver Juan-Manuel Fangio, the Zonda F Roadster is limited to a production run of 25, and represents the fastest, most exclusive, most powerful and most expensive roadster in the world.