Michelin Challenge Design Hosts Venturi's Latest North American Debut

DETROIT, Dec. 11 -- Come January, there will be another reason to seek professional help -- the Venturi Fetish, on display at the 2003 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) as part of the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit on the main floor of Cobo Center. The Venturi Fetish will be one of four full-size vehicles presented by Michelin as part of the first official Challenge Design. In addition, 10 scale models and 17 two- dimensional drawings will be displayed during show press and public days in Michigan Hall, the Michelin Media Center and on the main floor of Cobo Center.

The Michelin Challenge Design was established in 2002 as a way to bring forward and display significant design work, much of which would not normally have the opportunity to be displayed at a major international auto show. At the 2002 NAIAS, works based upon the theme of Italian design were displayed during press and public days. The theme for the 2003 NAIAS brings together works representative of the past, present and future of French design.

"Venturi is a true French marque that is known and respected throughout the world of sports cars and racing," said John Grimaldi, president, Passenger and Light Truck Tires OE Worldwide for Michelin. "Bringing together Venturi and our other automakers along with individual designers across the globe through Challenge Design is Michelin's way of sharing our passion for design with the world."

One of the few remaining independent brands in the world, Venturi has set its sights on the future of the French sports car with the Fetish. Originally debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland last year, the Fetish is 100 percent new and original in its concept as a "Grand Tourismo Light" or "GT Light" sports car with a deliberate emphasis on design.

Built from the ground up with an aluminum chassis, the Fetish is intended as a serious performance vehicle but serves well as a comfortable touring car with its easy access, trunk, designed-in comfort and Michelin Pilot Sport tires (P205/45R17 front and P225/40R18 rear). In making the Fetish, Venturi made use of composite materials and aluminum, a modern engine and Brembo brakes. The interior aluminum is complemented by neoprene, asymmetrical, ergonomic seats. A pocket computer offers both GPS and an MP3 player.

"The Fetish is a rare item, designed to stand the test of time, unlike the mass produced vehicles which are constantly being superseded by newer models," said Gildo Pallanca Pastor, president of Venturi Automobiles. "Fetish is destined to become a collector's item, but for the time being it is the symbol of an era aspiring to perfection and the perfect item to display as part of Michelin Challenge Design."

Pastor added that from the design stage right through assembly, original and innovative methods were employed to create a vehicle that would be reliable and safe, but would also belong to the very essence of motor vehicle tradition: rarity, character and passion.

Michelin Challenge Design will display the works of 17 individuals and companies representing 13 countries including Argentina, Australia, China, Colombia, England, France, India, Monaco, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden, The United States and Venezuela. A six-person international jury reviewed more than 125 entries from 40 countries to select the finalists for display at the North American International Auto Show.