EXPECT to see this stunning Alfa Romeo model (below) at the Paris Motor Show in September.

The 8C was first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003 where it featured a 4.2 litre Maserati V8 engine with 450bhp. The road-going car will have an all- new Maserati V8, with slightly less power, about 400bhp.

It has been described as the "ultimate Alfa". The 8C will be the Italian company's performance "agship car, alongside the Brera and the Alfa 159, in dealer showrooms.

There are plans to build about 500 8Cs but if there is demand, coupe and spider versions will be released later.

The car's performance statistics are a closely kept secret, but it is known that the car is aimed at the Ferrari F430 and the Porshe 911 market.

Insiders say that the 0-60mph sprint will come in under five seconds and the top speed will be 185mph.

The price is likely to be set at close to 200,000 which would make the new model the most expensive and exclusive Alfa ever built.

"The 8C is aimed at our most dedicated fans, " said an Alfa Romeo spokesman.

Meanwhile Fiat's bread-and-butter model, the Punto Grande, is selling exceptionally well in Europe, helping to turn the tide of the Fiat/Alfa family fortune.

Renault's hi-tech Megavan

RENAULT has a new addition to its van range. The Megavan is based on the stylish Megane and offers great comfort to drivers and passengers.

All recent improvements to the Megane are incorporated in the Megavan, including newly designed front lights and bumpers. The van even comes with 16" Kubera alloy wheels as standard.

Under the bonnet there is an upgraded 1.5 litre diesel engine. The 80bhp common rail diesel engine that was the standard in the old version has been upgraded, and now puts out 86bhp.

The fuel-consumption figures given by Renault show this engine returns 4.5l/100km (62.8mph in mixed driving) which means it will be very popular with those who spend long periods on the roads such as salesmen and tradesmen.

The 100bhp version of this engine has now also been upgraded to 106bhp which is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. This engine produces 20 % more torque and needs to be specially ordered .

The equipment that comes as standard with the Megavan is highspec: keyless entry, airbags and controls on the steering column.

Renault's van costs 16,985, which includes VRT but does not include VAT and delivery charges.

Idle engines pollution culprit

FRANK Keane is not happy about the damage done to the environment because of fuel wastage. The former BMW distributor, now one of the country's top dealers, has no doubt that badly managed traf"c is the biggest cause of fuel wastage.

Traffic congestion and traffic lights that are not properly synchronised in urban areas force drivers into long delays because engines are left idle. This is the real culprit, he says . . . not the SUVs and MPVs that are constantly getting all the blame. "Badly managed traffic is the biggest waste of fuel, " he says.

So where have the eco-friendly 'stop 'n' start' cars gone. Volkswagen had one 10 years ago and Citroen still has a C3 'stop 'n' start', but only on special order.

Citroen is considering selling the C2 here. It is on sale in London already and cuts fuel bill by 15% and also cuts CO 2emissions by 10%. The system kicks into effect when the driver applies the footbrake at traffic lights. When the pedal is pressed the engine cuts out. It restarts when the accelerator is re-applied.

The Citroen C3, 1.4 XTR, without 'stop 'n' start' costs 16,707. With the technology it costs 16,577. The cheapest C3 model costs 13,995 but doesn't have 'stop 'n' start' technology.