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In Germany with the first Montecarlo Automobile Rascasse

Timed to coincide with the 65th Frankfurt Motorshow (IAA), Montecarlo Automobile, the first motor-car producer in Monaco, has announced the delivery of the first ecological supercar, the Montecarlo Automobile Rascasse. The car was first presented a few months ago at the International Autopromotec fair in Bologna.

With its removable roof, it was purchased by a German collector who will now be able to unleash the potential of the Rolls Royce-derived Silver Seraph V12 5500 cc, 500 bhp engine. What makes this car unusual is it petrol/GPL bifuel engine that results in a reduction in CO2 emissions. This technical solution was developed in collaboration with BRC, overseen by Mariano Costamagna, a leading company in the realisation of alternative fuel engines.

The Rascasse will be produced in a limited edition of 15 models in three years, costs €500,000 and can be  extensively personalised. Montecarlo Automobile will now proceed with the creation of other cars based on client requests: a hybrid 4WD is already in the development phase.

The Rascasse embodies freedom and the open sea. It is like being in a roadgoing luxury motorboat with its treated ecowood, leather and chrome finish. Hi-tech mechanical solutions are teamed with a Costa Azzurra blue bodyshape that is aggressive, alluring and aerodynamic.

As ever, the project was overseen by engineer and driver Fulvio Maria Ballabio, a man with a background in the best-known international series, from Formula series and Prototype Endurance championships to off-shore nautical races.

Montecarlo Automobile this year celebrated its 30th birthday with an award. The prize was bestowed on 5 September at the 31st edition of the Confartigianato Motori. The event was held at Monza during the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix weekend and saw Montecarlo Automobile pick up the Premio Tecnologia e Ambiente (Technology and Environment Award). This special prize is conferred to constructors who adopt innovative solutions to reduce consumption in respecting and protecting the environment.

The entire Montecarlo Automobile range was on display at the event, one attended by Ballabio as he picked up a lifetime achievement award.

On show was the Centenaire (the first GT to sport a carbon-fibre body), the Ala 50, the BRC W12 Competizione and the new methane-powered Carlo Chiti, a model that builds on the Quadrifuel Alfa Romeo project.

For more information: montecarlomotorsport@hotmail.com