The Bologna Motor Show, one of the most important car expos in Europe, is about to kick-off this Thursday, and it will run through December 17th with more than 100 novelties to be displayed by almost 400 companies. This year, in fact, the expo for the first time is included in the OICA (Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles) calendar.

Now, for those of you wondering the size of the event, it has an in-door area of 140 thousand square meters and another 90 thousand square meters for test drives (50,000 estimated) and racing competitions.

Ford Motor Company is unveiling the new C-Max at the Show. The car appeared on the last James Bond film and it will be introduced in Europe already in the first quarter of 2007.

Alfa Romeo is another company introducing a new concept car. Already in 2003 it had revealed its plans to produce the so called “8C Competizione”, a powerful sports car that leaves no room for imagination. The engine is an eight-cylinder with 4,7 liters of capacity, which translates into 450 horse power and 0-60 mph under 5 seconds. The car is also using some components from the Ferrari (both Alfa Romeo and Ferrari are owned by the same group). The vehicle will start being produced early in 2007 and it will sell for €150,000.

If you have the opportunity to visit Italy during this period maybe you should consider an extra trip to Bologna, the entrance to the Show costs €24 and it is valid for the whole day.

Reference: Il Sole 24 Ore (Italian)