Of greater value is the impressive torque that this engine produces. Let's rephrase that; this engine makes thrust. Combined with the car's 4 wheel drive (trazione integrale) it makes for one incredible performer. Stop light to stop light launches are blindingly quick, on the open road the high end pull is tremendous and the big brakes are an added bonus, settling things down with little fuss. You'll notice these pictures were taken on a wet day. Quite frankly, it's the best time to drive one of these things... on the Whistler highway.

So what, you say? Subaru's done it better with their road going rally car the WRX. Well, after 15 years of developing somebody else's original idea we should hope so.

The car comes equiped with a complete Recaro interior so seating is very good as is the driving position. You might not be crazy about the instrumentation layout and in this case, yellow might not have been the best choice for backing but it is complete with all the necessary gauges to handle the business end of things.

On the outside, what sets the car apart is the combination of outrageous hood bulge, integrated flares, roof spoiler and our personal favorite, that mean-ass grill with projector style lighting; all on a rather little car. Generally, Italian designers have been more successful at making this sort of styling work for the street. Tack it all on a Japanese car and it becomes decidedly ricer. The only addition Gio made was the set of 16" Technomagnesios and better rubber.

All in all, this is a no nonsense performance car and has garnered a veritable cult following throughout the world. Its character is in-keeping with that element of Italian automotive tradition whereby once every generation the designers and engineers revert to their dark side to produce and market something sinister, monstrous and terrorizing. Is it worth the effort to bring one in? Well, if you measure it against buying something newer and more mainstream, no. But then you're missing the point. One would import this car because he/she wants one and now fortunately can... jc