Fiat group preparing new sports cars for Abarth, Lancia, Alfa

Any day in which we bring you news of a new Italian sports car is a good day by any account. Today we bring you news of three new sports cars under development under the Fiat group umbrella, which we needn't point out controls most of the Italian automotive industry, including Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and Ferrari.

First up to bat is the unique sports car which, as we reported back in March, Fiat is developing for its recently revived Abarth performance brand. Reports now suggest that the Abarth roadster would take an Elise-style approach, and could even borrow underpinnings from Lotus. Power could come from the turbo four in the Punto and 500 Abarth, mounted amidships, but unburdened by a lightweight two-seater chassis.

While we wait for more news on that front, there are parallel reports of a new Lancia coupe-cabrio on the horizon. (This in addition to the rumored Aurelia flagship, anticipated for unveiling in Geneva next March.) Previewed by the Fulvia concept from Frankfurt 2003 (pictured above), the Lancia convertible could also spawn an Alfa Romeo variant. The stage is set, and we'll be keeping a sharp eye out for more news as it emerges.