The cutting edge coupé that came to be known as Nuvola was launched at the Paris Motorshow in 1996. Designed by the Alfa Styling Centre, the sleek two seater show car made several references to Alfa Romeos of the past (from the 8C 2900 to the 6C 2500 Villa d’Este, the Giulietta Sprint Speciale and the 1900 Sprint). Futuristic luminous diode technology was used for the slim, horizontal rear lights and the tyres had a special pattern created for Alfa Romeo by Michelin. With this proposal, Alfa Romeo returned to a separate frame to which the mechanical components were attached. A welded high strength steel tubing spaceframe brings the benefits of lightness, high torsional rigidity, excellent ride quality and maximum passenger protection as well as low cost of manufacture.