What's all this about?

It's almost seven years since we first heard of the GTA Spano, including a launch five years ago in Monaco. However, under the banner of Spania GTA, a new car was launched at the Geneva Motor Show. Although the overall shape and proportions are clearly related to its predecessor the new model gets a more contemporary look. It is also claimed to be the first car to incorporate graphene in its construction.

Graphene, what's that?

Graphene is a light, strong form of carbon; gram-for-gram it is one hundred times stronger than steel. Spania GTA is working with Graphenano, a Spanish company that is one of the world leaders in industrial graphene production. Together the two companies are working to bring the material to the automotive sector. For the GTA Spano, the bodywork, chassis and even the leather incorporate graphene in the manufacturing process.

What else is new?

As well as incorporating ground-breaking new materials the carbon monocoque chassis is claimed to set standards for lightness and rigidity. Power still comes from a V10 engine, capacity is slightly down at 8.0 litres, but power is up to 925hp with 1,220Nm of torque. The quoted performance figures are 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 230mph. One thing that hasn't changed is the 99-car maximum production run.