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Who's Where: Lorenzo Ramaciotti appointed Chief of Design for Fiat Group

Starting June 1, 2007 Lorenzo Ramaciotti will become the new Group Chief of Design at Fiat Group Automobiles. Ramaciotti was snatched up by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne and convinced to head the company's design direction, filling a newly created position that hasn't previously existed at Fiat. Lorenzo Ramaciotti, who retired from Pininfarina in June 2005 after working for the famed coachbuilder for 32 years, will be responsible for all the Fiat Group brands, including Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Maserati.

Ford Fiesta ST3 is the new range-topping ST

The Ford Fiesta ST3 (pictured) launches The absence of an RS Ford at the moment means lovers of fast Fords have to settle for an ST, rather than a full-fat RS. But it seems that those who do opt for the ST versions of Ford’s cars are willing to pay more to get a bettered specced car, something Ford are happy to accommodate with the launch of a new Fiesta ST model – the Ford Fiesta ST3. Ford are already seeing the vast majority of Fiesta ST buyers opting for the ST2 version (9 out of ten choose the more expensive version) so they’re obviously hoping a big chunk of those buyers will instead now opt for the better equipped – and more expensive – Fiesta ST3.

Show Review: Art Center Car Classic 2007

For those of you who haven't yet attended, Art Center's Car Classic is rapidly becoming the talk of the concours circuit. Held during the middle of the summer trimester at the main Hillside campus in Pasadena, it was started just three years ago and is gaining quite a following not only because of its intimate setting in which to admire the cars but also because attendees rub shoulder-to-shoulder with a variety of current and past industry designers and celebrities. To this fellow automotive enthusiast and Art Center alumnus at least, the Car Classic likens itself most to Lord March's Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival in the UK.