FERRARI and Maserati will take the new-look British motor show by storm in May when the two firms give three fresh models their public debut.

Both brands - which are part of the same Italian company, owned by Fiat - will exhibit together at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live.

This year's show has been forced to revamp proceedings in an attempt to create renewed interest in the UK car industry.

Last year the plug was pulled on the British Motor Show, planned to be held at London's Earls Court, because manufacturers failed to take up space at the show. Such was the disinterest for car firms that the organisers were forced to call it off.

But now, after a two-year break not only will the all-new expo have tons of new metal to feast your eyes over, but there will also be live action arenas, where you'll get to see the show stars perform. But the best news for car fans is the three Italian supercars on show. If they're not enough to create interest then nothing will be!

Ferrari and Maserati have booked a dedicated zone in hall six with the display covering 550sq metres. There'll even be a Formula 1 Ferr-ari from the world championship winning team on show.

A total of nine Ferrari and Maserati road cars will be displayed at the Birmingham NEC-based show from May 27 to June 6.

There's little doubt what will be the jewel in the crown, though, Ferrari's all-new, and all-aluminium, 612 Scaglietti.

The four-seater Ferrari raises the art of grand touring to a new level of sophistication.

Longer, wider and taller than the 456M it replaces, with a wheelbase increased by 350mm, the 612 (pictured top-left above) offers ease-of-entry for rear-seat passengers to an outstandingly luxurious cabin that can accommodate four adults in absolute comfort.

Powered by Ferrari's most advanced V12 engine, the 612 has a top speed of 199mph and features, for the first time on a Ferrari, a computerised electronic stability and traction control system.

Maserati is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and there are two new cars for British enthusiasts to see at the show.

The latest addition to the Maserati range, the GranSport, is a more aggressive alternative to the regular Coup GT, offering more power and even sharper handling.

The GranSport looks especially purposeful with its deep front spoiler, airflow-controlling side sills, discreet bootlid spoiler lip, chrome grille, lowered ride height and larger, 19-inch Trofeo racing-style alloy wheels.

The 4.2-litre V8 engine punches out 400 bhp (up 10 bhp on the Coup GT) through a deep-rumble sports exhaust system, and the Cambiocorsa paddle-shift, six-speed transmission offers 35 per cent faster gear changes (in Sport mode) and a five per cent higher top (sixth) gear ratio compared with the Coup GT.

A luxurious sporting saloon with the dynamic heart of a thoroughbred sports car, the Maserati Quattroporte (pictured bottom-right above) delivers sensational, refined performance with an on-the-road price of £69,995, including a three-year "peace of mind" service package.

The award-winning V8-powered four-door saloon has a six-speed gearbox which features Maserati DuoSelect transmission and is perfectly matched to the high-torque, 400bhp engine.

Customers can choose from 15 exterior paint finishes, 10 leather interior colours and a host of option packages or individually tailored equipment choices.