De Tomaso Deauville (2011) first official pictures

De Tomaso landed back with a bang in Geneva with this BMW 5GT-apeing concept car. 

CAR readers may recall De Tomaso, the Modena-based Italian sports car maker founded by Argentinian-born Alejandro De Tomaso in 1959. It hasn't been a going concern since the mid-2000s.

But the name was bought by Italian businessman and former Fiat executive Gianmario Rossignolo in 2009 and a business plan established to use Pininfarina's Grugliasco production plant in Turin.

This is the first concept developed by the new firm, and named after a De Tomaso saloon of the 1970s.

Awkwardly shaped crossovers have a bit of recent history at Geneva. BMW's 5GT debuted here in 2009, as did the short-lived Lagonda concept from Aston Martin.  From the photos the Deauville appears to be an Italianate 5 GT rival... which is not a compliment looks-wise.

Perhaps more notable than the Pininfarina (on a bad day?) appearance of the Deauville is the aluminium platform the car rides on. 

Designed for versatility reminiscent of Lotus's VVA architecture, the Deauville's Univis manufacturing method will see a limousine and coupe spun off the same platform.  The plan calls for a total of 8000 cars to be produced annually. It's difficult to see that happening.

By Mark Hamilton