Pininfarina has released the first sketch of an Alfa Romeo concept it will unveil on March 2 at the Geneva motor show.

The company has issued no technical details about the concept -- or any other meaty info for that matter -- but it says the two-seater will recapture classic Pininfarina design cues in a package that's contemporary and innovative.

The concept also commemorates Alfa Romeo's 100th and Pininfarina's 80th birthdays respectively. Incidentally, this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed will also pay tribute to Alfa's centenary celebrations.

It's not yet known whether the Pininfarina concept is underpinned by the same GM/Fiat Premium platform that forms the basis for the existing Giugiaro-penned Spider (which debuted at the 2006 Geneva motor show).

There's also no official word on whether a production variant will eventuate in due course.

Meanwhile, Euro reports suggest Bertone will also use the Geneva show to display an Alfa Romeo concept based on the ultra-exclusive, V8-powered 8C Competizione.

The concepts will add some much-needed spark for Alfa Romeo. In stark contrast to the fortunes of parent company Fiat, which has enjoyed a strong resurgence in recent years, Alfa been languishing -- both globally and here.

The Italian brand found just 1236 buyers in Australia last year, with the 159 (647 sales) accounting for more than half the tally.

The ageing 147 hatchback earned just 216 sales, but it's due to be replaced by the the stylish new Giulietta.

The Brera and Spider are more or less dead in the water, with just 32 and 37 Australian sales respectively during 2009.

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