Italian marque Osca has returned following nearly 60 years away from the market though its initial focus rests on Chinese SUVs instead of performance cars.

The revived name has hinted at a future sports model that Italian reports suggest could draw from Lotus engineering likely the Emira with a reveal planned later this year and sales from 2027.

In the meantime the MT6 mid-size SUV arrives first with customer deliveries across Italy set to begin in September.

The Osca revival stems from DR Automobiles an importer that brings Chinese vehicles into Italy and applies small modifications before sale.

Previously the firm created fresh names such as Sportequipe for its adapted Chinese models but it now opts to revive classic Italian badges instead.

Itala came first originally active from 1904 until 1934 and now applied to a lineup beginning with the GAC Emzoom.

Osca follows founded in 1947 by the Maserati brothers and known for single-seat racers plus road cars including the compact Zagato-bodied 1600 GT.

The new Osca adopts similar naming to its predecessor with its first model based on the Changan UNI-T carrying the MT6 badge echoing the MT4 racer built between 1948 and 1956.

The MT6 spans 4515mm in length 1870mm in width and 1565mm in height with a 2710mm wheelbase making it 85mm shorter yet 15mm wider than the Toyota RAV4.

Compared to the UNI-T it gains a fresh grille updated front bumper and distinctive 21-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tires.

The front-wheel-drive MT6 uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Reports indicate retuned suspension with input from chief technical officer Roberto Fedeli formerly at Ferrari who also oversaw adjustments to the powertrain exhaust and brakes.

The cabin features dual 10.25-inch screens while DR Automobiles adds extensive Alcantara trim and Recaro bucket seats to set it apart from the Changan original.

The MT6 will be joined later by a larger model named the MT8.

DR Automobiles highlights Osca heritage and links the original firm to the new effort.

In 1948 a four-cylinder car of just 1100cc outperformed six- and eight-cylinder rivals by emphasizing the ideal power-to-weight balance it states on its site.

Eighty years on that same idea continues in the MT6 a crossover coupe that prioritizes agility and driving enjoyment.

The original OSCA firm was started by Ernesto Ettore and Bindo Maserati in 1947 after they sold their shares in the namesake company in 1937.

They created OSCA short for Officine Specializzate Costruzione Automobili - Fratelli Maserati which they left in 1963 before the business closed in 1967.

Rights to the OSCA name passed to Ernesto son Alfieri and were later acquired by DR Automobiles owner Massimo Di Risio after Mr Maserati death in 2022.

It joins a wide portfolio of brands under the DR Automobiles group.

The Italian company started its own DR label in 2006 placing it on adapted Chery models before introducing EVO in 2020 which has featured vehicles from Chery JAC and Forthing.

In 2022 it added Sportequipe offering adapted models from Chery Jetour and Kaiyi brands and tried an ICKX label that faced legal issues from racer Jacky Ickx leading to a rename as ICH-X.

The Tiger Birba and Stilnovo names have since appeared.

It remains uncertain whether DR Automobiles will face further legal issues with this approach after Italy Competition and Market Authority imposed a fine of 6 million euros in 2024 for suggesting its vehicles were Italian-made when sourced from China and for failing to maintain proper parts supply.