The latest automotive-cellphone partnership comes in the shape of the Ducati-branded Z770 handset by Sony Ericsson. Though automotive-inspired handsets are not new, as the likes of Porsche and Ferrari already have their own versions, this is the first such collaboration with a motorcycle manufacturer.

The Z770 clamshell gets wrapped in Ducati bike covers, complete with themes, screensavers, videos and a Ducati-themed Bluetooth headset.

Optimized for Web surfing, boasting HSDPA data speeds and a mouse pointer for easy browsing, and checking of email, the Sony Ericsson Ducati Z770 will be released in Italy in the latter half of June through Italian telecommunications provider, Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM).

www.ducati.com