Nokia intros sports car-inspired 8800 Carbon Arte

Nokia this morning gave its 8800 series a more unique special edition with the 8800 Carbon Arte. Unlike some previous editions, the Carbon Arte signals a change of materials and uses the same lightweight carbon fiber and titanium as many supercars in addition to glass and steel. Unlike most such updates, however, the Carbon Arte is also a practical improvement and bumps up internal storage to 4GB, giving more room for shots from the existing 3.2-megapixel (and autofocus-capable) camera.

As with many such updates, the new phone also includes matching ringtones, system event sounds, and wallpapers. The minimalist design of the 8800 itself is said to help the theme as it lets users control basic functions without adding buttons, letting them tap the below-display area for time or flip the handset upside-down to mute incoming calls.

Matching its exotic choice of materials, the Carbon Arte will launch before the end of the summer for 1,100 Euros ($1,615) before factoring in carrier discounts or taxes. An export to North America is unlikely with the absence of 850MHz support partly limiting its ability to work within either the US or Canada.