Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Alfa Romeo previews stylish new Giulietta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/alfa-romeo-previews-stylish-new-giulietta/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/alfa-romeo-previews-stylish-new-giulietta/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/alfa-romeo-previews-stylish-new-giulietta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Alfa Romeo Giulietta - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a long time in the making. It has changed names several times along the way. But it's finally here. Well, almost. It's the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, and it's coming to the Geneva Motor Show this March to coincide with its phased market launch across Europe next year to coincide with the marque's centenary.

Positioned just above the MiTo in Alfa's lineup (and, tellingly, below the anticipated upcoming 159-succeeding Giulia), the Giulietta replaces the 147 as Italy's answer to the Volkswagen Golf. Since Alfa's parent company Fiat already targets the Golf with its own Bravo, though, some might consider this more of an aggressively-priced competitor to the Audi A3. The hatchback takes its styling cues from the sumptuous 8C Competizione, but carries it off in a decidedly more aggressive way than implemented on the MiTo. Plenty of glass also make the cabin more airy, with a body-colored panel running across the dashboard.

A range of transverse four-cylinder engines - both gasoline and diesel - will be on offer, producing between 120 and 170 horsepower until a 230 hp Quadrifoglio Verde model comes along. They've all got start-stop engine management and Alfa's DNA adjustable suspension system as standard equipment. Fiat's cutting-edge MultiAir valve-actuation system will eventually find its way into all of the engines, while the selection of five- and six-speed manual gearboxes is set to be joined by a new dual-clutch transmission as well.

The new Giulietta marks a pivotal product launch for Alfa Romeo, as the company is hoping to make this its volume offering the most prolific model in its history - with production targeted for an ambitious 100,000 units annually. Check out the trifecta of images in the gallery below and the press release after the jump for full details.


Gallery: Alfa Romeo Giulietta


[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Continue reading Alfa Romeo previews stylish new Giulietta

Alfa Romeo previews stylish new Giulietta originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1492010 geneva2010 geneva auto show2010 geneva motor show2010Geneva2010GenevaAutoShow2010GenevaMotorShowalfaalfa 149alfa giuliettaalfa milanoalfa romeoalfa romeo 149alfa romeo giuliettaalfa romeo milanoAlfa149AlfaGiuliettaAlfaMilanoAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeo149AlfaRomeoGiuliettaAlfaRomeoMilanobreakinggenevageneva 2010geneva auto showgeneva motor showGeneva2010GenevaAutoShowGenevaMotorShowgiuliettamilanoWed, 02 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming Alfa Milano, Giulia nameplates revealed... by Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/18/upcoming-alfa-milano-giulia-nameplates-revealed-by-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/18/upcoming-alfa-milano-giulia-nameplates-revealed-by-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/18/upcoming-alfa-milano-giulia-nameplates-revealed-by-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The industry is waiting to see how the partnership between Chrysler and Fiat will work out. With the automakers of the world conglomerating into larger auto groups, there are plenty of precedents. But while only time will tell how the relationship will develop, we might have our first glimpse yet.

The names for two upcoming Alfa Romeo models have been released: the successor to the five-door 147 hatchback, joining the three-door MiTo, will be called the Milano, while the replacement for the sharply-styled 159 will, as previously reported, revive the Giulia nameplate. Tellingly, though, the information didn't come from the Italian side - it was leaked from Detroit. The two models were mentioned in Chrysler's proposal to the Treasury Department of the U.S. federal government. Sources peg the Milano to hit European market in the spring of 2010 and the larger Giulia to debut late in the following year, and chances are that the pair will make it Stateside as well, otherwise Chrysler's gonna have some 'splaining to do.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - Sub. Req.]

Upcoming Alfa Milano, Giulia nameplates revealed... by Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW 1 Series

Dang. We've all met our fair share of individuals who get around, but Fiat seems to be taking things to new levels. Aside from its various joint ventures in emerging markets, the Italian automaker was first in bed with General Motors. That fell apart a while ago already, but now they've jumped into the sack with Chrysler. A partnership with ally Tata's Jaguar subsidiary was also rumored to be in the mix, while French auto group PSA could join in on the action, too. But the latest reports suggest that Fiat is preparing to announce another partnership, this time with BMW.

The partnership is expected to involve Fiat borrowing the platform from either the 1 Series or the MINI for Alfa Romeo's upcoming replacement for the 147 hatchback. Previous reports placed the two automakers potentially partnering on a new platform, while teaming up for sales of Alfa Romeos in North America, and but the latter will fall on Chrysler's shoulders now. Codenamed 149, the five-door counterpart to the front-drive MiTo was expected to employ Fiat's new C-Evo platform, but a switch to the MINI platform could save it the trouble, while the BMW 1 Series' architecture could put Alfa back on the rear-drive performance map.

[Source: Car and Driver via eGMCarTech]

Fiat to jump into bed with BMW, too? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dang. And everything was looking so good for a return of the Alfa Romeo brand to the United States. Too bad, it seems, 'cause the latest reports indicate that the Italian purveyor of stylish automobiles such as the Brera, 159 and the drool-worthy 149 will be pushed back to 2011 at the earliest. Fortunately for the very well heeled, the Alfa 8C Competizione has been made available through an assorted group of Maserati dealerships, though it's already sold out. Such a quick sellout indicates that there are plenty of enthusiasts anxiously awaiting the marque's entrance Stateside, but our current horrible economic climate will likely dictate otherwise.

Alfa's owner, Fiat, is having difficulties of its own as it attempts to stem the tide of falling sales figures along with rest of the industry. Apparently, the only way for Fiat to make money selling cars in America is to build them here. We wish some sort of deal could be made with Cerberus to use up some of the under-utilized factories that Chrysler currently has available. and a deal Something like this could indeed take place, but probably not until the auto market stabilizes and the Detroit 3 figure out their various positions in the new-look landscape. Thanks for the tip, Elias!

[Source: Italispeed]

Fiat postpones Alfa's return to the States? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfaalfa romeoalfa romeo 149alfa romeo 159alfa romeo 8c competizionealfa romeo breraalfa romeo mi.toalfa romeo mitoalfa romeo spideralfa romeo u.s.alfa romeo u.s. productionalfa romeo united statesalfa romeo usAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeo149AlfaRomeo159AlfaRomeo8cCompetizioneAlfaRomeoBreraAlfaRomeoMi.toAlfaRomeoMitoAlfaRomeoSpiderAlfaRomeoU.s.AlfaRomeoU.s.ProductionAlfaRomeoUnitedStatesAlfaRomeoUsSun, 26 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[What's Italian for drool? Alfa 149 images hit the web]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/19/whats-italian-for-drool-alfa-149-images-hit-the-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/19/whats-italian-for-drool-alfa-149-images-hit-the-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/19/whats-italian-for-drool-alfa-149-images-hit-the-web/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Alfa's MiTo already has us excited enough, and now along come images of the upcoming 149. Auto Express has put two shots of the pleasingly-styled hatch online. The 149, a replacement for the 147, shares some familial styling cues with the MiTo, which in turn shares some lines with the 8C Competizione. The 149 is an exceedingly handsome three- or five door that would woo us on looks alone. Performance will be there to back up the racy sheetmetal, with gasoline and diesel powerplants, variously turbocharged. At the low end, the 149 packs 120 horsepower, and it can reach as high as 250. The hotrod versions will also get a trick differential, dubbed Q2, which will aid in getting that power to the ground. The car will drop in mid 2009, and is rumored to adhere to US safety regulations, boding well for this sinewy Italian making it across the Atlantic to the North American market. Please. We're begging.

[Source: Auto Express]

What's Italian for drool? Alfa 149 images hit the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Oct 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European customers have been eagerly anticipating the replacement for the aging Alfa Romeo 147. Tentatively referred to as the 149, the new five-door hatchback, tipped to receive a new nameplate outside the three-digit numeric designation, will be positioned slightly above the three-door MiTo hatch. As with the new MiTo, styling is expected to borrow the themes laid out by the 8C Competizione, which should translate better to the increased dimensions of the 149/Giulia over the more cartoonish looks of its smaller sibling.

Expect a range of gasoline and diesel engines, which could be topped by a 265-horsepower GTA version. Sources now suggest the 149 will be unveiled in a bit over a year from now at the Frankfurt show for market roll-out anticipated in late summer 2009, and will spearhead the new "C-Evo" platform based on the underpinnings from the Fiat Bravo and Lancia Delta.

[Source: OmniAuto.it]

Speculation Rendered Closer: Alfa Romeo 149/Giulia originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa 149 rendering by Progetto 940

Remember how Ferrari kept saying it wasn't making a cheaper model despite the plethora of spy shots indicating otherwise? Well technically they were right: the California, as it turned out to be, is no cheaper than an F430. Ferrari's sister company Alfa Romeo seems to be going the same route. Although earlier reports had suggested that the upcoming 149, as it's being tentatively called, would share its platform with the Fiat Bravo, Alfa insisted the new car, pictured above in a rendering from Progetto 940, would get its own distinct platform.

The truth, it seems, lies somewhere in the middle. Although the basic architecture will be based on what underpins the Fiat Bravo and Lancia Delta, Alfa's platform will be heavily modified to the point of bearing little resemblance to its corporate cousins. Dubbed "C-Evo", the newish Alfa Romeo platform will be more performance-oriented than the Fiat one on which it's based, and will underpin the five-door hatchback slated to replace the 147, as well as the future successor to the 159. The next Brera and Spider could also borrow off that (unfortunately front-drive) platform, along with an anticipated upcoming crossover.

[Source: Progetto940.it via eurocarblog]

C-Evo: Alfa Romeo 149 to get its own new platform... sorta originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After having being introduced way back in 1998, Alfa Romeo finally stopped production of the 166 last year. Now without a flagship sedan to hold up the top of the range, Alfa is working on the development of its successor. However, the 169 (as the model is expected to be called) has been pushed back at least another three years while the automaker tries to sort out which platform it will be based on.

With an eye towards the American market, Alfa is said to be committed to making the new 169 a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, but the only rear-drive platform the Milanese automaker has in its range belongs to the 8C Competizione, which CEO Luca de Meo recently rejected as a possible donor for the 169. (Rats.) The platform that underpins sister-company Maserati's Quattroporte and GranTurismo was likewise dismissed as too costly, as Alfa Romeo looks to other automakers - chief among them Jaguar, now owned by the Fiat Group's Indian ally Tata - for a suitable rear-drive platform for Alfa's new flagship sedan.

In related news from the other end of the range, the upcoming 149, which - along with the new MiTo - will replace the aging 147, is reportedly getting a brand new platform of its own. The reports contradict earlier suggestions that the five-door hatch would be based on the Fiat Bravo platform when the new 149 is introduced in 2009.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf via Motor Authority]

Alfa Romeo hunts for 169 platform; 149 gets its own originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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