Autoblog

Quick Spin: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione proves beauty is only skin deep

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo, Luxury, Quick Spin

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione - Click above for high-res image gallery

Imagine you're a male (Autoblog surveys say most of you are, so this shouldn't be hard). You've been invited to the Playboy Mansion for their annual Halloween party. You arrive, grab a flute of bubbly, get introduced to the crusty remains of Hugh Hefner and after a few minutes lay eyes on the most beautiful specimen of redheaded femininity the world has ever seen. You fight your knees from buckling, walk over and give it the ol' college try. Miraculously, you hit it off. She's entertaining, interesting and a joy to see and be seen with. One thing leads to another and you make your way upstairs into one of Heff's exotically appointed love dens.

You're ready to embark on one of the most pleasurable experiences of your life when... there's no spark. No connection. No chemistry. You use every trick in the book to make things work, but to no avail. Despite her arsenal of attributes, this exquisite example of sensuality just doesn't "do it" for you.

If you can understand that scenario, then you can understand our brief, uninspiring stint with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Read on for more.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Continue reading Quick Spin: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione proves beauty is only skin deep

Quick Spin: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione proves beauty is only skin deep originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Giulia coming to America sans MiTo, Milano?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Following the confirmation of Chrysler's tie-in with the Fiat group, images began swirling around our imaginations of the imminent arrival of Alfa Romeo models current and future. That may, according to reports emerging from Italy, prove a little premature. (It happens to lots of guys, we hear). Because while the itty-bitty Fiat 500 is anticipated to hit Chrysler dealers in the near future, the venture may leave the smaller Alfas behind.

A new Alfa Romeo flagship sedan to succeed the discontinued 166 is reportedly planned for North American production, and the Giulia sedan expected to replace the current 159 around 2012 is expected to be on offer Stateside as well. But if the latest reports prove accurate, the current MiTo and its upcoming five-door counterpart, the Milano, could be left back in the Old Country when the Italian family sails for America.

[Source: Motorionline via eurocarblog]

Alfa Giulia coming to America sans MiTo, Milano? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde packs Fiat's lucky charm

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Technology, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde - Click above for high-res image gallery

We usually close our posts by inviting you to check out our images, but this time we're starting here: Go into the gallery and have a look at the little green clover logo adorning the front fender of the new Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde. You'll notice that the classic Alfa performance badge has received a slightly modern update, courtesy of some techy carbon fiber-style weave. Hardly the most important thing we've seen here in Frankfurt, but it tells a deeper story. Because while the MiTo QV draws its distinction from the company's deep racing history, it's the forward-thinking technology that sets it apart.

As we reported previously, Alfa is using the MiTo QV to introduce its latest development from Fiat Powertrain Technologies. The MultiAir engine uses advanced electronics and hydraulic actuators to regulate the amount of air being mixed with the gasoline inside the engine's four combustion chambers to the benefit of throttle response and efficiency. And while the 170 horsepower on offer in the Quadrifoglio Verde may fall short of the 240-horsepower GTA in the pipeline, it is here right now, and best of all, the technology is coming to America as part of Fiat's partnership with Chrysler... with or without Alfa's lucky four-leaf clover.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde

Frankfurt 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde packs Fiat's lucky charm originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo presents MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with new MultiAir engine for Frankfurt

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde MultiAir - Click above for high-res image gallery

The four-leaf clover means different things to different people. It's a national icon for the Irish, and a good luck charm to Sunday strollers. But to Alfa Romeo fanatics, it's the emblem of the very best Italy has to offer.

The icon has been used on various high-performance Alfas throughout the company's history, and most recently appeared on special editions of the Spider, GT and 147. Now Alfa's brought it back again for this special MiTo. The Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde showcases the Italian automaker's latest MultiAir engine - a 1.4-liter, 170hp version in this case - which replaces the throttle plane with electronically-controlled electrohydraulic actuators to optimizes airflow in each cylinder's combustion chamber. Coupled with a new six-speed gearbox, the Quadrifoglio is capable of accelerating to 60 in seven seconds while returning nearly 50 miles to the gallon on the autostrada.

And to set it apart from ordinary MiTos, the Quadrifoglio Verde also features 17-inch wheels, mirror housings and more in dark satin, with a black interior and white instruments, and of course the requisite four-leaf clover emblems. Check it out in the gallery below and the full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Continue reading Alfa Romeo presents MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with new MultiAir engine for Frankfurt

Alfa Romeo presents MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with new MultiAir engine for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Imola Edition to be released in Japan

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Japan, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Imola Edition - click above image for high-res gallery

We were saddened to learn that Alfa Romeo is under the impression that their cute yet handsome MiTo is too small for American consumption. But this feels like a slap in the face. Japan is getting 150 special Imola Edition MiTos, and man are they great looking. Painted in Imola Yellow, the cars also get 18-inch wheels, red brake calipers and chromed mirror caps to set them apart from regular MiTos. Inside features fancy Pelle Frau leather, Imola Yellow accents and a little plaque. The Imola Edition MiTos should hit the land of the rising sun in November of this year. There's precious little left to say, other than do want. Or is that unfair?

Gallery: 2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Imola Edition

[Source: leblogauto.com]

2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo Imola Edition to be released in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo MiTo too small for the U.S.?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo MiTo - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Small cars have historically struggled in the land of the free, home of the brave. Typically regarded as an afterthought by Detroit, our current domestic crop (Focus, Aveo, Caliber) needs more fertilizer. Imported "penalty boxes" fair somewhat better, but for every Honda Fit there's a Daihatsu Charade. Long story short, profit margins are slim and Americans are big people with big families that drive big distances. However, BMW's new Mini made serious and surprising inroads by giving small car buyers lots of content and high style (and a high price tag). BMW's sold 1.5 million of them, and given the Mini's success, it seems like a no brainer that Alfa Romeo (maybe via Chrysler) would bring the sexy little MiTo to our shores. Italian styling, sporty handling and high MPGs seem like a winning combo. Sadly, no -- maybe.

According to Alfa Romeo CEO Sergio Cravero, the MiTo is, "probably too small for today's U.S. market." In case you're wondering, the MiTo is the size of a Honda Fit. He goes on to say that, "A preliminary product assessment for a sporty three-door small hatchback showed potential volumes in the U.S. right now are roughly 20,000 units a year. That is not enough to make it a viable business case." Worrying about business cases in the U.S. is definitely a new paradigm for Alfa. But we're not going to fret too much, as Alfa Romeos will be making their way to American dealerships sometime in 2011. The first of which will probably be the Milano, a five-door mid-sized hatchback that we'll see at the Geneva Motor Show. Still, regarding the apparent no-show of the MiTo, we're a little bummed.

Gallery: First Drive: Alfa MiTo

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Alfa Romeo MiTo too small for the U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Alfa MiTo GTA merely postponed, not canceled

Noah Joseph — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Alfa MiTo GTA concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following earlier reports that Alfa Romeo had axed plans to produce the MiTo GTA, the Italian automaker has reportedly clarified that the project has not been canceled completely, just postponed.

The MiTo GTA was unveiled in concept form at this year's Geneva Motor Show. At the time, Alfa said the car would be produced and on the market before the end of the year. Packing a 240hp 1.8-liter turbo four, the GTA was set to revive the company's performance badge with a package priced to undercut the Mini JCW. When harsh economic conditions hit - and Fiat started snapping up assets left and right - the hot hatch program reportedly took a hit. According to sources within the company, though, the automaker is still keen on getting it done... eventually. Certainly, that won't happen before the end of the year.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Alfa MiTo GTA merely postponed, not canceled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Alfa Romeo cancels MiTo GTA hot hatch

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Alfa MiTo GTA concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Oh, Alfa. We had such high hopes for you. The stoic Italian marque, it seemed, had wandered too far from its roots as a performance-oriented automaker anchored by decades of racing dominance. Heart-pumping roadsters gave way to mushy econo-boxes. And then came the 8C Competizione, whose dynamics may not be as inspiring as its looks (how could it?), but it signaled what we hoped was a new dawn for the resurgent automaker, even if it remained entirely out of reach for the common man.

Then Alfa followed up with the MiTo GTA, a positively drool-inducing hot hatch that debuted in concept form a few months ago at the Geneva Motor Show. Packing a 230-hp turbo four in an aggressive carbon fiber shell, the MiTo GTA looked nothing less than menacing. It was just a show car at the time, but Alfa said it would go into production by the end of the year. Well, according to emerging reports, that may not happen any time soon, if ever. Due to the financial crisis, Alfa has reportedly put the MiTo GTA on an indefinite hold. Does that mean it's been killed? Well, not necessarily, but we wouldn't recommend holding your breath. We'd save that for a hot lap behind the wheel... which may never come.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

[Source: iMotor]

REPORT: Alfa Romeo cancels MiTo GTA hot hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Fiat product plans revealed?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Rumormill

Alfa Romeo Kamal concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to automotive consulting firm IHS Global Insight, the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep lineups are going to look drastically different over the next few years under Fiat control. No surprises there, but the report goes on the forecast which current Chrysler vehicles will be dropped and which ones will be transferred to new platforms. We've already heard that the next Alfa Romeo 169 sedan will be built atop Chrysler's LX platform in Ontario, Canada and that the Fiat 500 will be built ASAP in Toluca, Mexico, but that's only the beginning.

If IHS is right, joining the 500 in Toluca will be the Jeep Panda, which, as you may have guessed, will be a version of the Fiat Panda wearing Jeep's trademark seven-slot grille. Furthermore, Alfa Romeo may get two new SUVs that would be built in Jeep factories in Jefferson, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio - one midsize 'ute called the GTX that's based on the WL platform that underpins the Jeep Grand Cherokee and a smaller one built on Fiat's C-EVO platform, which will also underpin the next Jeep Liberty. That leaves the unloved Jeep Compass and its somewhat more likable brother, the Patriot, to die slow and inglorious death.

Fiat's C-EVO platform will also spawn the next-gen Dodge Journey, Chrysler Sebring (and presumably the Dodge Avenger if it survives past its current form), and Dodge Caliber. Moving downward in size a notch will (finally) be the Dodge Hornet, which will forgo Bad Chrysler's old deal with Nissan in order to share its Fiat 199 platform with the Alfa Romeo MiTo, both of which will be assembled in Belvidere, Illinois sometime in 2011. Thanks for the tip, Dad!

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Kamal concept

[Source: Global Insight]

Future Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Fiat product plans revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stopgap GTA: Novitec takes a stab at the Alfa MiTo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Novitec Alfa Romeo MiTo - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Alfa Romeo's spritely MiTo hatch may have been styled to look like the flagship 8C Competizione, but the performance gap between them is big enough to fit another entire model line. The MiTo GTA, previewed in concept form at this year's Geneva show, promises to close the distance some, but until it arrives, Novitec has come up with an answer of its own, and here it is.

The heart of any good mod job lies under the hood, and Novitec has plenty of options in store. For the gas-burning 1.4-liter turbo four, Novitec offers an auxiliary control module that can be installed in just five minutes and which adds an extra 31 horsepower to bring total output up to a respectable 186 and 0-60 time down to 7.4 seconds, or 0.7 seconds faster than stock.

For diesel models, Novitec also offers a module to boost power by about 20 horsepower on either the 1.3 or 1.6-liter JTD engines. Of course, the Dutch tuning house hasn't stopped there, offering a choice of sport springs to drop the height by 40mm or a fully adjustable coil-over set-up. A full aerodynamic package, stainless exhaust and 18" wheels coated in Pirelli rubber round out the package, which you can check out in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Novitec Alfa Romeo MiTo

[Source: Novitec]

Continue reading Stopgap GTA: Novitec takes a stab at the Alfa MiTo

Stopgap GTA: Novitec takes a stab at the Alfa MiTo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Court documention reveals which Fiats and Alfas are destined for U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Fiat 500 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Curious which of its models Fiat plans to send over to the United States to sell through its planned partnership with Chrysler? Wonder no more. The most recent set of documents filed in Chrysler's Chapter 11 proceedings offer a number of intriguing clues as to what we can expect to see in the coming years.

Tom LaSorda, current ChryCo Veep, suggests that Fiat has agreed to assemble a vehicle using its C-EVO platform at one of Chrysler's underutilized U.S. plants. Further, Robert Manzo, executive director of Capstone Advisory Group, has specifically named the Fiat 500, Grande Punto and Panda (tellingly, Manzo called the Panda a Jeep) along with the Mito and Milano from Alfa Romeo as models coming to the aid of Chrysler.

Joining these new models would also be Fiat's 3.0-liter diesel V6 and 1.4-liter four-cylinder Multiair engine line, along with the Italian automaker's dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which would replace the units Chrysler will no longer be receiving from Getrag. The biggest question left unanswered seems to be what will be left of Chrysler's current line?

Gallery: Fiat 500

[Source: Inside Line]

Court documention reveals which Fiats and Alfas are destined for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa MiTo Veloce debuts at AutoRAI Amsterdam

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:18:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Alfa Romeo

Alfa MiTo Veloce - Click above to view in high resolution

The Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last month certainly looked the business, but unfortunately, it's only a concept car -- for now. Alfa says they'll have it on the market soon, but in the meantime the Italian automaker unveiled another hot version of the premium sport hatch at the AutoRAI show in Amsterdam, Holland.

Although some details and teaser shots surfaced before the show kicked off, the Fiat group didn't release any new information on its latest sporty MiTo, so all we have to go on are reports circulating the interwebs. This is what we know: it's called the Veloce, and slots in between the current 155hp 1.4-liter turbo of the fully-spec'ed standard MiTo and the 240hp GTA with a 180 horsepower turbo four. It's also packing beefier brakes, a revised suspension, and an upgraded body kit including a front splitter, rear wing and side skits, plus big powder-coated white rims with matching white mirror caps and detailing. Sport seats and aluminum pedals round out the package on the inside, but until Alfa gets some official info out there, that's all we got.

Gallery: Alfa MiTo Veloce at AutoRAI 2009

[Source: autoblog.nl]

Alfa MiTo Veloce debuts at AutoRAI Amsterdam originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA concept

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:22:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept

There are pie-in-the-sky concept cars and then there are coming-to-a-showroom-near-you concept cars. The Alfa MiTo GTA is the latter, and from what we've seen that's a good thing, especially as Fiat's new partnership with Chrysler may herald Alfa Romeo's return to North America at long last. Although Alfa is billing the MiTo GTA unveiled here at the Geneva Motor Show as a concept, company spokesmen say it should hit production later this year. And when it does, the 230-hp turbo four - displayed separately on Alfa's show stand - should stay, but we'd expect the racing buckets with rear-anchored harnesses to give way to four seats. The jury's still out on the carbon-fiber body panels and tarmac-chomping front air dam and rear diffuser, but so far we like what we see. The folks at Renaultsport and John Cooper Works have cause to feel otherwise, but we'll let you make up your own mind after viewing the photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Alfa MiTo GTA seeks to be new Euro hot hatch king

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Alfa MiTo GTA

Alfa's finally pulled the covers off the MiTo GTA, releasing a full set of specifications and a few new images of the hottest of hot hatches just ahead of the car's official debut at the Geneva Motor Show late next week. While the standard-grade MiTo is definitely a looker, the Italian automaker has added a major dose of sportiness by way of a 90-horsepower injection, handily passing the MINI John Cooper Works edition along the way. To go along with the added zip, Alfa's engineers have reduced the weight of the car through the use of carbon fiber for the roof, tailgate spoiler and mirror housings, along with aluminum replacements for many chassis and suspension parts.

The engine displaces just 1.8 liters, but an impressive 240 horsepower is extracted via turbocharging, direct-injection and variable valve-timing. Underneath the slinky skin are chassis modifications that lower the ride height by 20 millimeters, along with an "active suspension" and variable steering geometry that makes up the Alfa D.N.A. system, allowing the driver to tailor the car's feel to their specific preferences. Inside, unique anatomical seats with four-point seatbelts attached to the rear roll bar keep the driver secured and matte black surfaces are meant to limit distractions while racing around the track. There's plenty of additional details in the press release after the break, and be sure to check out our coverage next week from Geneva for live shots.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Alfa MiTo GTA seeks to be new Euro hot hatch king

Geneva Preview: Alfa MiTo GTA seeks to be new Euro hot hatch king originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Alfa Romeo to launch Junior sportscar based on MiTo

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Alfa Romeo, Rumormill

Click above to view a high-res gallery of the Alfa Romeo MiTo and 8C side-by-side

While the Alfa MiTo was under development, speculation placed a number of different nameplates on the sport hatch. One of them was Junior, but new reports suggest that Alfa may in fact be preparing an additional model to carry the Junior name.

Although the MiTo was earmarked to hold down the lower end of the Alfa Romeo range with styling drawn from the 8C Competizione, in terms of body style, at least, the new Junior may in fact be closer to the halo supercar - more of a sports coupe than a sport hatch. The platform will allegedly be based on the MiTo's, sharing some of the same engine options while introducing a new hydraulic manual as well as a new dual-clutch gearbox to the range. Little else is known about the Junior, but expect similar styling to the MiTo with a lower roofline and sleeker profile.

Sister company Lancia may yet get its own version to revive the Fulvia name, and given parent company Fiat's new alliance with Chrysler, we'd hope the new small sportscar might make it over the Atlantic as part of Alfa Romeo's long-anticipated return to the North American market.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo and 8C

[Source: 4Car]

REPORT: Alfa Romeo to launch Junior sportscar based on MiTo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch out, John Cooper: Alfa MiTo GTA to bow in Geneva

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Click above for a high-resolution gallery of the Alfa MiTo

The Alfa MiTo will finally get the punch to match its 8C Competizione styling when Alfa Romeo unveils the highly anticipated MiTo GTA at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. And the guys over at MINI's John Cooper Works had better pay attention.

According to emerging reports, the MiTo GTA will offer more power for less cash, deriving 240 horsepower - 31 more than the JCW and 90 more than the current strongest MiTo - from its 1.8-liter turbocharged four, with a sticker price some £2000 less than the JCW. The MiTo GTA will also retain Alfa's trick Q2 electronic differential to get the power down to the ground, while benefiting from more aggressive styling touches including sharpened lines, blistered wheel arches to house the bigger rims and possible some two-tone color options for a racier look. Sources also suggest Alfa could cut weight down by using aluminum and carbon fiber body panels. The deal is further sweetened by the prospect, given the Fiat group's new partnership with Chrysler, that the MiTo GTA could make it Stateside, so stay tuned. In the meantime you can check out the galleries below from our first drive of the MiTo in Italy.

Gallery: First Drive: Alfa MiTo

Gallery: Alfa MiTo - Centro Internazionale Guida Sicura

[Source: Autocar via WCF]

Watch out, John Cooper: Alfa MiTo GTA to bow in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New details on Audi S1 emerge

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Audi, Rendered Speculation

Image removed at owner's request.

Auto Express got the inside dope on the upcoming Audi S1, and the the compact hatch has its sights set on the MINI Cooper JCW, Fiat 500 Abarth SS, Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA and Volvo C30. Based on the new Audi A1, the S1 will feature a cranked up version of VW/Audi's Twincharger 1.4L TSI four tweaked to produce 200 hp and 221 ft-lb of torque. Power might be down compared to the S1's competitors, but expect the three-door to hold its own with a rear-biased quattro setup, a seven-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox and a lowered and stiffened suspension that might feature Audi's magnetic dampers. AE is projecting a 0-60 time of around six seconds, an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph and a combined fuel economy of 35 mpg.

The car should look as good as it moves, with styling that apes the metroproject quattro we saw in Tokyo last year. Expect an aggressive bodykit, 19-inch alloys, roof spoiler, and chrome accents. Inside, you'll find a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sport seats and aluminum pedals, along with a version of Audi's mobile electronic device. The dash-mounted Audi iPhone-alternative can actually control some of the car's systems remotely, but we wouldn't be surprised if the system doesn't make it to production for at least another two years. The baby S3 won't be is cheap, so expect the S1 to start at almost double the A1's £13,000 starting price when sales begin abroad next year.

Gallery: 2010 Audi S1 rendering

[Source: Auto Express]

New details on Audi S1 emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will the real European Car of the Year winner please stand up?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Alfa Romeo

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Alfa MiTo

It's that time of year, when various agencies far and wide begin handing out awards for the new crop of cars. The '09 model-year vehicles are all known by now and the press has had plenty of time to size up the competition. Recently, The Detroit Free Press appeared to have let the EuroCOTY cat out of the bag a bit early when it reported that Alfa Romeo had managed to snag the top honors with its new MiTo subcompact. Although we'd be hard-pressed to argue otherwise, it turns out that the rumor isn't true. The real European Car of the Year award will be announced on November 17.

The MiTo did win the Auto Europa award, though, which is granted by the Italian press. Second place went to Alfa's sister company Lancia for its homely-looking Delta and the Ford Fiesta grabbed the bronze. Thankfully, we'll be able to pick up a Fiesta in the U.S. for the 2010 model-year, and after driving one in Europe, we're looking forward to the sub-compact making the trek across the pond.

Gallery: First Drive: Alfa MiTo

[Source: The Detroit Free Press via Motor Authority]

Will the real European Car of the Year winner please stand up? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat postpones Alfa's return to the States?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Supercars, Earnings/Financials, Alfa Romeo

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.

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What's Italian for drool? Alfa 149 images hit the web

Dan Roth — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

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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