Autoblog

Alfa Romeo teams up with Italia Independent for special-edition Brera

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Alfa Romeo, Luxury

Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent - Click above for high-res image gallery

Say what you will about its driving dynamics, but there's little doubt that the Alfa Romeo Brera is one of the most stylish and fashionable sets of wheels on the road today. As if to reinforce that notion, the Italian automaker has teamed up with fashion house Italia Independent for a special edition model of the angular coupe.

The Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent is distinguished by its titanium paint shade, 18" turbine-style dark alloys hiding red brake calipers and an aluminum fuel cap. Inside it's all carbon fiber, black leather and red top stitching, accented with Italia Independent logos.

The special edition is available with the 185-horsepower 2.2-liter four or 260-hp 3.2-liter V6, in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. Only 900 units will be sold in Europe, Japan and Australia, starting at €29,700 (the equivalent of about $41k USD) for the 2.2 and €38,850 ($57k) for the 3.2. Check out our gallery below for a closer view of this fashion-forward forbidden fruit.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Alfa Romeo teams up with Italia Independent for special-edition Brera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ruh-Roh: Marchionne reportedly puts Alfa Romeo under review

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Europe, Earnings/Financials, Alfa Romeo

Take a look at the Fiat auto group. What division (barring Ferrari and Maserati) would you think holds the highest value for the company? If you thought Alfa Romeo, you're on the same page as yours truly, but you'd be mistaken. Horribly mistaken, as it turns out: Alfa has lost Fiat hundreds of millions of euros every year. Its sales have declined sharply, and not just since the global economy collapsed: Alfa sold 203,000 units in the year 2000, but only 103,000 last year. That's a heck of a drop-off.

In response, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has ordered a full re-evaluation of the marque, with two courses of action to potentially result. The first would see Alfa more closely integrating its future products with Chrysler platforms. The second would be to stop investing in the brand altogether, leaving the still-new MiTo and the brand-new Giulietta to carry its aging stablemates (including the 159, Brera, Spider and GT) for the foreseeable future.

Speaking with Automotive News Europe from Fiat's headquarters in Turin, Marchionne reportedly said the new plan for Alfa will be revealed this coming February or March. Even if he chooses to keep Alfa alive with Auburn Hills synergy, though, Marchionne has nixed the notion of merging the brand with Dodge, noting that there's a limit to how many times a brand can be reborn.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd | Image: Tiziana Fabi/AFP/Getty]

Ruh-Roh: Marchionne reportedly puts Alfa Romeo under review originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo previews stylish new Giulietta

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST

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

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.

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Besting Prodrive: Autodelta unveils tuned Alfa Brera S and 159 J4 3.2 Compressore at MPH09

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Alfa Romeo, UK

Autodelta Alfa Romeo Brera S and 159 J4 3.2 Compressore - Click above for high-res image gallery

Alfa Romeo has proven itself capable of crafting some of the most achingly beautiful automotive works of art on the road today. Unfortunately, their driving dynamics and performance numbers rarely seem to cash the checks written by their sumptuous bodywork. Nowhere is that schism more evident than with the Brera, a fantastically angular design with disappointing dynamics.

That's where aftermarket tuners come in. Over a year ago, Alfa teamed up with Prodrive to create the Brera S. The venerable British house of motorsport tightened up the suspension and steering and yanked out the heavy all-wheel-drive system to bring the sport coupe's drive closer to the aggressive level of its styling. Some evidently felt the result was a good starting point, but that it needed a little more oomph, prompting Autodelta to join the fight with the Brera S 3.2 Compressore.

By bolting a supercharger to the 260-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 and remapping its ECU, Autodelta - one of the world's foremost Alfa tuners - has coaxed out an impressive 347 stallions. But while removing the all-wheel-drive system helped shave 220 pounds off the Brera's curb weight, the London-based tuning house felt it needed a substitute, so they've fitted a limited-slip differential to handle the extra power. They'll also soften the suspension a touch from Prodrive's hard line at a client's request.

Customers looking for the convenience of a four-door can also get most of the same modifications in the form of the Autodelta J4 3.2 C, based on the 159 sedan. Both models were unveiled in London at MPH09, the live-action auto show where Autodelta exhibits its latest offerings each year. Follow the jump for all the details in the press release and have a stroll through the photos in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Autodelta Alfa Romeo Brera S and 159 J4 3.2 Compressore

[Source: Autodelta]

Continue reading Besting Prodrive: Autodelta unveils tuned Alfa Brera S and 159 J4 3.2 Compressore at MPH09

Besting Prodrive: Autodelta unveils tuned Alfa Brera S and 159 J4 3.2 Compressore at MPH09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wall Street Journal makes early Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat predictions

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Finally, after years of mismanagement marked by a distinct lack of tangible product decisions, the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands seem likely to get a thorough makeover via its new Fiat corporate overlords. Whether this turns into a good thing or bad thing for the three brands remains to be seen, and the stage is set for the plan to be officially released on November 4.

The Wall Street Journal has apparently procured a little inside knowledge on the plan, and, if accurate, there are a few surprises. First, the expected: Chrysler will begin offering the Fiat 500 in its own U.S. dealerships as soon as possible; Alfa Romeo will make its long-awaited American comeback with an established dealer network and the majority of the Dodge and Chrysler lineups will be reworked atop Fiat platforms, save the rear-wheel drive architecture of the Dodge Charger/Challenger and Chrysler 300.

Looking further down the line, the Dodge Grand Caravan will reportedly be dropped in favor of the Chrysler Town and Country and unloved nameplates like Dodge Nitro, Caliber and Avenger will be forgotten, probably along with the Jeep Patriot and Compass. New models will be brought in from Fiat to replace these outgoing cars, including a new mid-size sedan in 2012. Finally, Alfa Romeo's resurgence will begin with the subcompact MiTo in 2012 and a larger sedan a year later.

We won't know how much of this is accurate until we hear it from the horse's mouth next Wednesday, but it definitely gives us plenty to chew on. Thanks to all who sent this in!

[Source: Wall Street Journal | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Wall Street Journal makes early Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat predictions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not So Fast: Alfa Romeo not working on Multiair V8

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Alfa Romeo, Luxury

It's been 32 years since Alfa Romeo put out its own V8: a 2.6-liter, 197 hp mill fitted to the Montreal model that bowed out in 1977. And with emission regs what they are today, it looks like we may have to wait even longer.

Yesterday, Autocar reported that Alfa was working on a new 3.0-liter Mulitair-equipped V8 that would find a home in the replacement for its 166 flagship, supposedly based on the Chrysler 300 platform. Since the story hit the virtual presses, an Alfa spokesperson has denied the claim, saying "No front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive Alfa Romeo will use a engine larger than a V6." However, Alfa's parent, Fiat, does have access to Chrysler's 3.6-liter V6, but we somehow doubt that aging lump will find its way into the next generation of Alfa's range-topping model.

[Source: Autocar]

Not So Fast: Alfa Romeo not working on Multiair V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo Milano comes into focus

Noah Joseph — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

The Alfa Romeo 147 was voted European Car of the Year. But that was way back in 2001, the year after its launch. And despite a mid-cycle refresh, it's since grown a little long in the tooth. The Italian automaker introduced the MiTo to replace the three-door 147 last year, and has been hard at work since on the new Milano (previously referred to as "149") to replace the 147 five-door once and for all. Now, following months of speculation, spy shots and even some out-of-focus snapshots from the factory floor, we've got our best look yet at the new Italian hatchback.

If these images from Quattroroute are to be believed, it appears Alfa Romeo's Centro Stile has done a better job translating the 8C Competizione's design cues into the longer Milano than it did with the stubby MiTo. The snout does appear to extend a tad too far, giving the Milano (which, in these pictures, is wearing a 149 plate up front) a long front overhang, the trademark shield grille protruding with the headlights swept back. The tail end, as is often the case with Alfas, has some of the best lines in the business, and outfitted with the right engine, that may be all that other motorists see of it, anyway.

The jury's still out, but the latest reports indicate that the Milano won't make it to the North American market. Thanks for the tip, Vittorio!

[Source: Quattroroute]

Alfa Romeo Milano comes into focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:29:00 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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Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Milano stopped by police by the Nurburgring

Noah Joseph — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

If you're looking at spy shots of a European hatchback and wondering, "Why should I care?", we'll tell you why. This car is, in all likelihood, coming to America. The test mule was snapped while stopped by local police, which isn't something you see every day. Oh, and it was near the Nurburgring, to boot.

The car in question is the Alfa Romeo Milano, one of a handful of new models being developed by the Italian automaker with the North American market in mind. While the MiTo effectively replaced the three-door version of the aging Alfa 147, the Milano replaces the five-door variant. Styling is fully expected to follow the example set by the MiTo and 8C Competizione, and sources suggest that the Milano could be ready for public debut at the upcoming Geneva show in March, so stay tuned.

We couldn't tell you definitively why the German police pulled the test driver over, but considering that Italian cars tend to encourage a heavy right foot and the car's proximity to the 'Ring, we can hazard a guess or two.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Milano stopped by police by the Nurburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo 159-replacing Giulia delayed until 2012?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Alfa Romeo

2009 Alfa Romeo 159 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The current Alfa Romeo 159 is a bit of a Jekyll-and-Hyde affair. Unspeakably gorgeous on the one hand, its aging, Saab-based platform means its dynamic performance doesn't come anywhere close to cashing the checks its aggressive styling writes out. So those enamored of its design will be happy, but those disappointed by its drive will be disappointed, to learn that the 159's replacement has reportedly been pushed back until 2012, thereby giving the current model a little longer to live.

This, according to Alfa's new boss Sergio Cravero - recently promoted after years as communications director following Luca de Meo's departure - in an interview with Italian daily La Stampa. The statement contradicts previous reports that the new sedan, dubbed Giulia in revival of the classic nameplate, was being rushed into development in light the current model's poor sales. Sources suggest - and by sources, we mean our own speculation - that the program has been postponed so that it can be integrated with a Chrysler platform, and could, like the replacement for the 166, be built in North America.

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 159

[Source: La Stampa]

Alfa Romeo 159-replacing Giulia delayed until 2012? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Alfa Romeo 166 replacement to be built in the U.S.

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Rumormill

The last new Alfa Romeo to be sold in the U.S. market prior to the recent low-volume 8C Competizione was the 164 sedan. Fittingly, perhaps, it now appears that its descendant could be among the first Alfas to be produced in North America.

Seemingly reconfirmingg earlier rumors, Inside Line is reporting that the successor to the (now discontinued) 166 is expected to shift from a front-wheel drive to a rear-drive platform shared with the next generation Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. While the current LX platform shares much of its suspension architecture with a previous-generation Mercedes E-Class, the new model is expected to be developed in-house by Chrysler.

The new big Alfa sedan will likely be built exclusively in Brampton, Ontario and exported to Europe. Inside Line is also reporting that the new rear-drive platform could be shortened and used for the next Brera and Spider as well. We expect to find out more some time in November when Chrysler/Fiat plans to further clarify their forthcoming product lineup.

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Alfa Romeo 166 replacement to be built in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:30:00 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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Forget the AMC Gremlin Levi's Edition, we want the Alfa Romeo MiTo denim collection!

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:35:00 EST

Filed under: Design/Style

We'll take the one in the middle - click above image for hi-res gallery

Yes, this is a less-we-say-the-better type of situation Very quickly then: the Alfa Romeo MiTo looks something like the 8C Competizione and so Alfa teamed up with TV fashion designer Louise Roe and two unknown designers named Bjork and McElligott and decided to see if they could make ladies jeans that are as desirable as Alfa's genes. Get it? Who cares. Full press release with a lengthier explanation after the jump. Now, go ogle the hi-res section of the gallery.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo Jeans

[Source: MiTo Jeans]

Continue reading Forget the AMC Gremlin Levi's Edition, we want the Alfa Romeo MiTo denim collection!

Forget the AMC Gremlin Levi's Edition, we want the Alfa Romeo MiTo denim collection! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat to assemble 500 in Mexico, build engines in Michigan?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat 500 Abarth - click above image for high-res gallery

For the last couple of decades, there has been a genuine dearth of affordable Italians autos for us Americans. Sure, you could buy a lightly used Alfa Romeo Milano or a derelict Fiat Strada, but then you'd be a braver person than us. Or maybe you could get your hands on a severely fire-damaged Ferrari 308, but that's a entirely different level of sadomasochism. One that we're not comfortable with. But in reality, the cheapest piece of Italian four-wheeled machinery available to us Yanks has come with a trident badge. In other words, a $100,000 Maserati.

But hey, there's some good news for working class Italophiles -- the Fiat 500 is coming! Finally, Italian design and craftsmanship in an affordable package. Only thing is, the Cinquecento is going to be Italian design and Mexican craftsmanship. Er, make that Italian design and Mexican/American craftsmanship. According to an Associated Press report, Chrysler Group LLC is planning on building U.S.-bound 500s at their Toluca, Mexico assembly plant where they build the PT Cruiser. Not only that, but the engines that power the little-bitty Fiats might be built in Trenton, Michigan. Hmmm. Not really so Italian after all, is it?

Chrysler is reportedly also planning on building another very small car along with the 500. No official word on any of the other Fiat or Alfa Romeo products that might be heading our way - yet.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth

[Source: Detroit News]

Fiat to assemble 500 in Mexico, build engines in Michigan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Alfa Romeo 8C GTA

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Alfa Romeo

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

We have an old saying: there's no such thing as too much Alfa Romeo news. With that in mind, why is the world's hottest Alfa sporting a "Got Milk?" mustache? Because the Photoshop warlocks at Britain's favorite automotive tabloid have no idea what the new 8C GTA is actually going to look like. Here's what we think we know. Alfa Romeo is going to release a carbon fiber intensive 8C Competizione variant called the GTA to celebrate the marque's centenary next year.

Thanks to all the exotic weave, the GTA will be over 300 pounds lighter than the "regular" Competizione, and with a new ECU and stouter internals, the 4.7-liter F430 derived V8 should produce more than 500 horsepower -- just in time to not upstage the 458 Italia's 562 hp. All that power will get neutralized by optional carbon-ceramic stoppers and naturally, expect the GTA's suspension to be much stiffer than the current car's GT tuning.

If it sounds like Alfa might be considering a return to the race track we can only give the thumbs up, smile and mutter under our breath, "about time." And it might help explain the white mouth. Price? Over $300,000. How many? Just 100 examples, total. We're expecting to catch an actual glimpse of the 8C GTA at the Geneva Motor Show this coming March.

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Alfa Romeo 8C GTA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:27:00 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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REPORT: Alfa favors larger sedan as first salvo in new American push

Dan Roth — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Fiat's plan for re-entry to the U.S. market includes Alfa Romeo, as well as pumping up its Chrysler interests. While Alfa has desirable hatches like the MiTo and the 147, the company thinks it might have the best luck relaunching in the States with its upcoming Giulia sedan. The Alfa Romeo division is a money sink right now for Fiat, and successfully re-entering the US market could open the door to better financials. To make the relaunch of Alfa feasible, the brand is going to have to share with Chrysler.

Chrysler has the LX platform, which could potentially be reworked and used for the new Giulia, is being examined as one way to get an Alfa model launched and built in the U.S. without crushing Fiat with shipping and import costs piled on top of being expensive to build in the first place. The LX is heavier than might be ideal, though it has been engineered to support all-wheel drive, and the rear-wheel drive default of the longitudinal powertrain layout is inherently more sporty if tuned properly. Alfa's got its own platform, the C-Evo, which could be bulked up to underpin the Giulia, and it, too, is a front-engined, RWD layout that could potentially bring an appropriately athletic feel.

Neither platform is exactly perfect - both are aging, and the competition in the segment is stiff. The futures of Alfa and Chrysler appear to be intertwined, with both brands relying on the same basic hardware to launch new or updated models that need to be successful for Sergio Marchionne's plan for world domination to actually work.

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Alfa favors larger sedan as first salvo in new American push originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulia... will it be worth the wait?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Alfa Romeo, Design/Style

Motor Trend has posted its best guess of the Alfa Romeo Giulia (née 159). It isn't a bad looking car, but like a previous speculative take on the car, it look like the Mito nose has simply been pasted on another rear end - in this case, that of the Opel Insignia.

In MT's image, The commanding squarness of the current car, especially set off by the angry nose, have been forsaken for a rising, widening body that still offers a commanding stance aided by a giant set of wheels. We're fans of the convex rear, but the bluff sides of the mockup and the C-pillar's run into the haunches takes us back to the General Motors car.

The Giulia is due to go on sale in Europe in the latter half of 2011, so we probably won't see the real thing until later next year.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Rendered Speculation: 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulia... will it be worth the wait? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:27:00 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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