Autoblog

Alfa Romeo Guilietta to star in Fast & Furious 6 [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Alfa Romeo, Celebrities, TV/Movies

We wanted to play this one straight, but since it involves Fast & Furious 6 we just couldn't figure out how. Alfa Romeo is touting the role of the Guilietta in the next episode of car guys and gals versus bad guys and gals, and the now-Europe-inclusive franchise is using the post-stunt vehicles in its advertising. Well, we might add.

We'll let the breathy, exclamatory press release below speak for itself, along with the trailer in which you get to see the "modified" Giulietta demonstrating the textbook technique for pulling down an Antonov cargo plane at take-off speed. You'll find a very Italian set of high-res images above.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo Guilietta to star in Fast & Furious 6 [w/video]

Alfa Romeo Guilietta to star in Fast & Furious 6 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch this Alfa Romeo Giulietta play ice hockey

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, Humor

After the culture clash between the Americans at Chrysler and the Germans at Daimler during the bad old DCX days, there has been concern that the latest European occupation of Auburn Hills could lead to similar friction. Granted, Fiat is not Mercedes-Benz, but Italian sensibilities can be quite dissimilar from those of most Detroiters.

So count us doubly impressed to happen upon this video, featuring an Alfa Romeo Giulietta "playing hockey." Never mind that it was Alfa's U.K. group that put together this amusing video to highlight the Giulietta's All Weather traction mode. We'd like to think that somebody from Hockeytown weighed in with some encouragement for the idea.

In fact, now that we think about it, maybe this whole hockey-playing-car thing could be the next extension of Chrysler's "Imported from Detroit" campaign. The new Dodge Dart is all Giulietta underneath, and the Chrysler 300 SRT8 would make one heck of a goon...

Click past the jump to see the Alfa on ice.

Continue reading Watch this Alfa Romeo Giulietta play ice hockey

Watch this Alfa Romeo Giulietta play ice hockey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati orders up special batch of Alfa Giuliettas for dealer loaner vehicles

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Luxury

There's strength in numbers, particularly for a producer of high-end exotic automobiles. For a brand like Maserati, being linked to the Fiat Group not only means that it can offset its carbon emissions across a broader range of cars - something like the two-cylinder Fiat 500 TwinAir balancing out the GranTurismo MC Stradale - but also gives the company's dealer network a ready fleet of more affordable loaner cars at their disposal.

A couple years ago, Alfa Romeo and Maserati - which had just recently been realigned under common leadership - announced a special edition MiTo that had been made specially for Maserati dealers in Europe. Now they've followed up with the slightly larger and more powerful Giulietta.

The Maserati edition Giulietta starts out with the 235-horsepower turbo four from the top-of-the-line Quadrifoglio Verde (green cloverleaf) model, and further distinguishes itself with the same brown leather you'd expect to find in a Maserati, plus special 18-inch wheels, red brake calipers and special badges inside and out.

In other words, a suitable loaner to receive upon dropping off your Quattroporte for its regular servicing. And if the Ferrari edition Fiat 500 was anything to go by, Alfa dealers could be find themselves fielding referrals from their Maserati counterparts with eager customers waiting to place orders of their own.

Continue reading Maserati orders up special batch of Alfa Giuliettas for dealer loaner vehicles

Maserati orders up special batch of Alfa Giuliettas for dealer loaner vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Dodge Dart aims for center of compact sedan segment

Zach Bowman — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Chrysler, Dodge

Don't call it a Hornet. Dodge has released a slew of shadowy teasers for its new compact sedan, the 2013 Dodge Dart. The company is planning a slow reveal, with snippets of the four-door's exterior and interior trickling out between now and the vehicle's full unveil at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Specifics are still murky at the moment, though we do know Dodge will grace the 2013 Dart with a variety of engine options, including a turbocharged version of the 1.4-liter four-cylinder Multiair engine found in the Fiat 500. If the Fiat 500 Abarth is any indication, that means we're looking at somewhere around 160 horsepower.

The 2013 Dodge Dart makes use of the same bones as the beautiful Alfa Romeo Giulietta, though the chassis has been both stretched and widened to accommodate the wider britches of American buyers. Chrysler says that a full 68 percent of the vehicle's architecture is comprised of high-strength steel, which means the 2013 Dart should retain much of the rigidity that's made the Giulietta a favorite among buyers and critics alike in the EU.

We're plenty excited to get our hands on the 2013 Dodge Dart to see how it stacks up against the likes of the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra among other winners in the segment. Hit the jump for the full press release and then mosey on over to the car's official teaser site.

Continue reading 2013 Dodge Dart aims for center of compact sedan segment

2013 Dodge Dart aims for center of compact sedan segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Caliber's Alfa Romeo-based replacement spotted wearing crosshairs

Zach Bowman — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Dodge, Fiat

When we first caught wind of the Fiat intention to get cozy with Chrysler, our first thoughts leapt to the slew of sexy Italian compacts that could conceivably make their way to the states. Of all the hardware that could potentially be Americanized, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta was the one hatch that had our loins stirring the most. Now our elite squad of spy photographers have nabbed a few photos of a four-door version of the hatch wearing a split crosshair grille. From the looks of things, these are full-production spec prototypes out for desert testing. The whispers kicking around the web lead us to believe that the car will be called the Hornet and should lock horns nicely with metal like the Ford Focus.

To say that we can't wait to usher the Caliber out the door is an understatement. Given that the compact segment has grown into a fiercely competitive slice of the market, Dodge needs hardware that can perform on style, efficiency and economy. Here's hoping the Hornet is up to the task.

While the vehicle in the image above was originally photographed with matte black vinyl covering its flanks, we've colorized the sheet metal to give us a better idea of what to expect from the sedan version of the car.

Dodge Caliber's Alfa Romeo-based replacement spotted wearing crosshairs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Novitec does its thing with the Alfa Giulietta

Noah Joseph — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST

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

Though you might not know it today, there was a time when Alfa Romeo challenged Ferrari on the race track. In fact Alfa was taking trophies and titles long before the horse ever pranced - that's where Enzo got his start, after all. But these days, now that they're sister companies, Ferrari makes the supercars and races for top honors while Alfa Romeo makes hatchbacks. If that just don't seem right to you, there are some engineers at Novitec who apparently feel the same way. And they've done something about it.

The German tuning house may be best known for tuning Ferraris, but it's also got a wealth of experience with Alfas, and have this time turned their attention to the Giulietta - the five-door hatch that's priced like a Golf but feels more like an A3.

Starting in the engine bay, Novitec has tweaked with the full range of gasoline and diesel engines available in the Giulietta to squeeze out an extra 15-30 horsepower, depending on the model. The top-spec turbo engine, for example, gets an extra 26 hp over stock for a full 261 hp - good enough, Novitec says, for a 6.5-second sprint to 62 miles per hour. Which may not be in the same league as a Ferrari, but then it won't cost you nearly as much to buy and own, either.

The package also encompasses stainless steel mufflers, a range of alloys from 18 to 20 inches, adjustable coil-over suspension and a comprehensive body kit. You can scope out the full details in the press release after the jump, or better yet, take a walk through the high-resolution image gallery.

Continue reading Novitec does its thing with the Alfa Giulietta

Novitec does its thing with the Alfa Giulietta originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni debuts in Bologna

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:27:00 EST

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

Alfa Romeo Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni - Click above for high-res image gallery

Think of Alfa Romeo and the color you'll likely be picturing is red. But a custom version of the Giulietta unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show has gone a decidedly greener route.

Outfitted by Italian rubber company Marangoni and fashion house Conte of Florence, the Giulietta G430 iMove is based on the Giuletta 1750 Quadrifoglio Verde and distinguished by special green tires riding on 19-inch Barracuda Karizzma alloys. But that's only the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to the modifications carried out on the special Giulietta.

A Ragazzon stainless steel exhaust system boosts output up to 232 horsepower, while a Tarox braking system, KW suspension and custom aero kit also factor in to the program, along with a golf-themed leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber interior by Conte of Florence. There's even a Segway scooter mounted in the back, and you can get all the details about the show car in the press release after the jump and view it in detail in the high-resolution image mega-gallery below.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni

[Source: Maragoni]

Continue reading Alfa Romeo Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni debuts in Bologna

Alfa Romeo Giulietta G430 iMove Marangoni debuts in Bologna originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Fiat to build Jeeps in Italy

Dan Roth — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:01:00 EST

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

It's beginning to look like Fiat's plan for Chrysler includes heavier use of the C-EVO platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. There's already going to be a Dodge based off the C-EVO, and Fiat has just laid out plans to build a new Jeep model on the platform at the company's Mirafiori plant in Italy. The Jeep model will share the production line with Alfa models, and Fiat is trying to get the work rules tweaked to help support the 280,000 vehicle per year volume. The Detroit News reports that Italian unions are pleased with the plan that bumps volume by about 100,000 cars versus 2009 output.

Most of the Italian-built Jeeps will be exported, mainly to the United States. Engines and transmissions will come from Chrysler's U.S. operations, at least for vehicles headed here. Fiat and Chrysler are sharing plants and volume with apparent ease, with a planned Maserati SUV coming out of Detroit's Jefferson North plant and sharing much with the excellent Jeep Grand Cherokee. A mid-size Fiat SUV is also expected to use the Dodge Journey as a canvas; all moves that underscore how stingy things were under Daimler.

[Source: The Detroit News I Photo: Fiat]

Report: Fiat to build Jeeps in Italy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European jurists announce seven finalists for 2011 Car of the Year

Noah Joseph — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Ford, Nissan, Volvo, Renault, Opel, Citroën, Vauxhall, Alfa Romeo

While it may seem like every magazine worth its bar-code is clamoring to select its own Car of the Year, over in Europe things are a bit more civilized. Seven publications from seven different countries get together each year to nominate their collective Car of the Year, speaking in one united voice.

The process takes place over the course of months. First comes the nominees, then the finalists and ultimately the solitary winner. The super best-friends have just arrived at that middle step, announcing the finalists for 2011, and as in years past, it's heavily loaded with European vehicles, but the list is not without its novelty.

The finalists came down to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Citroën C3/DS3, Renault/Dacia Duster, Ford C-Max/Grand C-Max, Nissan Leaf, Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and Volvo S60/V60. The Alfa's nomination comes exactly a decade after its predecessor, the 147, took the award upon its launch. The Leaf represents the first time an electric vehicle has made it this far in the selection process. And the budget Dacia's selection is of course highly symbolic of the economic climate from which most of the world is only beginning to recuperate. The winner will be announced on November 29, so stay tuned.

[Source: Car of the Year]

European jurists announce seven finalists for 2011 Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo unveils "We Are Giulietta" photo-mosaic

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Alfa Romeo, UK

Alfa Romeo "We Are Giulietta" photo mosaic - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in April we reported on plans for Alfa Romeo to celebrate its centenary by compiling images from the marque's history into the form of a Giulietta, the Italian automaker's latest model. At the time we didn't know if the photos would be adorning an actual Giulietta or made into a two-dimensional photo-mosaic, but now we have our answer.

The mosaic was specially commissioned from thousands of photos of Alfa Romeos past and present. Most of the photos were submitted by Alfa owners, joined by images from Alfa Romeo's own archives including the 1950 Alfa Romeo 158 that won the first grand prix in the post-war F1 World Championship and the Duetto convertible from The Graduate.

The piece, called "We Are Giulietta" (whatever that means) is being displayed in billboard form in London's swanky Chelsea district, as well as at art galleries across the UK. Official announcement in the press release after the jump, photos of the photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: "We Are Giulietta" photo mosaic

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Continue reading Alfa Romeo unveils "We Are Giulietta" photo-mosaic

Alfa Romeo unveils "We Are Giulietta" photo-mosaic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Dodge version of Alfa Giulietta coming for 2012

Dan Roth — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Rumormill

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

According to the latest reports, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta will serve as the basis for the Dodge Caliber's successor, and it's set to arrive in late 2011 as a 2012 model. USA Today credits Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler and Fiat, with the proclamation that some form of Giulietta will wind up as a Dodge. Considering last year's five-year plan that shows the Caliber discontinued after 2011, Chrysler will need something to fill its place in showrooms.

Refreshes will carry the venerable LX cars, and the Sebring has been transformed into the more promising 200, but those moves are mere stopgaps. Without a small car to sell against its domestic rivals, Chrysler and Dodge will be at a significant disadvantage. Fiat has expressed its desire to expand its stake in Chrysler beyond its 20 percent level, and the only way that's going to happen is if the automaker succeeds Stateside. Enthusiasts have looked longingly across the Atlantic at the Giulietta, and if the car connects as well with the public at large and carries the right blend of quality and verve, it could be a boon for Chrysler.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

[Source: USA Today]

Report: Dodge version of Alfa Giulietta coming for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Alfa Romeo planning Giulietta Sprint coupe?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Alfa Romeo, Rumormill

Connoisseurs of historic Alfa Romeos - which seem to be coming out of the woodwork now that the firm is celebrating its 100th anniversary - will recall that the original Giulietta came in a number of variants. A hatchback like the reincarnated model wasn't one of them, however.

The first of the Giuliettas was actually the Sprint, a two-door coupe that debuted in 1954. The sedan and Spider convertible (like the one we drove in Montreal) came along later. So with the new Giulietta hatchback already hitting markets around the world, speculation is already surfacing of a revival of the Sprint in a new coupe variant.

If you're thinking a two-door Giulietta would step on its baby brother's toes, you're not far off. The Mito was envisioned as part of a two-pronged approach to replacing the old 147. But with the Alfa GT in need of replacement, a Giulietta Sprint could help Alfa capitalize on the new platform which is also set to underpin a new crossover as well.

[Source: Autoblog.it | Image: Theophiluschin.com]

Rumormill: Alfa Romeo planning Giulietta Sprint coupe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Uma, meet Alfa. Alfa, Uma.

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 17 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, Celebrities

If you're wondering what you should be looking at in the above pic, you really can't go wrong: one is the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the other is Uma Thurman. Lady T will be the star talent in the Italian commercial campaign for Alfa's latest, based around the car being perfectly suited to every one of her five multiple personalities. If there's anything wrong with this arrangement it's that the Italians get Uma and the Giulietta while we get cats and Caravans. The television spots being airing May 16.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Uma, meet Alfa. Alfa, Uma. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Giulietta sets the pace at Monza as Superbike safety car

Noah Joseph — Tue, 11 May 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, Specialty

Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde SBK safety car - Click above for high-res image

As one of the most historic racing tracks in Italy, if not the world, Monza is inextricably intertwined with Alfa Romeo. Now those ties have been reinforced with the introduction at the circuit of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta as the safety car for the Superbike World Championship, which held its fifth round at Monza this past weekend.

The Giulietta takes over pacing duties for SBK (as the series is known in shorthand) from the MiTo, which itself had assumed the mantle from the 159. The Quadrifoglio Verde version, with its 235-horsepower, 1.7-liter turbo four, will continue its role for the eight rounds remaining in the series this season. If your Italian is up to snuff, you can read more about it in the native-tongue press release after the jump. And if not, well, we've gone ahead and translated it (thanks, Google!) for you, too.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Continue reading Alfa Giulietta sets the pace at Monza as Superbike safety car

Alfa Giulietta sets the pace at Monza as Superbike safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Your Face Here: Fiat celebrating half a million 500s with owner-inspired paint job

Zach Bowman — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, UK, Celebrities, Design/Style

Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

If the Fiat 500 does as well here in the U.S. as it has in the rest of the world, Chrysler is going to have plenty to celebrate. Fiat just announced that it has sold a staggering 500,000 500s in just three years. To mark the occasion, the company is creating a special edition, complete with fan photos incorporated into the paint. Sadly, only UK residents can submit their pictures, though Fiat says it is reserving a total of 70 percent of the car's surface for actual owners.

Alfa Romeo is rolling out a similar program to mark a special occasion of its own. The company has officially been in business for 100 years, and as such, it plans on plastering a Giulietta hatch with images from the brand's history books. Expect to see shots from The Graduate to make the cut, as well as a handful of owner-submitted pictures and celebrity photos, too.

At this point, it's not clear whether Fiat and Alfa are planning on working up some sort of photomosaic or simply slathering the cars with the photos and hoping for the best. Either way, the finished product should be something to behold. Hit the jump for the details.

Gallery: Fiat 500

[Source: Fiat via Moto Bullet]

Continue reading Your Face Here: Fiat celebrating half a million 500s with owner-inspired paint job

Your Face Here: Fiat celebrating half a million 500s with owner-inspired paint job originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo return to U.S. confirmed with big ambition, Chrysler will provide pair of CUVs

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept by Pininfarina - Click above for high-res image gallery

Italiophiles rejoice! Though the move isn't unexpected, Fiat's Sergio Marchionne has officially confirmed that the Alfa Romeo brand will make a return appearance to the United States starting in 2012.

The first vehicles that should hit American dealerships (of course, we don't yet know where the cars will be sold, but Chrysler's woefully underutilized dealer network would be a good bet...) will be the midsize Giulia, which will come in both sedan and wagon variants, along with a compact SUV built in the States using European Giullietta hatchback underpinnings.

One year later, Alfa plans to begin offering a five-door version of the beautiful MiTo hatchback in the States, which will be joined by a new Alfa Romeo Spider. Could it look something like the 2uettottanta concept from Geneva? Someone get Dustin Hoffman on the phone pronto.

Moving on to the 2014 model year, Alfa will redesign its compact Giullietta hatchback and send it to America. A second, larger SUV will show up in the same year and will be built in America using architecture borrowed from the next-gen Jeep Liberty.

There was plenty more news coming from the Fiat camp today. Stay tuned for a much more comprehensive breakdown of the Italian automaker's far-reaching plans for the next several years.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta by Pininfarina

[Source: Fiat]

Alfa Romeo return to U.S. confirmed with big ambition, Chrysler will provide pair of CUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo Giulietta hits the European market with full details, photos

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

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

Ladies and Gents, say hello to the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Then say goodbye. Because although Alfa Romeo says this car is slated to reach "all major markets," apparently that doesn't include North America.

Following its public unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show last month, Alfa has finally released full details and a whole slew of photos of the new five-door sport-hatch. And whether it makes it Stateside or not, this stands to be a pivotal, make-it or break-it product for the stoic Italian marque that celebrates its centenary this year.

Aside from this being a new Alfa - which is reason enough for many to sit up and pay attention - what you're looking at here is Italy's chief contender for the coveted Ford Focus/Volkswagen Golf segment. And quite a contender it is, from the looks of things. Follow the jump to read the how and why.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Continue reading Alfa Romeo Giulietta hits the European market with full details, photos

Alfa Romeo Giulietta hits the European market with full details, photos originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Hotter Alfa Romeo Giulietta to get dual-clutch gearbox and 235 hp

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, Rumormill

2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Coach Sergio Marchionne has asked his temperamental star player, Alfa Romeo, to raise its game. Working to help that happen, the coach hasn't stopped tinkering with the gameplan, trying to get Alfa out of another quasi-bust sales cycle. It's been said the Giulietta has will "reinstate the marque's reputation for fine handling and performance," and if it does, a properly handling sports car accessible by the masses ought to help restore Alfa's reputation and coffers.

The Giulietta given the task is one implanted with a the 1.75-liter, turbocharged TBi engine with Multiair. However, that engine currently makes 200 horsepower in the Alfa 159, but for the Giulietta application, Autocar is reporting that it will be additionally boosted to 235 horsepower. Getting that power down in a front-wheel-drive car is likely to be a trick, so plans reportedly call for the Alfao to be aided by a new electronic differential and active dampers, as well as a dual-clutch transmission.

Will all of this make a car that can truly challenge the Volkswagen Golf/GTI - or the Ford Focus family? Fiat claims the current hatch already bests those other two, not that that matters - Alfa has to actually make this spicier variant and let the customers decide which one has the chops. We will gladly admit that right now, though, it at least looks good on paper.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Photos by Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Hotter Alfa Romeo Giulietta to get dual-clutch gearbox and 235 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Alfa Romeo Giulietta stops traffic

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:39:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback

2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Romeo & Giulietta. The names go together like gin and tonic. And now, finally, after a quarter century, the star-crossed nameplate has returned. We just got our first look up close here at the Geneva Motor Show, and it's left us hoping - nay, praying - that the sumptuous new hatchback makes it Stateside.

Fortunately there's a glimmer of hope to hold on to. While Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne weighs the brand's future, the Giulietta - Italy's assault on the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, but crucially priced closer to a Golf or Focus - may very well be Alfa's last new product for the next while at least. But whether it's meant to tide us over or whet our pallets - or better yet, drive us around our daily grind - the Giulietta looks stylishly up to the task. But don't take our word for it, just ~~ask the leggy redhead swooning alongside~~ take a look in our high-res gallery of live shots from the show floor.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Geneva 2010: Alfa Romeo Giulietta stops traffic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:39:00 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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