Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Alfa Romeo Guilietta to star in Fast & Furious 6 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/alfa-romeo-guilietta-to-star-in-fast-and-furious-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/alfa-romeo-guilietta-to-star-in-fast-and-furious-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/alfa-romeo-guilietta-to-star-in-fast-and-furious-6/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingalfa romeoalfa romeo giuliettafast and furiousfast and furious 6marketingmovievideoyoutubeTue, 07 May 2013 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559021/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/alfa-romeo-guilietta-to-star-in-fast-and-furious-6/20559021/article-detail.xml 20559021 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/alfa-romeo-giulietta-fast-furious_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/alfa-romeo-giulietta-fast-furious.jpg <![CDATA[Alfa exec confirms SUV to arrive within 2-3 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/alfa-exec-confirms-suv-to-arrive-within-2-3-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/alfa-exec-confirms-suv-to-arrive-within-2-3-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/alfa-exec-confirms-suv-to-arrive-within-2-3-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Alfa Romeo Kamal

"There will certainly be an SUV in the next two or three years," said Damien Dally, head of the Alfa Romeo brand in the UK, speaking to The Telegraph. We've known for quite some time that Alfa Romeo had plans for a sport utility vehicle - the automaker has gone so far as to produce a concept of what such a machine may look like, as seen by the Kamal above.

We've even heard a few dates from Alfa Romeo about when to expect its production SUV, and so far, each of them has come and gone with nary a 'ute to be seen. Still, where there's smoke there's fire, and we really do think the Italian automaker is cooking up an SUV or two, possibly based on underpinnings borrowed from either the Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, or both - remember, both Jeep and Alfa fall under the massive Fiat umbrella held up by Sergio Marchionne.

Of course, we've been waiting for Alfa Romeo's return to the United States for what feels like an eternity, so we're not holding our breath for a flock of US-market machines anytime soon. That said, we'll keep our ears to the ground for more on any potential new Alfa SUVs or crossovers, and as soon as we know anything solid, so will you.

Alfa exec confirms SUV to arrive within 2-3 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoalfa romeo crossoveralfa romeo kamalalfa romeo suvFri, 03 May 2013 10:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556287/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/alfa-exec-confirms-suv-to-arrive-within-2-3-years/20556287/article-detail.xml 20556287 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/kamal-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/kamal-1.jpg <![CDATA[How the US market will help Alfa triple sales in three years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/how-the-us-market-will-help-alfa-triple-sales-in-three-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/how-the-us-market-will-help-alfa-triple-sales-in-three-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/how-the-us-market-will-help-alfa-triple-sales-in-three-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Alfa Romeo 4C

Automotive News Europe reports Alfa Romeo has a plan to triple its global sales by 2016, meaning the automaker will need to increase its sales to around 300,000 units in less than three years. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has set the ambitious targets for the brand, but Alfa Romeo head Louis-Carl Vignon believes the numbers are realistic, thanks in no small part to the fact that the company is headed to the US market. Right now, Alfa Romeo relies on selling its old MiTo and Giullietta in Europe - a region that continues to suffer at the hands of an extended economic downturn.

Moving forward, Alfa Romeo will have new products available in new markets outside of the EU. The brand will return to the US this year for the first time since 1995, and the company plans to be in Africa, Russia and the Middle East by 2016 as well.

The 4C will lead the brand's return to American soil, with the mid-engined sports car headed to this year's LA Auto Show for a North American debut. Shortly thereafter, the company's Giulia sedan and wagon as well as an unnamed large premium sedan will also show up on dealer lots.

How the US market will help Alfa triple sales in three years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4calfa romeoalfa romeo 4cfiatsergio marchionneThu, 11 Apr 2013 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20535244/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/11/how-the-us-market-will-help-alfa-triple-sales-in-three-years/20535244/article-detail.xml 20535244 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/alfa-romeo-4c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/alfa-romeo-4c-628.jpg <![CDATA[Audi rumored to buy Alfa Romeo, officials deny it]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C live at Geneva Motor Show reveal

For more than two years, Volkswagen has been making public statements about its willingness to buy Alfa Romeo and quadruple the Italian brand's sales, and for just as long, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has replied with some version of "Mr. Piëch, drop it." According to a report in Ward's Auto, all that jousting might be over: it claims that sources close to both Marchionne and Audi CEO Rupert Stadler admit that the two are in talks for Audi to buy not just Alfa Romeo, but a production plant in Italy. In fact, a final deal could possibly include partsmaker Magnetti Marelli.

Against that backdrop, a report by German news weekly Stern quotes a Fiat spokesmen as saying it doesn't comment on rumors and an Audi rep has said flatly that "There is no substance in the news." If a sale is being arranged, the timing would seem to point to how eager Fiat is to raise cash to complete its major initiatives. Even though Alfa Romeo continues to delay its return to the US, it just showed off the production version of the 4C at the Geneva Motor Show (shown above) and said that preferred Fiat dealerships here would get them. Then there's Alfa's recently concluded deal with Mazda to develop a roadster based on the next generation MX-5 Miata - a deal that would seem to help both the Italian and Japanese brands.

The monetary issues are troublesome, though. Fiat is taking a beating in the European market and its weak-kneed balance sheet is delaying gotta-have-it products like the Jeep Cherokee. Fiat has been talking to banks about getting money to buy the rest of Chrysler and those financial institutions have also raised issues about debt and cash reserves, and the nasty game of chess Fiat is playing with the United Auto Workers (and now the court system about the portion of Chrysler it doesn't own) could end up blowing another hole in Marchionne's plans. It is possible that this could finally have convinced Fiat to at least see how serious Audi's parent company, Volkswagen, is about buying Alfa Romeo. Or it could be just another rumor.

Beyond Alfa Romeo, the report says the deal being discussed would include the rather modern Pomigliano d'Arco plant built just for the production of Alfa Romeos. Audi's interest in Magnetti Marelli is claimed to be because the German brand wants a components maker and it would also like to establish an R&D center in Italy, where its holdings already include Lamborghini, Ducati and the styling house Italdesign-Guigiaro.

Audi rumored to buy Alfa Romeo, officials deny it originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoalfa romeo audiaudiaudi alfa romeofiatitalymagnetti marellirupert stadlersergio marchionnevolkswagenvwThu, 28 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522341/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/20522341/article-detail.xml 20522341 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alfa-romeo-4c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alfa-romeo-4c-628.jpg <![CDATA[Meet an Alfa owner unlike any other]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/meet-an-alfa-owner-unlike-any-other/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/meet-an-alfa-owner-unlike-any-other/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/meet-an-alfa-owner-unlike-any-other/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We've pretty much been digging on every Petrolicious video that we've come across thus far, but this new title, Never Enough Alfa, may be the most charming to date. In it we hear the story of Manuel Leon Minassian, and his self-proclaimed "psychotic" love of the Alfa Romeo brand.

The star of the episode is Minassian's lovely, race-prepped 1972 Alfa Romeo Berlina, which we get to hear and see on the road and driven with verve. But the interview setting of Minassian's completely bonkers warehouse/garage is, itself, worth the five minutes it will take you to watch all the way through.

Continue reading Meet an Alfa owner unlike any other

Meet an Alfa owner unlike any other originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1972 alfa romeo berlinaalfa romeopetroliciousvideoyoutubeFri, 15 Mar 2013 19:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20505754/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/15/meet-an-alfa-owner-unlike-any-other/20505754/article-detail.xml 20505754 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/1972-alfa-romeo-berlina-petrolicious-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/1972-alfa-romeo-berlina-petrolicious-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Alfa Romeo 4C is pretty, just don't look it in the eyes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/2013-alfa-romeo-4c-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/2013-alfa-romeo-4c-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/2013-alfa-romeo-4c-geneva-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Alfa Romeo 4C

Ferrari isn't the only company with a mid-engined Italian machine at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Alfa Romeo finally unveiled the 2013 4C, complete with a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mounted mid-ship. While no power figures are available at the moment, the engine is a version of the same lump that powers the Giulietta. In that application, the four-cylinder yields around 232 horsepower, though 4C buyers should expect a bit more punch. All that grunt gets shuttled to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch transmission with an unspecified number of gears. Engineers have worked to keep the two-door's weight to a minimum by using plenty of aluminum and carbon fiber.

With a carbon fiber chassis the 4C offers up a power-to-weight ratio of one horsepower for every 8.8 pounds. Though Alfa hasn't offered up a curb weight as of yet, we can extrapolate that a figure of under 2,500 pounds (probably unladen weight) is likely, which is impressive. The company has expounded on the model's various traction control modes, however, saying drivers will be able to choose between Dynamic, Natural, All Weather and Race modes. We also know the car is drop dead gorgeous so long as you can keep from looking at the decidedly awkward headlamps. Check out the press release below for more information.

Continue reading 2013 Alfa Romeo 4C is pretty, just don't look it in the eyes

2013 Alfa Romeo 4C is pretty, just don't look it in the eyes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 alfa romeo 4c4calfa romeoalfa romeo 4cgenevageneva 2013geneva motor showTue, 05 Mar 2013 13:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/2013-alfa-romeo-4c-geneva-2013/20488565/article-detail.xml 20488565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alfa-romeo-4c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alfa-romeo-4c-628.jpg <![CDATA[Touring Superleggera Disco Volante is a stunning labor of love]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/touring-superlaggera-disco-volante-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/touring-superlaggera-disco-volante-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/touring-superlaggera-disco-volante-geneva-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Touring Superleggera Disco Volante

If there's one thing Italian coachbuilders are good for, it's turning out lust-worthy pieces of machinery. Touring Superleggera pulled the sheets back on its very own effort in that category with the Disco Volante. The Alfa Romeo 8C-based creation, which was shown last year as a design study, bowed at this year's Geneva Motor Show and was inspired by none other than the 1952 Alfa Romeo C52 Disco Volante. With the Alfa 8C's 444-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 lurking under that aluminum and carbon fiber bodywork, this modern take on the classic should have no trouble hustling down your favorite Italian Alpine pass.

The sprint to 62 miles per hour will take you a slim 4.2 seconds, and the speedometer will wrap all the way to 181 mph before the bespoke coupe runs out of steam. Of course, that's once you take delivery. According to Touring Superleggera, each car will take some 4,000 man hours to complete, soaking up six months of the company's time in the process. Looks worth every second.

Continue reading Touring Superleggera Disco Volante is a stunning labor of love

Touring Superleggera Disco Volante is a stunning labor of love originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8calfa romeoalfa romeo 8cdisco volantegenevageneva 2013geneva motor showtouring superlaggeratouring superlaggera disco volanteTue, 05 Mar 2013 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488702/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/touring-superlaggera-disco-volante-geneva-2013/20488702/article-detail.xml 20488702 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/001-touring-superleggera-disco-volante628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/001-touring-superleggera-disco-volante628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Alfa Romeo shares tasty new 4C sports car pics including interior]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/alfa-romeo-shares-tasty-new-4c-sports-car-pics-including-interio/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/alfa-romeo-shares-tasty-new-4c-sports-car-pics-including-interio/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/alfa-romeo-shares-tasty-new-4c-sports-car-pics-including-interio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C interior

Alfa Romeo released most of the details on its new 4C sports coupe a couple of weeks ago, but they only included a few images to paw over. Now we're finally getting to see some more shots of the car, including our first official look at the interior. The glimpse inside the 4C shows us details we did not see in recent spy shots, details like the flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters, awesome leather-strap door pulls, heavily bolstered sport seats and copious amounts of exposed carbon fiber.

The new images don't provide a better look at the pushbutton gear selector or the digital instrument gauge cluster, but they do confirm that at least some models will use a traditional ignition key and a manual parking brake. The shots also give us some new exterior angles from which to admire this clean shape. Of course, we only have to wait until next week's Geneva Motor Show to see the 4C in person, so sit tight, we'll shortly bring you plenty of detailed shots of this exciting new coupe.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo shares tasty new 4C sports car pics including interior

Alfa Romeo shares tasty new 4C sports car pics including interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 alfa romeo 4c4calfaalfa romeogenevageneva 2013geneva motor showMon, 25 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20476176/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/alfa-romeo-shares-tasty-new-4c-sports-car-pics-including-interio/20476176/article-detail.xml 20476176 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-alfa-romeo-4c-interior_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-alfa-romeo-4c-interior.jpg <![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 4C will hit top-selling Fiat dealerships first]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/alfa-romeo-4c-will-hit-top-selling-fiat-dealerships-first/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/alfa-romeo-4c-will-hit-top-selling-fiat-dealerships-first/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/alfa-romeo-4c-will-hit-top-selling-fiat-dealerships-first/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When Alfa Romeo makes its triumphant return to the US with the all-new 4C by the end of this year, it appears that some customers could have a hard time getting their hands on one of these sporty little coupes. Automotive News is reporting that not all Fiat dealers will be getting Alfa Romeo franchises, and that allocations of the 4C, at least initially, will be limited to the best-performing dealers.

Fiat plans to ship only 1,000 4C models to the US each year, but it isn't clear how many Fiat dealers will actually sell Alfa Romeos and which will be the first to sell the 4C. Currently, there are 202 Fiat dealers in the US, and that number is expected to increase to 220 by October. A previous stipulation for Fiat dealers to sell the Alfa Romeo brand was the mandatory inclusion of an attached service department, but this requirement is being pushed back until more Alfa Romeo models are on sale in the US, which should happen in 2015.

Alfa Romeo 4C will hit top-selling Fiat dealerships first originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 alfa romeo 4c4calfa romeoalfa romeo in the usThu, 21 Feb 2013 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20467133/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/21/alfa-romeo-4c-will-hit-top-selling-fiat-dealerships-first/20467133/article-detail.xml 20467133 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-alfa-romeo-4c-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2014-alfa-romeo-4c-628.jpg <![CDATA[Alfa Romeo and IED ready Gloria concept for Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/alfa-romeo-and-ied-ready-gloria-concept-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/alfa-romeo-and-ied-ready-gloria-concept-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/alfa-romeo-and-ied-ready-gloria-concept-for-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Alfa Romeo IED Gloria concept - front three-quarter view

It just wouldn't be right for the Geneva Motor Show not to be stocked with exotic concept cars, so this new one from Alfa Romeo and design studio IED should fit right in. Known as the Gloria Concept, the sleek four-door is the result of twenty Master in Transportation Design students at IED, with guidance from Alfa's own Style Center.

Purely a design exercise, the Gloria Concept carries strong historical Alfa Romeo styling cues, neatly packaged within a slick, athletic body shape. The Italian company's traditional shield-shaped grille has been set prominently apart from the rest of the front end, and the leather straps near the windscreen are mean to evoke "memorable leather straps for the luggage compartments of the brand's historic cars." While chances are good that no actual engine will live under that shapely bonnet come show time, the designers have supposedly made room for a turbocharged V6 or V8 of some capacity.

We anticipate that the taut, curvaceous surfacing will look even more impressive in person, when we report in from the Geneva show next month. Until then, you can click on the image above for an expanded view of the Gloria Concept, or follow on below to browse the Alfa press release.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo and IED ready Gloria concept for Geneva

Alfa Romeo and IED ready Gloria concept for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just a day after we got our first good look inside the cockpit of the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C, the slinky coupe that will bring the Alfa brand back to the US, the Italian company has given us a few images and a lot of information about the model. And boy, do we mean "model."

The 4C can trace its lineage and its name back to some of the great racing Alfa Romeos of old. Representing "Four Cylinders," the 4C moniker harkens to the legendary 8C and 6C from the 1930s and 1940s. The "4" in this case is shorthand for the company's 1.75-liter turbocharged four, and engine that is currently used in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, good for about 232 horsepower in that application. We're told that the 4C will also use the company's "TCT automatic" dual-clutch transmission - the press release doesn't make mention of a number of ratios, but in the Giulietta the TCT is a six-speed affair, so that's a great guess.

As we speculated after seeing the selector switch yesterday, the 4C will debut Alfa Romeo's newest "DNA selector," which will allow for a variety of driving modalities. Dynamic, Natural, All Weather and the new and very promising Race modes will be available, most likely adjusting the response of the engine, brakes, steering effort and shift programming.

Of course, anyone that has proved susceptible to the charms of Alfa Romeo styling in the past, won't be safe around this lovely, compact coupe. We see a lot of the Lotus Elise in the greenhouse of the car, surrounded by flowing, unctuous bodylines from stem to stern. Your friendly Autoblog editors haven't gotten an invitation to drive the 4C yet, but this writer would like to take a moment to formally call "dibs."

Expect a lot more about the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C when we see the car in the metal at its Geneva debut, next month. Until then, look closely at the gallery of images and peruse the press release below.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo 4C appears uncovered before Geneva debut

Alfa Romeo 4C appears uncovered before Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 alfa romeo 4c4calfa romeogeneva motor showTue, 12 Feb 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20458109/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/12/alfa-romeo-4c-appears-uncovered-before-geneva-debut/20458109/article-detail.xml 20458109 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/alfa-romeo-4c-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/alfa-romeo-4c-opt.png <![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 4C spy shots reveal production interior]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/alfa-romeo-4c-spy-shots-reveal-production-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/alfa-romeo-4c-spy-shots-reveal-production-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/alfa-romeo-4c-spy-shots-reveal-production-interior/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Alfa Romeo 4C front three-quarter spy shot

In advance of the Alfa Romeo 4C going on sale in the US for the 2014 model year, it looks like engineers are getting some time with the coupe on American soil. This new set of spy photographs was captured on Michigan roads and it happens to give us our best look yet at the Alfa's interior.

Alfa Romeo 4C interior spy shotThe driver may have been trying to block the lens of our intrepid shooter, but we still come away from these spy shots with some interesting information about the 4C. The prototype utilizes a pushbutton transmission, with no gear lever at all. A button labeled "A/M" would seem to indicate both an automatic and a manual mode, which would lead us to believe that paddle shifters are hiding behind the steering wheel. That same center console has a large metal switch which looks like it could be used to toggle between drive modes, too. The hazard-light button, window controls and side-view mirror controls all get premium real estate on the center console, too.

The gauge cluster in this 4C is completely digital, and seems very much like other reconfigurable units we've seen from Jaguar, Cadillac and others. As configured for these images, the display shows a prominent tachometer with a 6,500 rpm redline and a numeral readout for speed in the center. Again, we'd expect that all or part of this screen could be adjusted to suit an owner's preferences.

Finally, the in-cabin shots reveal a rather interesting mix of high and low-tech stuff. In addition to the modal ride control (probably) and fancy display, we spy what appears to be a pretty standard head unit for the media controls (likely no navigation in this example), a traditional key in the ignition, a standard manual hand brake, and a general theme of simplicity throughout. While we've no doubt that the Alfa sports car will offer more goodies than we're seeing in these photos, this test car does make us hopeful for a de-contented, basic version with, presumably, a more reasonable starting price.

Alfa Romeo 4C spy shots reveal production interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 alfa romeo 4c4calfaalfa romeoalfa romeo 4c interiorspy photosspy shotsMon, 11 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20456356/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/11/alfa-romeo-4c-spy-shots-reveal-production-interior/20456356/article-detail.xml 20456356 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/alfa-romeo-4c-spy-shots-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/alfa-romeo-4c-spy-shots-628.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat to build Maserati SUV in Turin, Alfa Romeo version possible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/fiat-to-build-maserati-suv-in-turin-alfa-romeo-version-possible/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/fiat-to-build-maserati-suv-in-turin-alfa-romeo-version-possible/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/fiat-to-build-maserati-suv-in-turin-alfa-romeo-version-possible/#commentsMaserati Kubang Concept live at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

Automotive News Europe reports Fiat will build its new Maserati Levante SUV in Turin, Italy. CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed in an interview that the luxury utility will be manufactured at Fiat's flagship plant, and that the Mirafiori facility may build an Alfa Romeo SUV variant as well. Reports as far back as 2011 originally suggested the Italian-branded luxury SUV would be built in Detroit alongside its Jeep Grand Cherokee relative. Marchionne now says Fiat will construct both Maserati and Alfa Romeo vehicles in Turin, but has thus far declined to comment on exactly which models will be manufactured at the plant.

Right now, the factory is only running a few days per month, but Fiat has committed to investing around $1.63 billion to relaunch Maserati, and a fair slice of those funds could go toward revamping the Turin plant. Marchionne also made it clear that the Chrysler dealer network in the US will play a large role in the future success of the Alfa Romeo brand.

Set to bow in 2014 and hit dealers by 2015, the Maserati Levante is expected to take cues from the brand's 2011 Kubang concept shown above. As the Trident's first SUV, the Levante is expected to compete directly with the Porsche Cayenne and Land Rover Range Rover.

Fiat to build Maserati SUV in Turin, Alfa Romeo version possible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoalfa romeo suvkubanglevantemaseratimaserati suvsergio marchionneturinMon, 04 Feb 2013 15:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20447801/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/04/fiat-to-build-maserati-suv-in-turin-alfa-romeo-version-possible/20447801/article-detail.xml 20447801 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/maseratikubang19-1315926298_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/maseratikubang19-1315926298.jpg <![CDATA[Alfa Romeo introduces us to the art of "undertaking"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/alfa-romeo-challenges-superbike-to-see-whos-best-on-two-wheels/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/alfa-romeo-challenges-superbike-to-see-whos-best-on-two-wheels/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/alfa-romeo-challenges-superbike-to-see-whos-best-on-two-wheels/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



As the official safety car of the World Superbike motorcycle racing series, it's a little odd that Alfa Romeo decided to publicize its Mito SBK by performing what appears to be a rather dangerous stunt. Odd... but awesome.

Officially known as the limited edition Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde SBK, the four-wheeler was driven by professional stunt driver Paul Swift at the Silverstone Circuit in Britain. Joining Swift was Chris "The Stalker" Walker on his Kawasaki Ninja, the two-wheeler that normally sees duty in the British Superbike class.

Despite being an even two minutes long, the entire video really only consists of this single stunt. At least it's one really good stunt. See for yourself by watching the video down below.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo introduces us to the art of "undertaking"

Alfa Romeo introduces us to the art of "undertaking" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeochris walkerdriving stuntmitomito sbkmotorcycle stuntpaul swiftsilverstonestuntvideoworld superbikeThu, 31 Jan 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20444800/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/31/alfa-romeo-challenges-superbike-to-see-whos-best-on-two-wheels/20444800/article-detail.xml 20444800 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/screen-shot-2013-01-31-at-2.22-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/screen-shot-2013-01-31-at-2.22-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Alfa Romeo 4C spied in the sun]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/alfa-romeo-4c-spied-in-the-sun/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/alfa-romeo-4c-spied-in-the-sun/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/alfa-romeo-4c-spied-in-the-sun/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's been almost two years since we first saw the 2011 Alfa Romeo 4C Concept, but the sporty coupe looks like it's getting its final touches before going on sale - including in the US - at some point this year. Judging by these spy shots, the production 2014 4C will retain many of the concept's styling cues, although we can also spot a few changes.

While the prototype seen here is still wearing heavy camouflage at the front and rear, we do see that the sides of the 4C have received some significant changes. For starters, the doors are much smaller, cutting into the side vents less, and there are also visible handles and production-look side mirrors. As promised by the teaser image released last year, the coupe will continue to ride on the unique circle-spoke wheels.

The return of Alfa Romeo to the US market has encountered a few delays over the last couple years, but it sounds like the 4C could be the first of six new Alfa Romeo products on our shores by 2016.

Alfa Romeo 4C spied in the sun originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 alfa romeo 4c4calfa romeoalfa romeo spy photosspy photosspy shotsThu, 31 Jan 2013 11:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20443817/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/31/alfa-romeo-4c-spied-in-the-sun/20443817/article-detail.xml 20443817 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/alfa-romeo-4c-spy-shots_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/alfa-romeo-4c-spy-shots.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler earns $1.7B in 2012, revises product plans for US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/chrysler-earns-1-7b-in-2012-revises-product-plans-for-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/chrysler-earns-1-7b-in-2012-revises-product-plans-for-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/chrysler-earns-1-7b-in-2012-revises-product-plans-for-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Hot on the heels of Ford's earnings announcement for the year that was, Chrysler today reported a 2012 net income of $1.7 billion, up substantially from the comparatively minuscule $183 million profit earned in 2011 when it repaid its US government loans.

Chrysler's good year ended with an excellent fourth quarter that saw net income rise 68 percent from $225 million in 2011 to $378 million. Where are all those extra earnings coming from? Market share, which Chrysler saw increase to 11.4% last year on sales of 1.65 million vehicles. In fact, the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker out-paced the industry's market growth of 13 percent last year with sales up 21 percent for the year.

The company also revealed an updated product plan for its Chrysler Group and Fiat brands that looks all the way out to 2016. It's an updated version of the plan introduced in 2009 shortly after Fiat took control of the American automaker, and includes such new additions as an Alfa Romeo model, likely the 4C, to be introduced in the US this year, as well five more Alfa models by 2016. Likewise, Fiat will be growing by an additional seven models in the coming few years.

As for the Chrysler Group's brands, many new models and refreshes are being delayed a year or two, including a Ram-badged version of the Fiat's small commercial van, a small Fiat-built Jeep and the return of the seven-seat Grand Wagoneer. A number of vehicles from Dodge, however, are getting surprise refreshes this year and next, and the new Viper looks scheduled for an update in 2015.

Continue reading Chrysler earns $1.7B in 2012, revises product plans for US

Chrysler earns $1.7B in 2012, revises product plans for US originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 earnings4calfa romeochryslerdodgefiatjeepproduct plansprofitramsrtWed, 30 Jan 2013 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20443206/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/30/chrysler-earns-1-7b-in-2012-revises-product-plans-for-us/20443206/article-detail.xml 20443206 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gyi0057647924-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gyi0057647924-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #317]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota thinks of beefing up US production, Marchionne on Alfa, Dart and minivans, Ford Atlas concept, Honda Gear concept autoblog podcast logo

Episode #317 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Jeff Ross and Michael Harley bookend the other podcast topics with a pair from the Montreal Auto Show, the Mitsubishi Mirage and Honda Gear concept, and in between we talk about Toyota building all its US-market cars stateside, Hyundai building a Nurburgring test facility, Sergio Marchionne's latest words about Alfa Romeo, Dodge Dart powertrains and the future of Chrysler vans. Some chatter about the Ford Atlas concept finishes up the meat of the 'cast and then we wrap with your questions. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #317:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Volvo C30
2013 Dodge Journey
2013 Nissan Altima

Hosts: Dan Roth, Jeff Ross, Michael Harley


Runtime: 01:50:11

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #317

Autoblog Podcast #317 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoaltimaatlasautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 317c30dartdodgefeaturedfordford atlas conceptgearhondahonda gear concepthyundaihyundai nurburgringjourneynissannurburgringpodcastpodcast 317toyotavolvoWed, 23 Jan 2013 17:50:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #317Autoblog01:25:37 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20437004/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/autoblog-podcast-317/20437004/article-detail.xml 20437004 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #317 LIVE!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-317-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-317-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-317-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We record Autoblog Podcast #317 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #317
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #317 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoatlasautoblog podcast 317autoblog podcast topicsdartdodgefordgearhondahyundaihyundai nurburgringmiragemitsubishimontreal auto shownurburgringpodcast 317podcast 317 topicspodcast topicstoyotatoyota factoriesTue, 22 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20434872/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/22/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-317-live/20434872/article-detail.xml 20434872 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne on Alfa's US return, Dodge Dart's powertrain weakness and minivan plans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chrysler/Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne at Chrysler press conference

As a reporter covering an auto show, the one opportunity you never want to miss is going to the Sergio Marchionne press briefing.

"This undertaking to bring Alfa back is a one-shot deal... We are not going to do this twice."

There just aren't that many real characters left in the auto industry. Marchionne, who sits atop both Chrysler and Fiat, is not only one of the smartest execs in the business, but also the most frank. Herein, a sample of the quotable always-sweatered executive:

A controversial remark on the return of Alfa Romeo to the United States:

"This undertaking to bring Alfa back is a one-shot deal... We are not going to do this twice... Alfas must have 'wop' engines... and we don't have the powertrains worked out just yet.. we won't put any Chrysler engines in Alfas, or Maseratis."

The production Alfa Romeo 4C sports car, which may be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, is not ready for a US launch, Marchionne said earlier this week at the Detroit Auto Show. But then, on January 18 at the INforum breakfast in Detroit, Marchionne reportedly reversed course and said the 4C will be ready for US dealers by the end of this year. Given how many delays have been suffered in Alfa's return plans, we'll file this under "wait and see."

Continue reading Marchionne on Alfa's US return, Dodge Dart's powertrain weakness and minivan plans

Marchionne on Alfa's US return, Dodge Dart's powertrain weakness and minivan plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dodge dart2014 alfa romeo 4c4calfa romeochryslerdart gtdodgefiatgrand caravanminivanssergio marchionnetown countrytown and countryFri, 18 Jan 2013 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20429611/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/18/marchionne-on-alfas-us-return-dodge-darts-powertrain-weakness/20429611/article-detail.xml 20429611 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/sergio-marchionne-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/sergio-marchionne-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/mazda-and-fiat-finalize-deal-for-alfa-roadster-next-gen-mx-5-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/mazda-and-fiat-finalize-deal-for-alfa-roadster-next-gen-mx-5-mi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/mazda-and-fiat-finalize-deal-for-alfa-roadster-next-gen-mx-5-mi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mazda and Alfa Romeo logos

Although a little bit later than expected, Mazda and Fiat have signed a final agreement that will bring a next-generation MX-5 Miata to the Japanese automaker and a new roadster to Alfa Romeo. When the proposed arrangement was announced back in May, the two automakers had hoped to seal the deal last year, but it doesn't appear that the production timeline for these cars has slipped any, with both expected to start rolling off assembly lines in 2015.

Other than a shared chassis with a rear-wheel-drive layout, it sounds like the two cars are still planned to be distinct in their own ways from their styling right down to their engines. Mazda will produce both cars at a plant in Hiroshima, Japan, but it isn't clear what role each automaker will play in the cars' developmental process. The big question, of course, is what clever portmanteau name we can come up with, like Toyobaru. Mazda Romeo is the easy choice, but Alfazda might roll off the tongue a little better.

Scroll down for a brief press release from both automakers.

Continue reading Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeofiatmazdamazda fiat joint venturemx-5 miataFri, 18 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20432813/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/18/mazda-and-fiat-finalize-deal-for-alfa-roadster-next-gen-mx-5-mi/20432813/article-detail.xml 20432813 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mazda-alfa-romeo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mazda-alfa-romeo.jpg -1 2