Autoblog

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

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST

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

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.

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Alfa Romeo 4C spy shots reveal production interior

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Alfa Romeo, Luxury

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.

The 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.

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Alfa Romeo 4C to spawn convertible version

Zach Bowman — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Alfa Romeo

Autocar reports that Alfa Romeo may be mulling the creation of a convertible version of the upcoming 4C Coupe. The Italian automaker has already made it clear that the hardtop will bow as a mid-engine bruiser with a 0-60 sprint of around 4.5 seconds. Alfa hopes the 4C will give potential Porsche 911 buyers something else to consider when it comes time to plunk down cash on a new sports car. Keeping weight down is the first priority in the car's development, and engineers are aiming for a curb weight of under 2,000 pounds.

Alfa Romeo handed over early development to Dallara, the company behind carbon fiber components found in the likes of the Alfa Romeo 8C, Bugatti Veyron and the KTM X-Bow, but has since brought the party in-house. Now, Autocar says its sources have confirmed the 4C will spawn a drophead version. Don't think anything is set in stone just yet, however. The hardtop 4C is at least a year out from production, which means the convertible won't see the light of day until 2014 at the earliest. Even so, if Alfa Romeo is serious about giving the 911 a run for its money, the 4C will need a convertible variant.

Alfa Romeo 4C to spawn convertible version originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo running ahead of schedule on 4C development

Noah Joseph — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo

Considering how long we've been anticipating the return of Alfa Romeo to North America , we can hardly be blamed for growing tired of the endless reports of its further delay. This, however, arrives as a welcome surprise.

The marque's arrival here was originally supposed to be spearheaded by the 8C Competizione, but that sumptuous model came and went, and we're back to an Alfa-free market. Later re-strategization put the upcoming 4C in the same position, establishing a beachhead for the arrival of a broader (read: more accessible and versatile) range of Alfa models. Now an Autocar report suggests the 4C may be ready earlier than expected.

The carbon-intensive, mid-engined sports car made its debut in concept form at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and was expected to bow in production trim at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, but is now tipped to debut in about a year from now (next summer) - a good half-year ahead of schedule.

Word has it that the 4C will also be produced at two sites, meaning that the North American version (if it's any different from the European car) could be assembled locally.

Alfa Romeo running ahead of schedule on 4C development originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ugur Sahin is back with an interesting Alfa Romeo concept [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo, Design/Style

Some automotive designers pop up on our radar screens more often than others, but Ugur Sahin is one whose designs we look forward to receiving. The Turkish designer has dreamt up conceptual Ferraris and Aston Martins, and one of his projects - the Soleil Anadi - is actually heading into production, however limited. Now he's come back with a new Alfa Romeo project.

Called the 12C GTS, the design envisions a twelve-cylinder front-engined supercar - not likely to get picked up for production by Alfa, in this form anyway, as it would encroach on sister-brand Ferrari's territory even more than the 8C Competizione did. But a man can dream, can't he? And dream Sahin has. In fact he's looking for investors to fund its production.

We'll let the work speak for itself in the high-res image gallery above and the video below, but we will tell you it has our interest levels suitably piqued around the virtual Autoblog watercooler.

Continue reading Ugur Sahin is back with an interesting Alfa Romeo concept [w/video]

Ugur Sahin is back with an interesting Alfa Romeo concept [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo takes top honors at Villa d'Este

Noah Joseph — Tue, 29 May 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Misc. Auto Shows, Alfa Romeo, Design/Style

BMW may be the sponsor of this year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, but it was Alfa Romeo that cleaned up when the awards were handed out over the weekend. Top honors went to a pristine 1933 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 GS with coachwork by Figoni. The Series XI coupe that could easily be mistaken for a Bugatti of the same era was initially shown at the Paris Auto Salon in 1933 and has gone on to appear at numerous concours around the world. At Villa d'Este, it won not only the Best of Show awards - both those selected by the jury and voted on by the public - but also the prestigious Coppa d'Oro (Gold Cup).

The classic 6C wasn't the only Alfa to take top honors on Italy's Lake Como, however, as the 4C concept - first shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and again at the Frankfurt Motor Show that year - won in the concept car category. The public voted it the finest prototype displayed at the concours this year, overshadowing the Aston Martin AM 310 concept and BMW's own Zagato Coupe, both of which were new debuts at the lakeside exposition. Check out the high-resolution images from the show in the gallery above and the pair of press releases below.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo takes top honors at Villa d'Este

Alfa Romeo takes top honors at Villa d'Este originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo 4C speeds into production with £45,000 price tag [UPDATE]

Noah Joseph — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo

Imagine your dream car. What might it include? Lightweight carbon-fiber construction, high-tech engine behind the seats, legendary Italian badge on the nose.... The thing is, that usually means a big fat price tag that runs well into the six figures, if not seven. But while this latest Italian sports car is set to include all those ingredients, its price point is set decidedly lower.

We're talking about the Alfa Romeo 4C, the nimble-looking little number that debuted in delicious matte red at the Geneva show last year, and in liquid-metal finish in Frankfurt just a few months ago. Rumors have been circulating of its imminent production ever since its debut, but now the blokes over at Top Gear say that have the final details on good authority.

According to the report, Fiat has crunched the numbers and figured out how it can produce the 4C while neither breaking the bank nor spoiling the formula. And so the supercar is set to begin testing in the new year and hit the market in the next. And the price? £45,000, according to TG, which equates to about $70K at today's exchange rates. To put that into perspective, consider that is the same starting price in the British market as the Porsche Cayman S - a model which starts here at $62K. UPDATE: Autocar now reports that the 45,000 figure is actually in Euros, not in British Pounds, which would price the 4C below the base Boxster, not the top Cayman.

The Cayman is an ambitious target, but the 4C promises to be both smaller and lighter. A new direct-injection turbo four will drive 230 horsepower to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch gearbox for a 4.5-second sprint to sixty, but is tipped to yield more powerful versions with as much as 300hp on tap and even a roadster version later on.

That last bit promises to be easier to pull off thanks to the carbon-fiber tub - engineered by Dallara - to which aluminum sub-frames will be attached front and rear. The Italian chassis constructor is best known for its racing cars, but also developed the KTM X-Bow, which could in and of itself give us the best idea of what to expect if and when the 4C assumes the place originally reserved for the 8C Competizione in finally heralding Alfa's return to the North American market.

Alfa Romeo 4C speeds into production with £45,000 price tag [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Romeo Ferraris and Autodelta team up for a supercharged goodbye to the Alfa Romeo Brera

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:01:00 EST

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

We've seen Romeo Ferraris tune all manner of vehicles, but oddly none from the automaker with which it shares the first part of its name. That's all changing, but not with a current Alfa Romeo model. For their latest project, RF has turned its attention to the recently discontinued Alfa Romeo Brera.

Long considered one of the most beautiful designs mired by a substandard chassis, the Brera went out of production over a year ago. But to give it one last swan song, Romeo Ferraris has teamed up with venerable Alfa tuning firm Autodelta. Together, they've given the Brera's 3.2-liter V6 a supercharger, intercooler, custom exhaust and remapped ECU to boost power up by 97 horsepower for a more substantial 353 hp. That's tipped to drop the 0-62 time down to five seconds and the top end up to 162 mph.

Naturally a full body kit is also part of the package, as is an adjustable suspension and (we would hope) upgraded brakes as well. A fitting goodbye to one of the best-looking cars ever to grace the roads - and one that will hopefully keep it on them for years to come.

Romeo Ferraris and Autodelta team up for a supercharged goodbye to the Alfa Romeo Brera originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:01:00 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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Alfa Romeo planning lightweight Mazda MX-5 Miata rival

Noah Joseph — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Rumormill

Few rumors have circulated quite like the prospect of a new Alfa Romeo Spider. While the previous Brera-based model stands as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, dynamically speaking, most found it deeply flawed. But the Milanese automaker has long been rumored to be working on a more successful successor - even commissioning Pininfarina to create the sleek 2uettottanta concept pictured above. Now, the latest word on European streets is that Alfa has got its sights set on the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

That the next Alfa Spider will pack a turbocharged four-cylinder - likely the 1.7-liter unit from the Giulietta - is pretty much a given, but in order to take on the venerable Miata, Alfa will need to cut its weight down considerably. And considering how heavy some of the marque's most recent products have been, the carbon-fiber 4C concept notwithstanding, that'll prove to be no mean feat.

Alfa Romeo planning lightweight Mazda MX-5 Miata rival originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo announces new 1.8-liter turbo with up to 300 horsepower

Noah Joseph — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Alfa Romeo

If you were to design your own engine for today's automotive market, what features would it include? Aluminum construction? Direct injection? Turbocharging? Variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust? Small displacement but a high output? Try all of these features and you're looking at the latest powerplant developed by Alfa Romeo and Fiat Powertrain Technologies.

The 1.8-liter turbo four leverages the latest developments in engine technology for an output as high as 300 horsepower while still meeting the most stringent emissions standards on the horizon (including the upcoming U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations, which bodes well for its eventual American application).

It's the engine that's expected to power the production 4C sportscar, and given that it's designed to be mounted either behind the cabin or in front, longitudinally or transversely, it will surely find its way into other Alfas as well. (Maybe a couple of future Dodge products, too) And when it does, we hope it won't lose much in output, because 300 galloping stallions and an Alfa Romeo badge on the nose sounds to us like a recipe for success.

Details in the press release after the jump, with fresh high-resolution images of the 4C in its original matte red finish added to the gallery for your viewing pleasure.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo announces new 1.8-liter turbo with up to 300 horsepower

Alfa Romeo announces new 1.8-liter turbo with up to 300 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat dealers irked by Alfa Romeo's delayed return to U.S.

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Like a kid forever awaiting the presence of his deadbeat dad at his birthday party, we've been promised the return of Alfa Romeo to the United States so many times that we've stopped feeling disappointed when it is invariably "postponed" again. But that numbness isn't shared by Fiat dealers across the country. Many of them are reportedly and understandably upset at the latest delay of the brand's reintroduction to America.

Although the lion's share of the 102 Fiat dealers that have sprung up across the country (and 28 more to come by year end) have grown out of existing Chrysler franchises, all have had to invest significantly in bringing Fiats to their showrooms. And while the 500 range has been selling well, it's the only model they have to offer. Though no explicit promises were made, many of these dealers were counting on receiving Alfa Romeo to fill their new showrooms.

Instead, the relaunch of the stoic marque has been delayed again. When it does finally arrive, the MiTo hatchback is set to lead the charge together with the 4C sportscar, followed by the Giulietta five-door hatch. The Giulia is set to replace the 159, not next year as originally planned, but in 2014. And while plans for a Jeep-based SUV have reportedly been scrapped, a new sedan is said to be in the works to succeed the long-gone 166 and share its platform with the next Maserati Quattroporte. For our part, we won't be holding our breath any longer before we just blow out the candles and get on with things.

Fiat dealers irked by Alfa Romeo's delayed return to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo 4C Concept bares its metal in fluid redux

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo

There were a lot of things to love about the 4C Concept when Alfa Romeo unveiled it - now half a year ago - at the Geneva Motor Show. And one of them was its finish: Decked out in matte red, it was both flashy and understated at the same time.

A tough act to follow, then, so we were a little apprehensive when Alfa announced that it would bring the pint-sized sportscar to its Frankfurt Motor Show stand, albeit in a different finish. But as we found on the show floor, the Milanese automaker didn't pull out the vinyl or spray it with just any color out of the Pantone swatch book.

Instead Alfa has given it a "fluid metal" finish (similar to the Alubeam finish on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG) that looks like what ordinary metalwork dreams about when its on vacation - neither polished nor brushed, neither chromed nor varnished. Just bare metal, only nicer. See what we mean in the gallery of live images from the show floor.

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept bares its metal in fluid redux originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo 159 heading for the edgy dustbin of history

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST

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

Say what you will about the Alfa Romeo 159, but it's arguably one of the most attractive sports sedans on the (foreign) market. And when it's gone, it will be missed. But gone is precisely what it will be soon, as the Fiat group begins its gradual discontinuation.

According to reports, production of the 159 has already ceased as the assembly plant in Naples where it's built is re-tooled for production of the new Fiat Panda. The entire model line has reportedly disappeared from the order books in several keys markets, including the UK, while other markets continue offering the 159 from stockpiles built up ahead of the factory's temporary closure, but that means only four colors and one engine are available.

The 159 was a model mired by its shortcomings from the get-go. Although the Giugiaro styling turned heads, its edgy front end made for poor aerodynamics. The GM-sourced platform didn't serve the car well, and neither did its engines. And while it was originally engineered to meet U.S. regulations, the brand's return to the American market was pushed back time and time again, and is still yet to arrive.

The departure of the 159 leaves a gaping hole in not only Alfa Romeo's but the entire Fiat group's line-up. Aside from the Maserati Quattroporte and Lancia-badged Chryslers, the Golf-sized Alfa Giulietta, Lancia Delta and Fiat Bravo hatchbacks now stand as the largest passenger vehicles the company offers. And with the 159's successor - expected to be dubbed Giulia - not expected until later in 2013, it looks to stay that way for another couple of years at least.

Alfa Romeo 159 heading for the edgy dustbin of history originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:00:00 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 gives 4C Concept liquid metal finish for Frankfurt

Noah Joseph — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo

When Alfa Romeo pulled back the veil on its 4C Concept at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, we were as taken in by its unique matte red finish as we were by the rest of the package. In a few weeks, Alfa will showcase the 4C once again in Frankfurt, and its new paint job - among other things - is sure to impress.

As you can see from the quartet of high-res images released so far, the 4C Concept has been given a "fluid metal" finish that looks similar to the highly sought-after Alubeam paint Mercedes-Benz offers on the SLS AMG. It seems to show the Alfa in a completely different light, one we look forward to scoping out in person at the Messe next month.

Alfa also says it has refined the technical package of the concept. Trimming the fat, as it were, to optimize the power to weight ratio, the aluminum and carbon fiber construction is motivated by over 200 horsepower from the 1.75-liter turbo engine that drives the rear wheels through the company's new dual-clutch transmission that is also making its debut in the Giulietta. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo gives 4C Concept liquid metal finish for Frankfurt

Alfa Romeo gives 4C Concept liquid metal finish for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa celebrates economical new MiTo with Louise Dear art car

Noah Joseph — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Alfa Romeo, UK, Design/Style

Make no mistake about it, ladies and gentlemen: the era of the Art Car has returned, and it's returned in a big way. Not only has BMW been showcasing its own extensive collection with a special online gallery, Force India has commissioned the first Formula One art car. Need more proof? Tesla had its roadster worked over, Citroën gave its Survolt concept a new paintjob and numerous other automakers have gotten in on the action just in recent months.

The latest, however, is an Alfa Romeo. The Italian automaker commissioned acclaimed artist Louise Dear to apply her talents to the MiTo to celebrate the launch of its new, more economical 1.3 JDTM-2 engine. The finished product, dubbed "Because I can" was apparently inspired by Dear's 17-year-old daughter, and it incorporates classic Alfa iconography like the company's logo and the Cloverleaf emblem that adorned the marque's racing cars of old. Check out the decidedly flowery result in the high-res image gallery above, along with more details of the partnership in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Alfa celebrates economical new MiTo with Louise Dear art car

Alfa celebrates economical new MiTo with Louise Dear art car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo pits Man vs MiTo in four-mile race through London

Noah Joseph — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Alfa Romeo, UK

Man vs MiTo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Pitting a car against a runner along busy city streets is something you'd expect to see on an episode of Top Gear. This time, however, it's Alfa Romeo that challenged athletes to a four-mile race through downtown London.

The contest pits Ivan Thomas, a 400-meter championship sprinter, against a 285-horsepower Alfa MiTo 1.3 JTDM driven by hurdle runner Andy Turner and navigated by long jumper Chris Tomlinson.

The race has already taken place, but Alfa hasn't announced the winner yet. It'll tease the results in a series of films while asking the British public to guess the outcome.

Those who guess correctly will be entered into a contest to win an Alfa Romeo mountain bike. Follow the jump for the details in the full press release and check out the images in the gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Alfa Romeo pits Man vs MiTo in four-mile race through London

Alfa Romeo pits Man vs MiTo in four-mile race through London originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo 4C to spawn Abarth, Maserati variants?

Noah Joseph — Sat, 28 May 2011 11:08:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If Alfa Romeo wanted to get people talking with the debut of its 4C concept in Geneva, they succeeded. The Internet is abuzz with rumors of its production potential. There have already been reports that the Alfa will spearhead the marque's full-fledged return to North America, to be followed by both Spider and Abarth versions. Now, word is that Maserati could get a derivative, too.

If the reports prove accurate and the spinoffs come to fruition, that would mean three brands within the Fiat group will get their own versions of the lightweight, mid-engined, four-cylinder sports car. And that's before any of the Chrysler brands get a crack at it, because a Dodge version to pick up where the Circuit concept left off could be most tempting. The Maserati version would naturally be positioned and appointed differently from the Alfa or Abarth models. The question is whether the market can bear more than one Elise rival from Fiat/Chrysler, let alone multiples.

Alfa Romeo 4C to spawn Abarth, Maserati variants? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 May 2011 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car and Driver details ten years of Alfa Romeo delays

Aaron Richardson — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:31:00 EST

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

Fiat has been talking seriously about bringing Alfa Romeo back to these shores since early 2000, making a decade of delays in the brand's relaunch. Most recently, the company's debut has been pushed back to sometime in 2013. To commemorate the anniversary of Fiat's colossal history of setbacks, Car and Driver put together a time table of the promised Alfa Romeo launch.

The story begins on March 27, 2000, when Fiat announced it had partnered with General Motors to bring Alfas to the States by 2003. The first delay came less than a year later, when Fiat and GM announced that Alfas would move through Cadillac and Saab dealers starting in 2005.

Obviously, none of that came even remotely true. In 2002, the relaunch got pushed back to 2007. In 2004, it was killed altogether. The Italians changed their minds again in 2005, going back to 2007 as the year of the Alfa. Need we go on? The promises, cancellations and delays have carried on this way through two wars, two presidents, an economic nosedive and the odd oil crisis thrown in for good measure.

At this point, we'd really like to believe that we'll see an attainable Alfa in the USA by 2013, but history makes the time table hard to believe. Head over to Car and Driver to see a full infographic of Fiat's waffling.

Car and Driver details ten years of Alfa Romeo delays originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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