Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Paris Preview: Alfa Romeo Brera TI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/paris-preview-alfa-romeo-brera-ti/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/paris-preview-alfa-romeo-brera-ti/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/paris-preview-alfa-romeo-brera-ti/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res shots of the Alfa Romeo Brera TI

We're already distressed about not being able to buy the Brera in the U.S. Now, Alfa Romeo is giving its Brera the Turismo Internazionale treatment for the Paris Motor Show, and we want it even more. Called, naturally, the Brera TI, the car gets a number of modifications that separate it from the standard coupe: stiffer springs and dampers, 19-inch wheels with 8C-derived rims, red Brembo one-piece front calipers, and TI logos on the front fenders for the outside.

Inside, along with more TI logos, are highly bolstered and top-stitched seats, aluminum console trim or optional carbon fiber, aluminum pedals, perforated leather throughout, and the choice of a leather dash. The car goes on sale later this year with either the 185-bhp 2.2 JTS engine or 3.2-liter V6. You can read the full press release after the jump and check out the hi-res photos below.

Gallery: 2008 Alfa Romeo Brera TI


[Source: Top Speed]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Alfa Romeo Brera TI

Paris Preview: Alfa Romeo Brera TI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfaalfa romeoalfa romeo breraalfa romeo brera tiAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoBreraAlfaRomeoBreraTibrerabrera tiBreraTicoupecoupesparis motor showParisMotorShowThu, 25 Sep 2008 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Prodrive tuning the Alfa Romeo Brera S in June]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/prodrive-tuning-the-alfa-romeo-brera-s-in-june/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/prodrive-tuning-the-alfa-romeo-brera-s-in-june/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/prodrive-tuning-the-alfa-romeo-brera-s-in-june/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Alfa Romeo Brera.

Prodrive is in the process of developing a performance package for the Alfa Romeo Brera S, the first collaboration between the two since Prodrive campaigned a pair of factory-built Alfa 155s in the British Touring Car Championship in 1995. Based off the 2.2 JTS and 3.2 V6 models, between 250 and 300 special edition models will be released. The majority of the focus will be spent on the suspension, aero enhancements and (thankfully) some weight savings. 19-inch rollers are expected to fill the wheel wells, while a handful of driver-oriented improvements, along with some S-badging, will find its way inside. Beyond that, details are scarce, but anytime you mix one-part unobtainable Italian with another part British racing legends, good things are on the way.

Gallery: Geneva 2008: Alfa Romeo Brera


[Source: Italiaspeed]

Prodrive tuning the Alfa Romeo Brera S in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoalfa romeo brera prodriveAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeoBreraProdrivebreraprodriveWed, 30 Apr 2008 10:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Alfa Romewoo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/alfa-romewoo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/alfa-romewoo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/alfa-romewoo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

click above image for gallery

There was a Seinfeld episode once that explained the problem with bathroom sprays. Jerry's issue was that the spray didn't get rid of the offending odor, it just tried to cover it up with an even more offensive odor, and it didn't even really do that, so now you had two terrible smells that had combined to form one truly awful stench.

That explains the quandary with cars like the one you see above. Take one Daewoo Cielo -- alias Nexia, alias Asuna, alias Racer, alias Maepsy -- which was a small hatch based on the Opel Kadett. Then add one stupendously malproportioned after-school-project bodykit that's meant to be an Alfa Romeo Brera. Voila. You have the opposite of a Reese's Cup: two unpleasant flavors that taste even worse together. We give it's maker an A for effort. And the wheels aren't terrible. As for execution, well, the grade we give for that is going to require some summer school courses...

[Source: Carscoop]

Gallery: Alfa Romewoo


Alfa Romewoo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketalfa romeoAlfaRomeoasunabreracieodaweoomaepsynexiatuningThu, 23 Aug 2007 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Alfa Romeo gets Maserati backing to come to the US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/07/alfa-romeo-gets-maserati-backing-to-come-to-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/07/alfa-romeo-gets-maserati-backing-to-come-to-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/07/alfa-romeo-gets-maserati-backing-to-come-to-the-us/#commentsFiled under:

In a move that makes sense, instead of Alfa Romeo needing to develop its own dealer network, Maserati dealers will be expected to sell Alfas in a couple years' time.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said Maserati will be in the black again this year, after 17 years in a red sea. With its new gearbox and new GranTurismo, Maserati is planning to more than double its sales by 2011, moving 12,000 cars per year. Analysts, though, put that number at 8,000 max. Regardless, more Maseratis on the road means more clout for the marque, and Alfa could take advantage of the momentum to help its own case. According to an analyst, Alfa sales are expected to reach 8,000 by 2015. First up will probably be the 8C Competizione perhaps in 2008, then the 159 sedan and Brera coupe in 2009.

[Source: Detroit News]

Alfa Romeo gets Maserati backing to come to the US originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2007 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>159alfabreradealersmaseratiromeousMon, 07 May 2007 07:35:00 EST<![CDATA[More insight into new Alfa Romeo 149]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/more-insight-into-new-alfa-romeo-149/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/more-insight-into-new-alfa-romeo-149/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/more-insight-into-new-alfa-romeo-149/#commentsFiled under: , ,




This just in from Info Motori: some concept sketches of Alfa Romeo's upcoming 147-replacement, the 149. OK, so they are just a few more illustrations to go along with the dozen or so others floating around out there, but with Alfa poised for a U.S. comeback and products like the 8C and Brera out there, Alfa is one of our favorite topics of conversation lately.

Although people have been speculating about the new design for more than a year, the renderings put forth have generally fallen into two categories. Some have been evolutions of the hot hatch look with Brera-like front ends, while the remainder have used an 8C type nose. This one falls somewhere in between and doesn't seem to have the elegance of either. The article offers no new information about the running gear besides some speculation about current offerings, but does so in a wonderfully quaint Italian-to-English translation that reminds us of talking to our paesans. Follow the jump for a couple more pics.

[Source: Info Motori]

Continue reading More insight into new Alfa Romeo 149

More insight into new Alfa Romeo 149 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1471498cAlfa RomeoAlfaRomeobreraconceptdesignillustrationFri, 15 Sep 2006 18:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Autodelta Alfa Brera]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/autodelta-alfa-brera/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/autodelta-alfa-brera/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/autodelta-alfa-brera/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Alfa Romeo Brera is quite possibly the most beautiful car on the market, but reviews have lamented the lack of "go" to accompany the "show". Alfa tuners extraordinaire Autodelta have answered the call with the Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C.

The first Autodelta based on the new generation of Alfas (Brera, Spider, 159), the J5 3.2 C ups the performance ante with modifications to the engine, suspension, exhaust system, upgraded wheels and tires, and improved aerodynamics through revised bumpers front and rear. The "C" designation stands for "Compressore": the supercharger is supplied by Rotrex (who also make the unit for the Koenigsegg CCX). The unique supercharged direct-injection 3.2-liter V6 produces 348 hp (an 88-hp boost over stock), driving through all fours to propel this beauty to sixty in a scant 5.3 seconds.

With Alfa Romeo poised to mount its new attack on the American market, we hope Autodelta makes the trip too.

(More pics and press release after the jump)

[Source: Autodelta via Italiaspeed]

Continue reading Autodelta Alfa Brera

Autodelta Alfa Brera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>159alfaalfa romeoAlfaRomeoautodeltabreracompressorej5modmodifiedromeospidersuperchargedtunedThu, 14 Sep 2006 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[CONFIRMED - Alfa returns to U.S. at end of 2009 with three-model lineup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/13/confirmed-alfa-returns-to-u-s-at-end-of-2009-with-three-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/13/confirmed-alfa-returns-to-u-s-at-end-of-2009-with-three-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/13/confirmed-alfa-returns-to-u-s-at-end-of-2009-with-three-model/#commentsFiled under: ,



Autoweek is confirming that Alfa Romeo's long awaited return to the U.S. won't happen until the end of 2009 so that it will coincide with the company's 100-year anniversary. Preparation for reinsertion into the U.S. marketplace appears to be going well, as the proposed three-car lineup comprised of the 159 sedan, Brera coupe and Spider were all developed with the North American market in mind. Engineers are now tweaking the models to meet U.S. safety and emissions regulations, but we can expect to see new versions of each when they arrive at the end of the decade.

The lineup will feature at least two engines - a 2.2-liter four-cylinder and a 3.2-liter V6, the latter coupled with all-wheel drive. By that time it will be clear if Americans have embraced new automotive diesel technology, which could encourage Alfa to offer its 2.4-liter five-cylinder diesel engine, as well.

Alfa Romeo's dealer network will piggy back on top of Maserati dealerships across the country. Initially there will be 50 dealers concentrated around densely populated cities.

We find waiting easier knowing that the company's return to the U.S. is confirmed and work has already started. Now we just need to wait some more.

[Source: Autoweek

CONFIRMED - Alfa returns to U.S. at end of 2009 with three-model lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jul 2006 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>159alfa romeoAlfaRomeobreramaseratiThu, 13 Jul 2006 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Alfa Romeo to delay U.S. return to 2010?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/31/alfa-romeo-to-delay-u-s-return-to-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/31/alfa-romeo-to-delay-u-s-return-to-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/31/alfa-romeo-to-delay-u-s-return-to-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The well-regarded Italian magazine Quattroruote published a good news/bad news story Tuesday. In a story about the difficulty Alfa Romeo will face in (re)establishing itself in the competitive American market, the magazine confirms the brand will be seen in the U.S., but adds the caveat "even if not before 2010." Earlier statements (see our post here) had suggested a return as soon as late 2007.

No sources are cited, so it's difficult to chase this story further - we'll just have to wait for official word from Fiat or Alfa Romeo.

One part of the article with which we wholeheartedly agree - Quattroruote encourages Alfa to bring the gorgeous 8C Competizione (shown above) to the U.S. as the brand's halo car, saying (in Google translation-speak) its "Italian style" will offer "an alternative to the excesses of BMW's Bangle and to the anonymity of the Japanese models." Hear, hear!

Here's a link to an English translation of the Quattroruote article. The original Italian version is here.

[Source: Quattroruote via Gear6]

Alfa Romeo to delay U.S. return to 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 May 2006 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8c8c competizionealfaalfa romeobrerabrera spiderWed, 31 May 2006 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Alfa Romeo returning to the U.S.!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/alfa-romeo-returning-to-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/alfa-romeo-returning-to-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/alfa-romeo-returning-to-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,



After an absence of more than a decade, Fiat's Alfa Romeo brand is returning to the U.S. market. In a conference call May 3rd, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that he has plans in place to begin distributing Alfa Romeo models in the U.S. through  Maserati's dealer network, possibly as soon as late 2007.

Italiaspeed reports that the U.S. launch models will likely be the upper end of the range - Alfa 159, Brera (shown above) and Spider. And yes, this means that the 8c Competizione is also coming to the U.S.

[Source: Italiaspeed, Alfa Romeo]

Alfa Romeo returning to the U.S.! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 May 2006 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8c8c competizionealfa 159alfa romeoalfa spiderAlfaRomeobreramarchionnemaseratisergio marchionneThu, 04 May 2006 20:45:00 EST