Autoblog

Furiosa. That's what the new hatchback from Alfa Romeo will be called, by virtue of an international competition to choose the car's name.

The Italian automaker is getting farther away from the Alfa-numeric (pun intended) nomenclature and giving its models more emotive nameplates instead. The web contest offered online voters a choice of twelve names, and Furiosa got the most votes, beating out Agea, Enos, Everson, Fira, Milo, Mod, Nevo, Solea, Sparvo, Velvetta and Ventura. While some proposals had merit, some of the rejected names were a little cheesy (try to figure out which).

So we can stop calling it the Alfa Junior. The Furiosa is anticipated to make its debut at the Geneva show in March. We're so there.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Every automaker has its web presence set up where you can sort of shop for a car. It gets a little difficult when you actually go to get a price quote – you'll get directed to a selection of local dealers, some more willing to deal than others – it's enough to make you wish for a "Buy It Now" button. AutoNation's testing pretty much that very idea at an Atlanta location. The experience doesn't differ much from what's already available at automotive sales websites. You can browse inventory, schedule test drives, get price quotes, even apply for credit. Where the AutoNation website differs is that you can actually trade in a vehicle, secure financing, and arrange delivery or pick up of your new car. AutoNation's not sure whether or not they'll roll out the service to their largest-in-the-nation dealer network. In the past, it's not proven to move as much iron as you'd think. There's a lot to consider when buying a car, and it might just be too bewildering for people to feel comfortable with a "purchase car" button to click. Problem credit is another issue that can plug up the works. In the end, while AutoNation may offer complete online sales, it may not find that many takers.

[Source: The Auto Channel, Photo: Carsnaps]

This is how this writer would take his GranTurismo... how would you like yours?

Oh, how these fancy online car configurators are fun. And time-sapping. The Veyron's, as you may recall, is stylish and serene, but even with the new options coming out there's still not a lot to chose from, two-tone paint schemes notwithstanding. Maseratis, meanwhile, are decidedly nowhere near as exclusive as Bugattis. The MC12 might have come close, but that supercar was offered in one color scheme and with little to no options whatsoever. The Trident marque's more "mainstream" models, meanwhile, offer buyers a seemingly endless array of color choices.

The configurator for the new GranTurismo recently went online. Head over to GranTurismo.Maserati.com and you can fantasize you're a customer spec'ing out your own GT, choosing from a seemingly endless spectrum of colors for every detail big and small, both outside and in, including the paint, brake calipers and wheel finish on the exterior, and just about every swath of leather and trim inside. Then check out your selection from every angle. All that's missing is a changeable backdrop of the marina, golf course and five-star hotel to see how it'd look in its element.

[Source: Maserati]

Pontiac is trying a new tactic to get the word out about its new G5 Coupe. Every single ad dollar earmarked for promoting the car will be spent on online. Pontiac's marketing director Mark-Hans Richer calls it "a radical experiment". While online-only advertising may not raise Pontiac's brand awareness among consumers like a traditional TV spot, it does allow the brand to target the youth male audience at which the G5 Coupe is aimed more effectively. Plus, it's a lot cheaper than buying a primetime TV spot and producing a commercial. The online ad campaigh will run through at least the end of the year, and while it's too early to judge its success, Automotive News reports that the G5 Coupe has already exceeded its sales goal for August by 185 percent. That number could also be attributed to how much Pontiac dealers were starved for a small car after the Sunfire was discontinued.

[Source: Automotive News]