Archive for Alfa Romeo
2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback premiere at Geneva Motor Show
Posted by: | CommentsIn Alfa Romeo’s Centenary year, the new Alfa Giulietta is the undisputed star of the Alfa Romeo stand at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show (4-14 March). With the new car – capable of demonstrating great agility over the most demanding routes, and providing comfort on everyday roads – Alfa Romeo continues its custom of presenting new products and features in a world preview context.
Designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, new Giulietta is a five-door hatchback, with strong Alfa Romeo design cues, equipped with impressive dynamic capability for the most demanding routes, while providing comfort on everyday journeys. This is thanks to its new Compact platform which, in conjunction with the refined technical solutions employed for the suspension, the dual pinion active steering, and high quality materials and manufacturing technologies implemented, allows the Giulietta to achieve excellent performance both in terms of on-board comfort as well as dynamic and safety features (active and passive).
From May this year, the Alfa Giulietta will go on sale progressively in all the major markets, while visitors to the Geneva Motor Show will be able to see five different versions: two Quadrifoglio Verde (Cloverleaf) versions fitted with Alfa Romeo’s 235 HP 1750 TBi engine, two Distinctive versions with 170 HP 2.0 JTDMturbodiesels, and a Distinctive version fitted with the 170 HP 1.4 MultiAir Turbo petrol engine. The name of the new car is an obvious tribute to the mythical Giulietta which in the Fifties caught the imagination of generations of car enthusiasts, making the dream of owning an Alfa Romeo, with its high level of comfort and technical excellence, possible for the first time.
A new platform to enhance road holding and agility in total comfort and safety
The new compact Alfa Romeo has been designed to appeal to customers looking for a distinctive saloon providing excellent levels of comfort and the best possible dynamic performance.
The new Alfa Giulietta introduces an entirely new platform – referred to as Compact – designed to satisfy the most demanding customers in terms of road-holding, agility and safety. It ensures both exceptional dynamic performance and high comfort levels, thanks to the refined technical solutions employed for the suspension, a new-generation steering system, a light and rigid structure created from materials such as aluminium and high-strength steels, and avant-garde manufacturing techniques.
This new platform will allow the Giulietta to accommodate the needs of a wide spectrum of customers in this category, teaming on-board comfort, functional interiors and a substantial boot, with the typical dynamic qualities of a true Alfa Romeo.
Driving satisfaction and comfort can be adapted to meet customers’ specific needs thanks to the Alfa DNA selector, a system that customises the vehicle’s behaviour to suit different road conditions and driving styles. The new Alfa Giulietta platform was designed to integrate the vehicle’s different systems and exploit them to the full, thus emphasising the three set-up functions (Dynamic, Normaland All Weather) available through the Alfa DNA selector. Fitted as standard on the entire Giulietta range, the system is designed to modify the operating parameters of the engine, gearbox, steering system and Q2 electronic differential, in addition to the behaviour logic of the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC).
Sporty and comfortable, Italian style
A perfect blend of sportiness and style, the new Alfa Giulietta redefines the Brand’s technological standards and emotional values.
Frontal styling is a development of Alfa’s trademark triangular grille, with a brand new interpretation of the classic shield, embedded in the front bumper and suspended between the air vents. This is the point of origin for the design of the entire car, which teams an energetic personality with markedly stylish shapes. The front headlights have DRL (Daylight Running Lights) with LED technology.
In profile, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is brimming with personality, reinforcing its agility and strength. The side windows recall the appearance of a coupé, emphasising the dynamism and fluidity of the shapes, including the concealed rear door handles. Ribs on the vehicle sides ‘elongate’ the car while clean lines accentuate the angular shape of the body.
The rear, like the front and sides, emphasises the feeling of a muscular vehicle, decidedly ‘planted’ on the road surface. In addition, like the headlights, the innovative rear lights also use LED technology which serves a stylish purpose and also enhances preventive safety.
The overall measurements of the new car allow for a compact and dynamic shape, while at the same time guaranteeing excellent comfort and a spacious boot (350 litres): in fact, new Giulietta is 4.35 metres long, 1.46 metres high and 1.80 metres wide, with a wheelbase of 2.63 metres.
Innovative features for maximum in-car wellbeing
Attention to detail and high quality materials used for the interiors are, today as yesterday, the most evolved expression of Italian style. Thanks to the enhanced ergonomics of the interior design, every command is ideally located: the main ones are grouped together at the centre of the dashboard and feature the same design as the commands on the 8C Competizione. In addition, the navigation system with pop-up display allows drivers to view either maps or the mechanical operating parameters set on the Alfa DNA system without having to take their eyes off the road.
There are practical open storage compartments situated in various parts of the passenger compartment: in front of the gear lever, on the centre console and on the interior door trim. There are closed storage compartments – depending on the chosen version – on the top of the dashboard, under the dashboard opposite the front passenger (cooled with dual zone climate control), and in both front and rear armrests.
Innovative engines for a thrilling yet environmentally-friendly drive
The new Alfa Giulietta offers the highest levels of performance and technology through a range of engines that are absolutely state-of-art in terms of technology, performance levels and environmental-friendliness. At the time of its commercial launch, four Turbo engines will be available, all with Euro 5 type-approval and fitted as standard with a Start&Stop system to reduce consumption levels and emissions: two petrol versions (120 HP 1.4TB and 170 HP 1.4TB MultiAir) and two diesels (105 HP 1.6 JTDMand 170 HP 2.0 JTDM, both second-generation MultiJet engines). The range is completed by the impressive 235 HP 1750 TBi teamed with exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde (Cloverleaf) interior.
The latter is a true representative of the way in which Alfa Romeo interprets the high end of this automotive segment. Here is a 235 bhp vehicle that can really connect with customers. There is strong and sustained acceleration thanks to plenty of torque even at low engine rpm, a smooth response that minimises gearbox use thanks to the flat torque curve typical of the best modern petrol engines, and an engine note that is engaging without ever becoming intrusive.
In detail, Alfa Romeo’s Turbo petrol engine boasts advanced technical solutions including direct fuel injection, twin continuously variable valve timing units, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that nullifies any turbo ‘lag’. The resulting performance is comparable to – or better than –many 3-litre engines, while still delivering fuel consumption typical of a compact four cylinder unit. It should be noted that the specific power of 134 HP/litre is the highest in the world for a 4-cylinder unit installed in this type of vehicle, as well as being the highest ever achieved by an Alfa Romeo production engine. The specific torque too, totalling 194 Nm/litre, is the highest of any petrol engine in this category, while the maximum torque of 340 Nm, delivered at only 1,900 rpm, is class-leading.
The range of engines available can accommodate a wide spectrum of customers. The 120 HP 1.4TB is the ideal engine for those in search of a car that can handle city traffic effortlessly while keeping running costs to a minimum. The turbo engine guarantees prompt response even at low rpm (maximum torque is achieved at just 1,750 rpm) while Start&Stop makes it possible to cut consumption and harmful emissions levels drastically, without compromising comfort and on-board safety.
The 170 HP 1.4 TB MultiAir engine is an amalgam of technology, which blends high performance levels with the lowest emissions and fuel consumption levels in its class for petrol engines of this power rating. This is a powerful and flexible engine, with a generous 250 Nm of torque (when set to Dynamic), fitted with Start&Stop and with
fuel consumption and emissions levels more closely resembling a diesel engine than a petrol one of this power rating (61.4mpg in the extra-urban cycle and 134 g/km of CO2 emissions). The teaming of this engine with Alfa Romeo’s new platform ranks the Giulietta at the top of its class both for its dynamic qualities as well as comfort and practicality during everyday use.
The 105 HP 1.6 JTDM is a flexible and economical diesel engine that will surprise customers due to its prompt response (in Dynamic mode, maximum torque is a generous 320 Nm) combined with extremely low fuel consumption (in the extra-urban cycle, it is just 76.3 mpg). This is possible thanks to the combination of second-generation MultiJet technology and the Start&Stop system. Consequently, it is an engine dedicated to all those in search of a car with character and a distinctive style, affording the typical agility and handling of an Alfa Romeo, yet able to combine them with low running costs.
For customers who use their cars primarily on the motorway or who demand the maximum performance levels from a diesel engine, the 170 HP 2.0 JTDM is an obvious choice. Again, it is an amalgam of technology which combines second-generation MultiJet technology with Start&Stop. The result is a vehicle with best-in-class performance levels, extremely flexible driving (with the DNA selector set to Dynamic mode, the available torque at 1,750 rpm is a generous 350 Nm), and one that offers among the lowest fuel consumption and emission levels in its class for cars with this power rating (124 g/km of CO2 and 68.8mpg in the extra-urban cycle). Thanks to the exceptional qualities of the new Compact platform, this version is able to blend impressive dynamic performance with best-in-class comfort and practicality.
All the engines are teamed with a state-of-the-art manual 6-speed gearbox which can withstand and transmit high maximum torque values. Subsequently, the MultiAir and 170 HP 2.0 JTDMengines will also be teamed with an innovative dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Segment-beating safety, comfort and dynamic control
The Alfa Giulietta was designed to achieve the highest Euro NCAP crash safety rating to offer total protection for both driver and passengers. In addition, the new platform was designed to guarantee the utmost interaction of the systems in charge of controlling vehicle dynamics.
The Alfa DNA system monitors all the sophisticated electronic devices for dynamic vehicle control: VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), Dual Pinion Active Steering, the Q2 electronic differential, the response and torque curve of the engine, and the braking system.
All these systems guarantee genuine Alfa Romeo driving pleasure, safety, vehicle traction and performance.
The new Compact platform, thanks to refined technical solutions employed for the suspension and the materials used (high-strength steels, aluminium, magnesium, etc.), can accommodate the needs of the most demanding customers in terms of on-board comfort and quiet running, ranking the Giulietta at the top of its class.
Extensive and diverse range
Intended for customers who won’t compromise on-board comfort and safety, the new Giulietta is available in two versions (Progression and Distinctive), along with two custom packs (Sport Pack and Premium Pack).
All the devices linked to active and passive safety are fitted as standard on the entire Giulietta range. Indeed, the Progression version comes standard with the Alfa D.N.A. system (with Q2 electronic differential and DST), VDC (including ASR and hill holder), six airbags, front seat belts with dual pretensioners, and front seats with an anti-whiplash system. Standard equipment also includes manual climate control, 16’’ wheels, front electric windows and a trip computer. Distinctive offers the following in addition to the standard equipment of the former: dual zone automatic climate control, leather steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, radio with CD and MP3 player and dual tuner function, fog lights, reconfigurable instrument panel, seats upholstered in Competizione fabric, and a stylish chromed insert framing the side windows. The dashboard on Distinctive versions also stands out for the stylish insert painted in magnesium grey or, alternatively, in Ghiaccio white or Alfa Red as well as in brushed burnished aluminium.
As on the Alfa MiTo, customers can further customise their Giulietta with two specific Packs (Sport and Premium). The former is designed to enhance the sporty soul of the vehicle with specific features which improve the already excellent handling of the car and include 17’’or 18’’ alloy wheels, side skirts, sports pedals, wraparound seats with leather and microfibre fabric upholstery, brushed burnished aluminium dashboard insert and burnished headlight frames.
The Premium Pack includes bi-xenon lights with AFS function, the Blue&Me system with bluetooth function, USB port and MP3 player, rear parking sensors, electrically folding door mirrors and an electrochromic rear-view mirror.
To customise their Giulietta, customers can also choose from a list of options including a large panoramic sunroof, navigation system with maps and pop-up display with European maps on SD card and TMC Pro (service available for Italy, France, Germany, United Kingdom and Spain) together with a Bose® Hi-Fi system. In addition, the Blue&Me® MAP system is also available, which adds to the functions of the Blue&Me® (hands-free function with Bluetooth® interface and advanced voice recognition, USB port, MP3 player and SMS interpreter) navigation functions thanks to a TomTom portable navigation system which is integrated with the vehicle’s existing systems thanks to a Bluetooth® interface. The portable navigation system is embedded into the dashboard courtesy of a purpose-designed interface, so as to blend in seamlessly with the ergonomics of the passenger compartment and to ensure maximum safety in the event of an accident.
The new Giulietta range is completed by the 235 HP Giulietta 1750 TBi Quadrifoglio Verde (Cloverleaf), a legendary Alfa Romeo symbol which has competed on tracks all over the world. Equipped with the highest-performing engine in the range, this version stands out for its thoroughbred sports styling, teamed with 17’’ (18’’ optional) wheels, guaranteeing best-in-class driving pleasure and surprisingly low fuel consumption for this power rating. The Cloverleaf is thus reinterpreted with a modern touch, combining the utmost driving pleasure with greater environmental awareness.
Alfa Romeo Pininfarina Spider Concept world debut at Geneva
Posted by: | Comments
Alfa Romeo Pininfarina Spider Concept
A 2-seater spider on Alfa Romeo basis, which will be unveiled on March 2nd at the Pininfarina stand, thus starting the celebrations for the 80th anniversary
Pininfarina discloses the first official image of its new concept car, world debut on March 2nd at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Pininfarina new concept is meant to be part of the tradition of successful spiders born from the relationship with Alfa Romeo, among the most significant and long-lasting ones in the automobile history, and interprets the innovative vision of an antique theme strongly present in the Pininfarina roots, the 2-seater spider.
An iconic object that, binding with an ideal thread the past and the future of Pininfarina, starts the celebrations for its 80th anniversary, representing at the same time an homage to the Alfa Romeo 100th birthday.
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione by Autodelta
Posted by: | Comments
2010 Autodelta Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
At the PistonHeads: The Performance Car Show that will take place in Birmingham, UK, 14-17 January 2010, Autodelta will unveil the world’s first tuned Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.
According to the available small piece of information, the leading Alfa Romeo tuning house has tweaked the vehicle’s exotic, Ferrari-developed 4.7-litre V8 engine unit with optimized software. Now the refined 8C Competizione’s engine output estimates 17 horsepower more than its stock 444 horsepower.
Autodelta also announced that they are working on chassis and suspension upgrades that will be presented at a later date.
2010 Alfa Romeo Mito MultiAir Pricing Announced
Posted by: | CommentsAlfa Romeo UK has just announced pricing of its revolutionary MultiAir engined MiTo range, set to arrive here in spring 2010. From launch, two engine versions will become available - the 135 bhp 1.4 Turbo, and the top-of-the-range 170 bhp 1.4 Turbo which will carry the iconic Alfa Cloverleaf badge.
Available to order through the Alfa Romeo UK dealer network from early January 2010, the MiTo’s MultiAir engine range marks the next technological step in the vehicle’s already successful life - promising lower emissions and fuel consumption together with higher performance and greater driving pleasure - with Active Suspension as standard on the 170bhp Cloverleaf model.
2009 Alfa Romeo Autodelta Brera S 3.2 Compressore in Detail
Posted by: | CommentsAlfa Romeo Brera S 3.2 is a recent project between Alfa Romeo UK and tuning company Prodrive. They released the limited-edition Brera S 3.2, which has lost over a 100 kg of overall weight thanks to use of front-wheel drive rather than the standard Brera V6’s Q4 all-wheel drive system. The car also got some cosmetic, trim changes and suspension changes, but nothing significant.
Because of the last reason, Autodelta reworked the Brera S 3.2 with their own supercharging system. The project name is Brera S 3.2 “Compressore” and the car is suitable for everyday drive as well as racing on the track.
The maximum output of Brera “Compressore” is 352bhp and 435N/m of torque. By using FWD the car has no longer power drain because of the four-wheel drive system. The traction is improved by installing bespoke mechanical limited slip differential (LSD), which operates in combination with the car’s standard electronic Q2 system. The overall driving experience is unique. Alfa Romeo Brera S 3.2 “Compressore” no longer look like a real sports car, but it acts like one.
Autodelta has more than 25 years experience in developing and applying forced induction principles to Alfa Romeos, so the result is just perfect.
The engine tuning is not everything in the tuning kit from Autodelta for Brera S 3.2. It also includes Autodelta Sportline suspension kit. The Prodrive suspension guarantees performance on smoother surfaces, such as racetracks, but it misses out on providing comfort for everyday use. The Autodelta Sportline coilover suspension can be adjusted to height and firmness with more than 40 different settings.
Brera S 3.2 “Compressore” will be exhibited at the MPH09 Motor Show.
2009 Alfa Romeo 159 Autodelta J4 3.2 C in Detail
Posted by: | CommentsA year passed since Autodelta J4 2.2 C was released, but the tuning company didn’t stop with this model. Now they announce J4 3.2 C based on 3.2-litre V6 version to complete the range upgrades for the Alfa 159.
Autodelta has more than 25 years experience in developing and applying forced induction principles to Alfa Romeos.The result of supercharging the 3.2 V6 engine is just breath stopping. The power unit now delivers 352 bhp and 435 Nm of torque. These figures will satisfy even the most extreme needs of the fans.
The tuning package for J4 3.2 C doesn’t include only engine modifications. The tuning company Autodelta added bigger brake system, some chasis and electronics upgrades, stiffened suspension, which includes adjustable coilovers. It is everything about the performance of the car.
Alfa Romeo 159 Autodelta J4 3.2 C combines spirit and cutting-edge technology. The main goal of tuners from Autodelta is to improve the driving experience behind the steering wheel and obviously they achieved it.
J4 3.2 is a flamboyant and in the same time stylish four-door sedan with clearly expressed sporty character.
Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde Official Revealed
Posted by: | CommentsJust a few days before the Frankfurt Motor show, Alfa Romeo are surprising us with the “Quadrifoglio Verde” (four-leaf clover) version of its famous MiTo model. The Alfa Romeo’s ”Quadrifoglio Verde” symbol have always been synonymous with heritage, racing and victory, but now it represents a new kind of sportiness that combines maximum driving pleasure with improved environmental qualities.
Quadrifoglio Verde is the MiTo with the most powerful MultiAir engine – 170 hp. This engine’s best feature is its outstanding weight/power ratio, which has always been one of the key factors behind Alfa Romeo’s success on the road and the racetrack. The class-leading ratio of 6.7 kg/hp is almost 10 per cent better than the already excellent performance of the current 155 hp 1.4 TBi. At 124 hp/litre, this engine is also one of the world leaders in specific power. In fact, this is the highest value ever recorded for an Alfa car, affirming the excellent engineering heritage of the Alfa MiTo.
This is a particularly important value because it proves the effectiveness of downsizing, aimed at producing high-tech engines to get better performance allied with sharp reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Indeed, it is this latter area which provides the most surprising evidence of the technical level achieved: 4.8 l/100 km and 139 g/km of CO2 (in the extra-urban cycle) are closer to what you would expect from an economy car than a compact sports car that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds.
On the back of these exceptional power qualities and the unbeatable performance/consumption ratio, Alfa Romeo decided to give a sporty and technological feel to this Quadrifoglio Verde version with high-quality finishes, attention to detail and a raft of features. One example is the 17? satin titanium-finished wheels (based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione supercar). The same colour is used for the headlight frames and the wing mirrors, while the dark finish of the headlight parabolas is achieved by a brand new metal sublimation technology. The interior also has a refined sporty feel thanks to the all-black environment that ensures no reflections or distractions while driving. The technological aspect of this car is further enhanced by the sporty fabric used to upholster the seats, the modern dashboard and the white lighting on the instrument panel.
It should also be stressed that Alfa Romeo has developed an innovative chassis upgrade to further emphasise the dynamic qualities of the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde.
Dynamic Suspension
Competitive racing has always been a testing ground for new technologies, which have found their way from the world’s most famous racetracks to standard road cars. One example of this passage between two seemingly very different worlds is dynamic suspension. This system, which actively and continuously controls the electronic shock absorbers, was developed by combining Alfa Romeo road testing with the latest engineering techniques from Magneti Marelli.
So, using experience gained on the racetrack, the system allows the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde to excel even further in terms of agility and handling, giving it exceptional driveability and unparalleled safety. The driver gets three benefits from the Dynamic Suspension system: comfort, safety and agility. Above all, the electronic shock absorbers adapt to the road conditions and control all the car’s movements. This guarantees maximum comfort and ensures that the unevenness of road surfaces is fully absorbed. In addition, the Dynamic Suspension system always ensures maximum grip and safety by actively responding to all road conditions. Finally, because roll and pitch are more restricted in all conditions, there is better stability and cornering that adds to the undoubted agility of the Alfa Romeo MiTo.
The suspension interacts perfectly with the three different control strategies of the Alfa DNA system. In “Normal”, agility is combined with a higher level of comfort, whereas in “All Weather”, the safety features are enhanced by continual interaction between the Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system, the steering and the suspension. Finally, in “Dynamic”, the MiTo becomes a true sports car clinging to the ground and fit for any road: it is no coincidence that the system was developed at the historic Balocco test track and round the corners of the Nurburgring. So, thanks to the hard work of Alfa Romeo and Magneti Marelli, the car is responsive and reliable when you turn the steering wheel or put your foot on the accelerator.
The innovative Dynamic Suspension system is made up of four electronically controlled shock absorbers, five accelerometric sensors, a control unit and an interface with Alfa DNA for the different settings and with the other on-board electronic systems.
Its main feature is to actively and continuously control the response of the shock absorbers, which adapt depending on the movement of the car and the road conditions, as well as the driving style. To sum up, the Dynamic Suspension system better protects passengers from uneven road surfaces thanks to an effective filtering and optimises comfort by recognising an obstacle (such as a bump or a hole) and adapting suspension behaviour accordingly. The system also ensures better cornering by altering damping distribution of the four shock absorbers, enhancing handling and hold thanks to advanced lateral dynamic control. What’s more, the Dynamic Suspension system manages longitudinal dynamic control by adjusting the movement of the chassis during acceleration, braking and gear changes, and by integrating perfectly with the Vehicle Dynamic Control, steering and braking systems.
The new six-speed C635 gearbox
The technological qualities of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde are further enhanced by the next-generation C635 gearbox. Developed by FPT and manufactured at the Verrone factory in Italy, this groundbreaking mechanical unit is the first result of a design philosophy aimed at improving driveability, consumption levels and production flexibility.
As far as driveability is concerned, the new gearbox ensures clean and swift changes with very short selection movements, uniform activation pressures, no noise and no vibrations. In addition, modern design and construction techniques help to significantly reduce consumption levels thanks to less friction and the best possible gear ratios.
Its appearance in the Alfa MiTo 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi marks the debut of a modern family of gearboxes adapted for a broad range of models.
Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept Official Revealed
Posted by: | CommentsA high performance concept of the new Alfa MiTo, the Alfa MiTo GTA, will be starring at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show in early March.
In line with the famous GTA (Gran Turismo Alleggerito) signature, (Alleggerito means reduced weight in Italian), the MiTo GTA Concept prioritises weight reduction, and the achievement of an optimum power-to-weight ratio.
Considerable work has gone into lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity; thus certain components such as the tailgate spoiler, roof and mirror fairings are in carbon-fibre; while aluminium is used extensively in the braking system, suspension, and some parts of the chassis.
Under the bonnet, an exciting new petrol engine, very much in keeping with the pre-requisites of downsizing, environmental awareness, and the offer of high power and efficiency in return for low weight and optimised packaging, powers the new GTA Concept.
Designed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and exploiting the vast experience gained in the production of Twin Spark and Alfa V6 road and race engines, the compact new petrol engine employs advanced technical solutions including direct injection, dual variable valve timing, state-of-the-art turbocharging and advanced electronic management systems to produce a remarkable 240bhp from just 1742cc.
Under-floor aerodynamics have been a particular concern, while the entire car has been lowered by some 20mm. Front suspension employs new geometry with aluminium leading arms, while the rear suspension has all-new bushings, and the comprehensively revised chassis boasts an ‘active’ suspension system, (advanced damper control), which counteracts the transfer of load under acceleration, stiffening the rear end and maximising traction. The suspension also interacts with the braking system and steering to obtain the most efficient control of vehicle dynamics, while a ‘Sky-Hook’ function ensures an excellent level of passenger comfort under conditions of everyday use.

























































