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A L F A N E W S
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Not Alfa Furiosa after all? [Dec. 07]
Alfa Romeo says it may backtrack on the result of the public
vote to name its new supermini. The competition to name the
car was run in a public poll across six nations: Italy,
France, Spain, Germany, Japan and Britain. Furiosa, which
translates from Italian as 'mad' or 'furious', topped the
overall voting. However, just one day after the winning name
was announced, a company spokesman said: 'Furiosa won the
competition, but there was a proviso in the rules and
regulations of the competition which stipulated that we
don't have to use the name on the car. 'Furiosa is being
considered, but a final decision on whether Alfa Romeo will
choose another name will be made closer to the launch date.'
 1000
Milas Sport [Dec. 07]
The 19th edition of the “1000 Millas Sport” was fought
out in Argentina from November 21 to 24. This evocative
rally through Northern Patagonia saw victory for the Alfa
Romeo Historic Automobile team.
The winning car was the 6C 1500 Super Sport (1928) from the
Historic Museum, crewed by Luciano Viaro (ITA – driver) and
José Sanchez Mariño (ARG – co-driver). The same car and
driver won the 2005 and 2007 editions of the “1000 Miglia”
historic revival and it was a 6C 1500 SS that crossed the
line first in the 1928 edition of the “1000 Miglia” (crewed
by Campari-Ramponi), so recording the first of the eleven
victories scored by Alfa Romeo (a record that stands to this
day) in the legendary Brescia race.
Third place went to the Argentine team Claudio Scalise (ARG
– driver) and Gustavo Pecoroff (ARG – co-driver) in a 6C
1750 Gran Sport from 1931, while sixth place was taken by
the 8C 2300 tipo Le Mans (1931) from the Historic Museum,
driven by Daniel Claramunt (ARG – driver) and Maurizio
Colpani (ITA – co-driver). This 8C is the same as the model
that won four consecutive editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours
from 1931 to 1934.
The results of the expedition to Argentina were impressive,
with three cars in the top six and numerous models, mainly
Giulietta Spiders, entered by local collectors in this
prestigious event, which celebrates its twentieth edition
next year. The route is centred around San Carlo de
Bariloche, in Northern Patagonia, and winds through the
spectacular landscape of the vast surrounding area as far as
the Paso Internacional Cardenal Samoré in Chile.
Alfa Furiosa [Nov. 07]
The votes are in and the public have chosen a winner – the
new Alfa Romeo will be called ‘Furiosa’. Following a naming
competition, Alfa has announced the winning name, chosen by
members of the public from six countries. In an online poll,
web users from Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Japan and the
UK voted for Furiosa from 12 names submitted by Alfa Romeo.
The fiery moniker beat the likes of ‘Velvetta’, ‘Fira’,
‘Ventura’ and ‘Enos’, and will name the replacement for the
new B-segment hatch, which an Alfa spokesperson has stated
as being “slightly smaller than the outgoing 147.” Alfa boss
Antonio Baravelle revealed the company’s tradition of
numbering new models would be dropped in favour of
individual names for each new car – names which have “an
Italian ring to it, names that convey energy and dynamism;
which are forward looking with a nod to the youth of today.”
But this is not the first time Alfa Romeo has invited
members of the public to vote for the name of their next
model. Back in 1966, Alfa Romeo launched a similar
competition, asking members of the public to vote for the
name of the next car – and the winner was the famous Spider
Duetto.
Alfa
Romeo return to US in 2008
[Aug.07]
The president of Maserati North America, James Selwa, has
announced that Alfa Romeo will be sold in the US from 2008.
The brand was withdrawn in 1995, following poor sales. The
first model will be the 8C Competizione. Selwa says the
supercar will be priced "above US$200,000" and distributed
via Maserati dealerships. A broader range of Alfa Romeo
models will enter the US and Canada in 2009.
 1932
Alfa Romeo 8C sold for $2.8 million
[June. 07]
The rain and the champagne have been flowing at Goodwood,
and so too have the pounds sterling, evidenced by Bonham's
setting a sales record with $12.3 million worth of vintage
metal sold. Top honors after six hours of bidding went to a
1932 Alfa Romeo 8C-2300 Spider, for which somebody parted
with $2.8 million. Six other cars went for more than
$440,000, including Lord Carnegie's 1954 Bentley R-Type
Continental that fetched $509,000. In ample demonstration of
the bidding fever, even a Leyland transporter went $124,000
-- no less than $100,000 above its estimated sale price. The
fifteenth annual Bonham's auction is now in the record books
as the fourth most valuable auction the UK has ever seen.
 159 GTA
at Nurburgring
[June. 07]
The upcoming 159 GTA has been seen testing at the
Nürburgring circuit in Germany. Alfa is currently
considering two engines, each with similar outputs, for the
super-saloon: either a twin-turbo version of the 159's
3.2-litre V6 or a 4.3-litre normally aspirated V8 developed
from the unit in Maserati's GranTurismo coupé. The V8 could
be the preferred choice because it produces less torque than
the V6 turbo, allowing unmodified versions of Alfa's
existing gearboxes to be used. That means the GTA should be
available with six-speed manual, auto and Selespeed
clutchless manual set-ups. Whatever the powerplant, expect a
0-60mph time of five seconds and a top speed in excess of
155mph. There will be plenty of grip, too, thanks to Alfa's
Q4 four-wheel-drive system. A request though; loose that
massive aftermarket-looking rear spoiler! [159
GTA 1] [159
GTA 2] [159
GTA 3]
 History
repeats itself
[May. 07]
Alfa Romeo has won the 2007 edition of the Mille Miglia with
one of its most prestigious models, the 6C 1500S, that won
the second edition of the famous race in 1928 with Giuseppe
Campari and Giulio Ramponi, the first of eleven victories in
the thirty editions of the celebrated Italian road race.
Today the race is run as a revival regularity event for
vintage cars, which does not detract in any way from the
characteristics of speed and reliability that the cars must
be able to demonstrate over 1600 km, along the roads that
were taken by the original race until 1957, the last year
that the Mille Miglia was run as a race.
The success of the Alfa Romeo 6C 1500S of Luciano Viaro and
Luca Bergamaschi is the result of Alfa Romeo Automobiles’
determination to create a museum and an organisation to
celebrate its prestigious history. No fewer than five cars
from the Alfa Romeo Historical Museum competed in the 2007
Mille Miglia. In addition to the winner, they included the
8C 2300 Le Mans of 1931, a sporty version of the 8C 2300
which won the Le Mans 24 Hours four consecutive times from
1931 to 1934; the Alfa Romeo 1900 Sport Spider of 1954, which came
35th, the 1900 C52 Disco Volante Spider of 1952,
and the 750 Competizione of 1955.
As it did in 1928, Alfa Romeo managed to beat Bugatti, which
had come to Italy in 1928 determined to win, but had to make
do with the 6th place, beaten by three Alfa
Romeos, an OM and a Lancia.
The success of the Alfa Romeo 6C 1500S in the 2007 revival
is all the more significant because of the large number of
contestants: a total of 375 teams with the best cars from
the growing number of makes that take part in the event each
year. A total of 32 historical Alfa Romeos competed in the
2007 Mille Miglia, from all the periods in which the race
was run. The unique context of the race, which crosses
Italy, acclaimed by crowds of enthusiastic fans, is an
important part of the history of vintage car racing, making
this event unique..
 8C
Competizione at the Ring
[May. 07]
Alfa Romeo have been doing some final testing for the 8C
Competizione at the German Nürburgring track before
production starts this summer. The € 135.000,- pricetag (ex.
tax) doesn't seem to scar customers since all the 500 ex has
already been sold. Delivery starts in September 07.
[8C
Nürburgring 1] [8C
Nürburgring 2] [8C
Nürburgring 3]
 Alfa
Romeo Scoops Top Design Award [Feb. 07]
The world's leading designers have voted the Alfa Romeo 8C
has the 2006 Production Car Design of the Year with an
overwhelming 73 per cent of the votes cast. The 8C debuted
at the Paris Motor Show as the first Alfa Romeo supercar for
several decades. Designed under Wolfgang Egger, head of Alfa
Romeo Design, the 8C Competizione's takes inspiration from
several classic Alfa sports racing cars. Organised by Car
Design News, the world's leading automotive design magazine,
the awards were voted on by more than 100,000 of the world's
leading automotive designers spread across the world
industry worldwide.
Alfa Romeo CXover SUV [Jan. 07]
America has become the Land of the Crossover, and if Alfa
Romeo wants to succeed when it returns to the US market in
2009, it will need a CUV with which to combat the
competition. Called the CXover, Alfa's crossover will
feature styling closely modelled after the Kamal concept
unveiled at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. Combining coupe-like
styling with SUV proportions, surfacing reports suggest that
the CXover will be offered in a three-door configuration in
addition to conventional five-door bodystyles.
Based on the platform from the 159 and upcoming 169 sedans,
the CXover will offer – in foreign markets, at least – a
range of engines including a 2.2-liter inline-four, a
five-cylinder turbodiesel and, to top off the range, the
3.2L 24v V6 co-developed with GM, only tuned in-house for
250 horsepower and a distinctively Alfa Romeo exhaust note.
All-wheel-drive is expected to come as an option over
standard front-drive. Alfa confirmed the vehicle will
measure 4.6 meters in length, with versions selling for
€28,000-45,000.
8C Competizione
GT2
[Dec.06]
According to a report in the French sports newspaper L’Equipe
Alfa Romeo executive vice-president, Antonio Baravalle
confirmed at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy that the Milan
based manufacturer has plans to race a GT2 version of its 8C
model in 2008. L’Equipe says the Alfa 8C Competizione will
be developed during 2007 “to race in classic events such as
the 24 hours of the Nürburgring, Le Mans and Daytona”
starting in 2008 and that there will be “an important
American programme”. Alfa Romeo’s original 8C model won the
Le Mans 24 Hour race four years running, from 1931 to 1934.
 8C Competizione
[Sep.06]
The 8C Competizione has been designed by Alfa's own design
centre Centro Stile, and was first presented as a concept at
the Frankfurt
Motorshow 2003.
A production ready version has been developed with Maserati
and will be available late 2007 in a limited run of 500
cars. Rumours of a Spider versions is not correct! The engine is a new 4.7 litre V8 producing 450 bhp
@ 7000 rpm (470Nm @ 7750 rpm). The car runs on 20 inch
wheels with 245/35 tires
in front and 285/35 at the back.
Avail. colours are black, yellow and classic Alfa red. The 8C Competizione is equipped with the latest generation VDC (Vehicle Dynamic
Control) and carbon seats will be tailor made. Expect a top speed
around 300 km/h,
0-100 close to 4 seconds and a price tag in Italy of around €
135.000,-! The car can not be ordered through ordinary Alfa
dealers, but an 8C "ambassador" will meet with potential
customers for orders and discussing tailor made options.
The name 8C is classic Alfa going back to the pre-war 8
cylinder (8C) models, and Competizione comes from the
1950-model 6C 2500 Competizione Sports Coupé.
[8C web] [8C
video 1] [8C video 2]
[8C
concept 2003
1]
[8C
concept 2003 2]
[8C
concept 2003
3] [8C
concept 2003 4]
[8C
concept 2003 5] [8C
2006 1] [8C
2006 2] [8C
2006 3] [8C
2006 4] [8C
2006 5] [8C
2006 6]
 Alfa
Romeo Junior
[Sep.06]
First Audi, now Alfa Romeo - it seems everyone wants a hot
hatchback to compete with BMW's popular Mini Cooper S.
Automotive News Europe reports that an Alfa Romeo "Junior"
three-door hatchback has been green-lighted by parent
company Fiat for a spring 2008 launch. The news marks a revival of
the Alfa Junior nameplate,
last used in the late '60s and early '70s.
The Junior will
become Alfa's entry-level model, as the automaker tries to
expand beyond its niche-market status.
The
Junior will be based on Fiat's successful Grande Punto
platform, and will be built on a Fiat assembly line. A Q4 Junior
GTA will most likely be developed. Milder models
will feature both gas and diesel powerplants in a FWD
configuration. [Junior
1] [Junior
2]
 169
[Mar.06]
The new Alfa flagship, codename Progetto 941, should be
positioned in a higher segment than the current Alfa 166,
with the objective of stealing sales from cars such as the 4
door coupes Mercedes CLS and the upcoming Porsche Panamera.
The 169 should arrive in 2008, and will share platform with
the next Maserati Quattroporte . RWD should make the
marketing playing field a bit more level for Alfa in its
assault on big german saloons, and the 169 should be one
of the centerpieces for Alfa Romeo's return to the US.
Engines would probably be 3.2 V6 290bhp, 4.2 V8 400bhp, 3.0 V6 diesel 250bhp, and maybe a GTA 5.0 V8 with 520bhp!
 Brera
Spider [Jan.06]
The new Spider will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show in
March 2006. First options will be the 185 bhp 2.2 JTS or the
260 bhp 3.2 JTS, the latter with 4Q (4 wheel drive). The
Spider is a generously sized two-seater with its 183x439x136
cm measurements. A number of various interior colour
combinations along with two different soft top shades will
be available. [Brera
Spider 1] [Brera
Spider 2] [Brera
Spider 3]
Brera in TopGear
road test [Jan.06]
"You're illuminating the lives of others by showing them
something of extraordinary beauty." Read the complete
Brera test drive at
www.topgear.com
 159
Sportwagon [Jan.06]
The new Sportwagon will be presented at the Geneva Motor
Show in March 2006. 2 or 3 versions will be available
depending on country. 12 bodywork colours, and 5 interior
selections. 6 engines will first be offered; 160 bhp 1.9 JTS,
185 bhp 2.2 JTS, 260 bhp 3.2 JTS and 3 diesel versions; 120
bhp 1.9 JTDM, 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM and 200 bhp 2.4 JTDM. All
with either 6 speed manual or automatic. [159
Sportwagon
1] [159
Sportwagon 2] [159
Sportwagon 3] [TopGear's
Jeremy Clarkson 159 review in The Times]
 Alfa
with Microsoft infotainment system
Fiat Auto Group and Microsoft Corp. will unveil their
jointly developed infotainment system Blue&Me™ at the 2006
Geneva International Motor Show. Beginning in March,
motorists can connect their personal mobile devices with the
integrated solution in four brand-new models: the Fiat
Grande Punto and the Alfa Romeo Brera, 159 and Sportwagon
models. Later in the year, Blue&Me will be also available in
Lancia cars and the Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles. The new
system comes at a very competitive price. The Windows Mobile
for Automotive-based infotainment package comes with
Bluetooth and USB connectivity, which allows drivers to
listen to music from their personal integrated media player.
It also features a hands-free phone kit that can be
controlled completely by voice control. The system is the
result of the partnership that Microsoft and Fiat Auto
initiated two years ago — an extremely short time in which
to bring such a device to market.
 149 [Nov.05]
Now that the 159 saloon is complete, Alfa stylists are
turning their hand to the replacement for the 147 due in
2007. The style has already been through customer clinics,
but the engineering choice is between a modified version of
the next Fiat Stilo/Lancia Delta platform or a shortened
Alfa 159 base. If this early computer image proves correct, it will be
heavily based on the 8C Competizione first shown in
the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. A GTA is expected!
 WTCC:
Alfa takes a bow [Nov.05]
Alfa Romeo have confirmed that they will be bowing out of
the World Touring Car Championship following the last 2005
race in Macau, albeit with a potential view to entering
again in 2007. It is then likely that Alfa Romeo may move
down to the forthcoming 149 which is due to be unveiled by
the end of 2006, although the team claim that they may still
plough their resources into a privateer team next year so as
to maintain a presence in the championship. [www.teamnordauto.com]
 8C
Spider [Aug.05]
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California presented the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider
in August 2005. The original Alfa 8C Competizione was presented
at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003. Both cars will use a
modified version of the 400 bhp Maserati 4.2 litre engine,
now with 450bhp! Both the 8C Competizone and the 8C Spider
are both concepts for now, but strong rumours says they will
hit the showrooms in 2007 - although in a limited number
only. [Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance]
 159
is here! [Jun.05]
The 156 replacement - the 159 - was presented at the Geneva
Motor Show in March 2005 and go on sale in Sept./Oct. The
159 is a bit larger than the 156 and will be delivered with
Alfas rear biased permanent 4 wheel drive Q4, and with 6
speed or Selespeed transmission. Engines are a 160bhp
1.9 JTS, a 185bhp 2.2 JTS and a 260bhp 3.2 V6 JTS plus 3 JTD diesels.
The 159 Sportwagon will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor
Show in September 05 and be for sale early 2006. A GTA version
with a 400bhp bi-turbo Q4 will most likely be launched late
2007. [159
1] [159
2] [159
3] [159
4] [159
5] [159
6] [159
7] [159
8] [159
9] [159
10] [www.alfa159.com]
[TopGear's
Jeremy Clarkson 159 review in The Times]
 Disco
Volante 2005
[Apr.05]
The American Giovanni Rizzo, a graduate student at the Transportation Design
class at Pasdena Art Center,
has recreated the classic Alfa Romeo concept from 1952 - the Disco Volante
[flying sourcer in Italian]. Only 3 of the original was ever build -
one coupe and two different Spiders.
[Disco Volante Spider 1952]
[Disco Volante 2005]
[Disco Volante 2005]
[Disco Volante 2005]
 Brera
[Mar.05]
Alfa Romeo Brera - the new sports 2+2 coupe flagship and GTV
replacement - was presented at the 75th Geneva Motor
Show in March 2005. 3 models headed the launch; a 2.4 JTD
200bhp turbo diesel, a 2.2 JTS 185bhp and the 3.2 V6 Q4 [rear biased permanent 4 wheel
drive] with 260bph. The original Giugiaro/ Italdesign Brera concept,
first shown in 2002, received an exceptional amount of
interest and also won the concept car of the year award. The
production version is very close to the original although
it is both longer, higher and a bit more narrow than the
concept car. The scissors-style doors have gone, but the
tinted glass roof has been kept. Production starts in
September and prices will be around € 32.000 for the 2.2 and
€ 39.500 for the AWD 3.2. Following models
will be: 200bhp JTD (Mar.06), 250bhp 3.0 JTD (May.07),
400 bhp biturbo 3.2 V6 Q4 (Oct.07). A Spider version
will also be available.
[Brera1]
[Brera2]
[Brera3]
[Brera4]
[Brera5]
[Brera6]
[Brera7]
[Brera8]
[Brera9] [Brera
Concept1]
[Brera
Concept2]
[Brera
Concept3]
[Brera
Concept4] [www.alfabrera.com]
[www.machinewarriors.com]
[TopGear's
Jeremy Clarkson Brera review in The Times]
 GT
collects two more awards
[Nov.04]
Alfa Romeo's stunning new coupé, the Alfa GT, has triumphed over
stiff competition to win two important European accolades
for its outstanding design. As well as winning the
prestigious Design Trophy awarded by the French publication,
L'Automobile, the Alfa GT has triumphed at the annual awards
for the L'Automobile Più Bella del Mondo (The Most Beautiful
Car in the World), winning the votes of an international
jury of leading designers, artists, engineers and architects
in Milan, Italy. The judges recognised the skill with which
the stylists at Bertone and Centro Stile Alfa Romeo had
drawn on Alfa Romeo's extensive heritage, in particular the
1900 SS, the Giulietta Sprint, the Alfetta and Giulia Sprint
GT, yet had produced a car that has its own unique style and
character. The sought-after annual Design Trophy awarded by
French publication L'Automobile also celebrated the Alfa
GT's styling, with its readers voting for the Italian coupé
ahead of competition that included the new Mercedes CLS and
the Citroën C4.
 Autodelta
156 GTA 3.7 V6
[Sep.04]
London-based Alfa Romeo tuners Autodelta has now also upgraded
the standard 156 GTA. The Autodelta GTA is
powered by a bored-out version of the existing 3.2 V6 unit,
with engine capacity now up to 3750cc, delivering 328bhp at
7300rpm and capable of reaching 175mph! Autodelta’s own
styling and manufacturing dept. Creativestudio, has given both
the 156 and
147 a new, distinctive and even sportier look. It will be strictly customer built
and each one will have its own plaque carrying the serial
number. More on
www.autodelta.co.uk.
[Autodelta
156 GTA] [Autodelta
147 GTA 1]
[Autodelta
147 GTA 2]
 Next
gen.
GTV and Spider based on Brera concept
[Aug.04]
Next generation Alfa GTV will be based on the Giugiaro/Italdesign concept Brera, which
was first presented at the Geneva Motor Show 2002. The original Brera is a classic 2+2 seat
configuration with the bodywork entirely made of carbon fiber
composite and an all-new Alfa 4litre V8 engine with at least 400 hp.
The GTV will probably be somewhat modified and it will first appear at
the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005 and go on sale towards the
end of that year.
Rumors has it that a Spider version will be
presented in Geneva 2006. Italdesign has had a love affair with Alfa Romeo since it was
established and their recent creation was the spectacular Alfa Romeo Scighera
in 1997.
[Brera
Concept 1]
[Brera
Concept 2]
[Brera
Concept 3]
[Brera
Concept 4]
[Scighera]
 Crosswagon
2004
[Mar.05]
Alfas new version of the Sportwagon is named Crosswagon and
was presented at the March 2004 Geneva Motor Show. It will have new bumpers and side skirts, and be 60 mm
higher than the original Sportwagon. Four wheel drive and the
1.9 M-Jet diesel engine will be only engine option with more
alternatives to follow. Crosswagon will go on sale in Italy in
October 04. [Crosswagon
1] [Crosswagon
2] [Crosswagon
3]
 Visconti
concept
Italdesign will present their new Alfa Visconti concept at the
Geneva Motor Show March 2004. If everything goes as planned
for Giugiaro and Italdesign, the Visconti will be Alfa's new
flagship car with it's 3.2 litre 400bhp V6 twin turbo
engine. According to Italdesign, the concept is practically
ready for production and has been designed for all wheel drive
and steering.
 New
GT
The GT Coupe was designed by the Bertone Style Centre and represents a
brand new concept of sportiness that blends comfort and elegance the
Italian way. With a length of 4.48 m, width of 1.76 m and a
height of 1.39 m, the GT is aggressive and compact. The car owes its performance to a mechanical
layout that has borrowed the very best features from the 156,
including three power units, the 140 bhp 1.8 T.Spark, the 165
bhp 2.0 JTS and the 150 bhp 1.9 JTD MultiJet 16V. Those who want the
very best in terms of performance and sportiness can choose the GTA
version equipped with the 240 bhp 3.2 V6 24 valve engine and
equipped with 6 airbags, Bose Hi-Fi with CD/MP3-player, cruise contol,
dualzone aircon,
xenon lights nav system, 17" wheels etc. [GT
1]
[GT
2]
[GT
3]
[GT
4]
[GT
5]
[GT
6]
[GT
7]
[GT
8]
[GT
9]
 Kamal
SUV concept revealed at Geneva
The Kamal concept presented at the Geneva International
Motor Show 2003 is a little shorter that the 156 Sportwagon, but high
enough (1620mm) to be clearly a SUV in its concept. The vehicle is
designed by the Arese Style Centre and was shown as an exterior-only
model. The rugged yet voluptuous design shows a likely future
direction for Alfa Romeo and would be a logical addition to their
current range, and could share parts with the 147 and 156. Kamal is
powered by 3.2 litre V6 with 250bhp driving all four wheels. [Kamal1]
[Kamal2]
[Kamal3]
 A
comeback for the TI
The TI - Turismo Internazionale - is back. The letters used to be assigned to
Alfa's best-equipped cars. Standard production models which underwent
both styling and mechanical changes to create thoroughbred sports car
for the ordinary road. They now designate a sporty kit that will be
available for the whole Alfa range. The code stands for quality and a guarantee
that changes such as wider tyres, alloy
wheels and sideskirts have been made in the factory. The TI interior
will be identified by
sporty configuration seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and
gear knob, an aluminum sill plate and
black facia and ceiling. [147 TI]
[156
TI]
156 GTAm
to be given the green light?
The "m" version of the 156 GTA displayed at the Bologna Motor Show
in December 2002, will probably be given the green light for a 500
unit run. Built by N-Technology - Fiat's competition department - the 156 GTAm
transfers racing technology from the 2002 156 GTA SuperTouring race
cars (which swept all before them in the European Touring Car
Championship) into a car designed for the road with an
increased version of the 147/156 GTA 3.2-litre V6 engine. The cylinder
displacement has been increased to 3548cc and power is
raised from 250 to 300 hp. The body wings and bonnet have
also been changed to composites for less weight. The light alloy
wheels are 8 x 19" fitted with 235/35ZR19 tyres. The sports ride
set-up is also new with height-adjustable shock absorbers by Bilstein
with Eibach springs, and the front brakes come with bigger Brembo
calipers and 330 mm discs. [GTAm1]
[GTAm2]
[GTAm3]
 New
Alfa design studies
The Master's Transportation Design students at Pauda Design College
have been working on a project assigned by Alfa's design dept. Centro Style.
Among the many suggestions, the Alfa "Corsa" and "Eva"
was chosen. The Corsa concept is back wheel drive 2+2 coupe - quite
like the
Ferrari 360 Modena from behind - while "Eva" is an extreme 2-seater
with design details from the 50's Formula 1 Alfas.
[Corsa11]
[Corsa2]
[Corsa3]
[Eva1]
[Eva2]
 Alfa
wins the 2002
ETCC [European Touring Car Championship]
For more than 30 years the GTA logo has been used to identify Alfas
prepared for racing. Nordauto's close link with Alfa has resulted in the
Nordauto GTA Racing Team competing with the new 156 GTA in the European
Touring Car Championship (ETCC). After a superb performance in 2001 - (1st
and 2nd place in the Drivers Championship, and
1st in the Team Championship), Alfa Nordauto have done it again! First
place for both driver and team in ETCC 2002. The Alfa team did great
all through the 2002 season with 13 wins out of 18! The domination was
in fact so strong that FIA midway in the season decided to
make new rules to "optimise the equality
of performances between the cars". Front-wheel drive cars (Alfa Romeo)
was loaded by 15 kg ballast and rear-wheel drive cars had the weight reduced by 15 kg. Alfa Rules! [www.teamnordauto.com]
147 GTA
The 147 GTA made its public debut at the 75th Paris Motor
Show in September. The 147 GTA is fitted with the 3.2-litre 24v V6
engine from the 156 GTA. Along with this powerplant it has a revised
suspension set-up, upgraded braking and improved safety systems, GPS
navigation and 17" alloy wheels with 225/45 tyres.
[147 GTA1]
[147 GTA2]
[147 GTA3]
[147 GTA4]
Spider
Special Editions 2002
2 different versions of the Spider has been introduced. The
Edizione Sportiva and
Edizione Elegante. They both have newly designed
leather seats and 17" rims [with 225x45 tyres], and white
side blinkers. The Sportiva also has air vents situated behind the
front wheels. [Read
more...]
 Art
Center College of Design showes Alfa design
Art Center College of Design recently hosted its Spring 2002 Graduation
Senior Show, featuring work from ten graduating students in the
Bachelor of Science - Transportation Design program. Among the designs
presented was the Alfa Romeo GT Sedan "Elessa" by Tom Matsumoto and
the Alfa Romeo GT "Xapher" by Jae Shin. Shin felt that Alfa needed a
front engined, rear wheel drive, two seater. His goal was to make a
one of a kind car, - just like the Viper and the TT. The "Xaphers"
front design is very aggressive and the overall design is very
romantic which hints at the flavor of Italy. Tom Matsumoto proposed
the "Elessa", - a GT sedan, which would have a strong impact as well
as make profitable sales. The "Elessa" is beautifully proportioned,
with a fluid and sculptural form. A triangular grill, character line
on the body side and a thin long tail lamp signal that this is
unmistakenably Alfa Romeo.
[Elessa]
[Xapher]
[Art Center College of Design]
 New GTV?
The Transportation Design students
at the Art Center College of Design in
Pasadena presented their works recently.
Among the concepts was sketches of what could be the next generation
Alfa Romeo GTV. The drawing is
by student Taehoon Kim, and is
simply breathtaking!
Art Center College of Design is one of the
world's leading in Transportation Design.
Probably more than half the world's cars
are designed by former students.
 GTA Versions
The introduction of
the GTA version [like the BMW M versions] in each model range has started
with the
147 GTA, 156 GTA and the Sportwagon GTA. The GTA will include lowered suspension, newly
designed 17 inch wheels with 225/45 tires, enlarged brakes,
Xenon lights, head airbags, better quality dashboard
with GPS navigation and telematic system. The classic
Alfa V6 now has 3.2 liters displacement, and 24 valves, and
the output is 250 bhp. The interior will have a general mild
upgrade and feature sports seats and steering wheel.
The 166 GTA is expected late 2003 and GTV/Spider GTA will be developed for the next
generation, and are scheduled for a 2004/5 release.
Auto Express
recently did a review of the Sportwagon GTA and says:
"Quite simply, it’s possibly the sports car bargain of the decade - and an
estate to boot" Not bad :-)
For those of you understanding Norwegian, both the magazines
Vi Menn
and Drive have taken the 156 GTA for a spin, and give top ratings!
[156 GTA1]
[156 GTA2]
[Sportwagon GTA]
3. generation Sportwagon
The Transportation Design students the the Italian L‘Instituto d’Arte
Applicata e Design di Torino showed their work in July 2001.
The project was based on Alfa sportconcept and the planning of the
3. generation Sportwagon with backwheel drive. See the works by
Giorgio Pirolo,
Simone Canepa,
Fabio Miniati, and
Michele di Lillo.
147 with extra muscle
UK company Autodelta have launched 2 turbo-versions of the Alfa
147 called "J12" and "
J12 Evo" - in
the same series as the J10 Spider/GTV and
J11 156. Autodelta has modified Alfa's EOBD version III T-Spark
engine (1.6 and 2.0 liter), which has been used by Alfa since the end of 2000. "J12 Evo" -
the 2.0 liter - will manage 0-100 km/h at 5.7 sec. and 240+ km/h. Also read more
about the Alfa 147
Cup
Autonis - Germanys first cadesign award
I've of course always thought that most Alfas looks great, and now
more than 50.000 readers of the German mag AutoStrassenverkehr
do agree. "Die Schönsten Autos 2001"
was chosen in 12 categories and among 339 different models.
Alfa Romeo won TWO categories: The compact class
- Alfa Romeo 147, and the stationwagon
class - Alfa
Romeo Sportwagon.
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