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  • Mazda and Fiat Group sign MoU – upcoming Alfa Romeo roadster to use next-gen MX-5 rear-wheel drive platform

    In Alfa Romeo, Cars, Mazda / By / / 25 comments


    Mazda Motor Corporation and Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and manufacturing of a new roadster for both Mazda and Alfa Romeo brands, based on the former’s next-generation MX-5 architecture.

    The study calls for both Mazda and Fiat to develop two differentiated, distinctly styled, iconic and brand-specific light weight roadsters featuring rear-wheel drive. Each will be powered by proprietary engines unique to their brand (eg. SkyActiv G for Mazda, TBi for Alfa). The plan is that both cars will be manufactured at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant, with production for the Alfa roadster starting in 2015.

    “Establishing technology and product development alliances is one of Mazda’s corporate objectives and this announcement with Fiat is an important first step in that direction. It is especially exciting to be collaborating with such a prestigious marque as Alfa Romeo on a new roadster based on the next-generation MX-5, which is such an iconic vehicle for Mazda and recognised as the best-selling roadster of all time,” said Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda’s President and CEO.

    “This agreement clearly demonstrates our commitment to Alfa Romeo and the determination to grow it into a truly global brand. By partnering with Mazda, we will be co-operating with the recognised leader in compact rear-drive vehicle architectures in order to deliver an exciting and stylish roadster in the Alfa Romeo tradition. We are appreciative of this collaboration with Mazda and look forward to maintaining a fruitful and continuous relationship,” said Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne.

    The final agreement is expected to be signed in the second-half of this year. Mazda and Fiat have also agreed to discuss further opportunities for co-operation in Europe.

    Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? I’m just wondering if “Alfa’s MX-5″ will look anything like the pretty 4C Concept shown in Geneva 2011. Or how about this sleek Pininfarina proposal seen at Geneva 2010? Anyhow, it’s exciting times ahead!

     

  • Alfa 155 celebrates 20th anniversary with SDAC, AROCKV

    In Alfa Romeo, Cars, Local News / By / / 11 comments

    The Alfa Romeo 155 turns 20 this year, so official importer Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) and the passionate people behind Alfa Romeo Owners Club Klang Valley (AROCKV) Malaysia recently threw a “birthday bash” for the sharp suited former touring car hero.

    Also, AROCKV has been invited by BerlinaSportivo.com, a French-based Alfa Romeo enthusiast website to participate in its anniversary do. AROCKV was requested to send a video of 155 owners in Malaysia, and chose Fraser Hill as the drive destination. Up the hill they went on May 5-6.

    Besides star car 155, close to 100 people and 55 Alfa Romeos participated in the drive, from the Alfetta to the 159. The event was flagged off at SDAC’s Jalan Ipoh showroom. After a fun drive up the colonial era hill resort, participants were welcomed by Assam Pedas Restaurant. Shahzan Inn was the official accommodation provider.

    One of the main activities was “Inspection 155”, where judges Rashid Karyeo (AROC Singapore), Shuhaibul Muslimin (AROCKV Malaysia) and Johan Izham Jamalulil (Traffic) inspected the 27 155s before deciding who would win the prizes for Best Interior, Best Exterior, Most Original and Overall Best 155.

    Alfa Romeo Owners Club Klang Valley (AROCKV) Malaysia was established in 2005. Club members own various Alfas, including the Alfetta, AlfaSud, 33, 75, 145, 146, 147, 155, 156, 164, 168, 166 and today’s models. My “Alfa itch” is yet to be scratched, some day perhaps…

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  • Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir – 170 hp, RM178,888

    In Alfa Romeo, Cars, Local News / By / / 79 comments

    Sime Darby Auto Italian launched the Alfa Romeo Giulietta at its Jalan Ipoh showroom yesterday evening. The Italian five-door hatchback is only available as a 1.4 TB MultiAir for now.

    SDAI says that the range topping QV (Quadrifoglio Verde) model with Alfa’s 235 PS “1750 TBi” engine is coming soon, with a six-speed manual gearbox. Mmmm…

    Sweet as that Cloverleaf may sound to enthusiasts, let’s focus on what we have for now, which is not bad at all. The MultiAir engine is of the downsized variety, displacing just 1,368 cc. But with turbocharging and Fiat’s patented MultiAir system (electro-hydraulic variable valve actuation tech, controls air intake without a throttle valve), it makes at a respectable 170 PS and 250 Nm of torque.

    Paired to a six-speed TCT gearbox (twin-clutch, Selespeed finally retired), the Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir does the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 218 km/h. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 5.2 litres per 100 km.

    As with most modern European cars, Start-Stop is standard, but can be switched off. Also included is Alfa’s DNA selector, which gives the driver three driving modes – Dynamic, Normal and All-Weather. The DNA switch is placed in front of the gear selector. Boot space is still a decent 350 litres.

    Riding on Fiat Group’s all-new Compact platform (the Dodge Dart and just unveiled Fiat Viaggio are the other beneficiaries), the Giulietta’s suspension consists of front MacPherson struts and rear multi-links.

    Apparently, with aluminium wishbones at the back, Alfa managed to shave 10 kg compared to a conventional multi-link setup. Using the same metal up front saved four kilos.

    There’s an army of safety systems at work. In addition to six airbags, it has VDC (Alfa’s name for ESP), ABS, EBD, HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), MSR (Modular System Regulator), CBC (Control Brake Cornering System), Hill Holder Control, ASR (Anti Slip Regulator), DST (Dynamic Steering Torque System) and TTC (Torque Transfer Control System). Alfa’s electronic Q2 electronic diff works on the front axle.

    Standard kit includes bi-xenons with AFS function, dual-zone climate control, sound system with MP3/USB/Bluetooth and Blue&Me, steering radio and phone controls, leather, LED DRLs and 17-inch alloys. Three colours are available – Ghiaccio White, Alfa Red and Black.

    The Giulietta is priced at RM178,888 excluding road tax and insurance. Click here to view a nice promo video. By the way, the lovely classic you see in the gallery is the Giulia Sprint from the 1960s.

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  • VIDEO: Alfa Romeo Giulietta plays ice hockey in the UK

    In Alfa Romeo, Cars, International News, Videos / By / / 2 comments

    With cold wintery weather forecast for the UK this week, and freezing temperatures set to affect many UK roads, Alfa Romeo UK thought of an unusual way to promote the Italian brand – get the Giulietta to play ice hockey!

    The key was to showcase the Giulietta’s All Weather mode via Alfa’s driver selectable D.N.A. system, and Alfa teamed up with stunt driver Paul Swift and the UK’s top ice hockey team, Coventry Blaze, to create the video you see here.

    In the 1:41 clip, captured solely by the iPhone 4S, you’ll see the sexy C-segment hatchback taking on Blaze star David Phillips in the Coventry Skydome ice rink, in a challenge of icy skill and pinpoint control.

    In the “man vs car” battle, the fella in red delivered two cool trick shots – striking a one-inch thick by three-inch diameter hockey puck from just inside the end zone into the home team’s six feet wide net guarded by a goalie. Remember, do not attempt to drive into Sunway Pyramid to repeat these tricks, however fun it looks :)

     

  • Alfa Romeo developing 1.8L turbo engine with 300 hp!

    In Alfa Romeo, Cars / By / / 16 comments

    Good news for the alfisti. According to reports from Italy, Alfa Romeo is planning a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a whopping 300 hp! This translates to an amazing 167 hp per litre. And knowing Alfa, it should sound the part too, making this a much anticipated motor.

    Designed for both transverse and longitudinal installation, the all-aluminium engine will have high-pressure (200 bar) fuel injection and is predicted to use Fiat’s unique Multiair variable valve timing system. The company says that this new engine will meet the super-strict European EU6 and US Tier2Bin5 emission standards.

    This 1.8L turbo is expected to debut in the new Giulia sedan, the replacement for the 159, in early 2014. Reviving a famous name from the 1960s, the new Giulia will be Alfa’s rival to the upcoming F30 BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class. The planned 4C sports car should be another recipient.

    Autocar UK points out that since this engine can be mounted longitudinally, it should also make it into Alfa Romeo’s planned rear driven big flagship saloon. The last big Alfa was the 166 that was discontinued in 2007.

     

  • Alfa 4C gets new fluid metal colour for Frankfurt 2011

    In 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Alfa Romeo, Cars / By / / 9 comments

    Alfa Romeo will be exhibiting the Geneva 2011 show’s Alfa 4C Concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, updated with a new ‘fluid metal’ colour. Just as a recap, the 4C is a two seater rear wheel drive coupe with a mid-mounted engine, approximately 4 meters long and with a short wheelbase of less than 2.4 meters.

    Think of it as a scaled down version of the 8C Competizione, featuring construction made out of carbon and lightweight aluminum and powered by Alfa Romeo’s 1750 direct injection turbo engine, mated to an Alfa TCT dual dry clutch transmission.

    Look after the jump for a small teaser gallery of the fluid metal 4C.
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  • Supercharged Novitec 8C – The fastest Alfa of all time

    In Alfa Romeo, Cars, International News / By / / 12 comments

    Famous Alfa tuner Novitec has on its hands what the company claims is “the most powerful and fastest street legal Alfa Romeo of all time”. They’ve supercharged the 8C’s 4.7-litre V8 engine to achieve 600 hp and 588 Nm, which is a huge jump from the stock 450 hp and 470 Nm. Top speed jumps from 290 km/h to 305 km/h, while the 0-100 km/h sprint is done in just 3.9 seconds, down from 4.2.

    The supercharger is driven by a cogged-tooth belt directly from the crankshaft. Maximum boost pressure is limited to 0.37 bar. The mechanical charging system is rounded out by a water-to-air intercooler with dedicated radiator, and by custom injectors. Of course, there’s newly calibrated mapping for injection and ignition.

    In addition, the tuner offers a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system and height-adjustable sport suspension. The former is optional and is comes with an integrated flap system varies the exhaust note depending on engine speed. The coil-over suspension allows the driver to select ride height and damper rates.

    Available as Coupe or Spider, the sexy good looks of the 8C is untouched. But Novitec does replace the standard rims with three-piece NA3 wheels, 21 inches in front and 22 inches at the back, shod with Pirelli rubber.

     

  • Alfa Romeo MiTo revised for 2011 – new engines included

    In Alfa Romeo, Cars, International News / By / / 10 comments


    Click to enlarge

    Alfa Romeo has released details of the revised MiTo, which gets new engines for 2011 as well as a more streamlined and focused range of versions – nine as opposed to 17 previously.

    The sports compact now comes in Sprint form (which replaces both Turismo and Lusso trim levels) as well as Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde versions (which replace Veloce and Cloverleaf). At the entry-level point, the car comes in Progression guise.


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    Specifications are up, and prices are down, always a good thing. In terms of enhanced specification, Distinctive (formerly Veloce) and Quadrifoglio Verde (Cloverleaf) feature additional equipment, including cruise control, sports pedals and rear parking sensors.

    Three new engines find their way on to the car – a 1.4 8v 78 hp unit (available in Progression and Sprint, replacing the 1.4 16v 95 hp unit) with Start&Stop as standard, a 1.4 MultiAir 105 hp available with Sprint or Distinctive trims and a 1.3 JTDM-2 85 hp mill that’s available for the Sprint only.


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    The trio join the 135 hp and 170 hp versions of the 1.4 TB MultiAir as well as the 120 hp 1.6 JTDM-2 in the lineup, bringing the number of engine options available for the car to six.

    There’s also a new colour for the car, and this is the Metal Bronze shade that was previewed in Geneva earlier this year – on Progression and Sprint versions, the MiTo can also be chosen with new Sprint Bronze upholstery.

     

  • Alfa Romeo 159 gets new interior and 136 hp 2.0 JTDM diesel

    In Alfa Romeo, Cars, International News / By / / 44 comments


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    To keep things fresh and kicking, Alfa Romeo has dressed up the interior of its 159 sedan for 2011, as well as introduced a new engine variant into the lineup – the new motor is a 136 hp 2.0 JTDM unit. The Euro 5, variable geometry turbocharger-equipped diesel block offers 350 Nm of torque from as low as 1,750 rpm.


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    Interior-wise, the 159 now features new sports cloth upholstery or sports leather in black or natural, depending on the trim level chosen (there are three – Turismo, Lusso and the sporty TI). Elsewhere, the cabin gets dressed up with elegant chrome-plated three-layer treatment or brush black aluminium inserts on the dashboard, on the mouldings and on the central console.


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    Bagging a TI variant not only gets you the sport bits, all replete in black and aluminium, new carbon fibre inserts on the central console and steering wheel may be ordered as optional items to complete the sport theme.

     

  • Alfa Romeo shows off sexy 4C Concept, on sale in 2012!

    In Alfa Romeo, Cars, International News / By / / 44 comments


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    UPDATE: Interior pic added after the jump.

    Beautiful, isn’t it? This is the 4C Concept, a “compact supercar” according to Alfa Romeo. It’s clear that this 4C is the younger sibling of Alfa’s 8C Competizione, both in name and styling. However, the 4C isn’t a front engined, rear driven car like its bigger brother – it has a mid-engine, RWD layout.

    Well, if the 8C has a V8 then the 4C would have a four-cylinder, so the 4C Concept is motivated by Alfa’s 1750 turbo petrol engine as found in the range topping Giulietta. It’s a direct injection, dual CVVT engine that features a revolutionary scavenging control system which eliminates turbo lag. In the hatchback, this unit produces 235 PS and 340 Nm. Coupled with the just launched Alfa TCT dry twin-clutch transmission, the 4C Concept does 0-100 km/h in under five seconds. Top speed is above 250 km/h.


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    The 4C Concept was developed to be lightweight, so it uses carbon extensively. The chassis supports a body crafted completely from carbon, while the rear frame structure and crash boxes are from aluminium. Final weight is “less than 850 kg” and weight/power ratio is lower than 4 kg/hp. Weight distribution is 40:60. The 4C has Alfa’s DNA selector, which controls the car’s throttle, steering and suspension.

    Size wise, the 4C is about four metres long and has a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres. This means that it’s a very compact sports car – a Porsche Cayman is 4,347 mm long with a wheelbase of 2,415 mm.


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    The best news is that the 4C will make it to production. Alfa Romeo says that it will go on sale next year! Pic of the cabin is after the jump.
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