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New Alfa Romeo models launched in Malaysia, including the Alfa 159 finally!

May 10, 2009 at 9:31 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Alfa Romeo, Cars, Local News

Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeo is back alive and kicking with a launch of 4 new models in Malaysia all at once. Spearheading the list and expected to the the company’s volume seller here is the long-awaited Alfa Romeo 159, priced at RM 188,888.

Under the hood is a 2.2 litre JTS inline-4 twin cam engine mated to a 6-speed Selespeed automated manual transmission. The JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) is a direct injection lean burn engine that puts out 185 PS at 6,500rpm and 230Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, which is quite torquey for a 2.2 litre unit.

Alfa Romeo 159

The 159 has a decent level of equipment. We’re talking about a total of 9 airbags for the front, rear, side and driver knee, and there is also a front passenger airbag deactivation feature. Creature comforts include bi-xenon headlamps with washer, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto driving light control, follow me home headlamps, keyless ignition, rain sensor wipers, paddle shifts, stability control, an 8 speaker sound system, a sunroof, and full leather upholstery.

Internationally, there is a new engine for the 2009 model year and it would be nice if Sime Darby Autoconnexxion has plans to bring it in for future variants if they deem it suitable, we’re talking about the TBi engine, which is a 1.8 litre engine with direct injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing for both the intake and exhaust. It put outs 200 PS and 320Nm of torque (a 230 PS variant is also available for the Brera/Spider), so the two models could be differentiated like the Audi A4 1.8 and 2.0.

But in any case it looks like those who have been buying the Accord 2.4 and Mazda 6 2.5 (don’t think Camry 2.4 buyers are in the same category!) can now opt to shell out a little more and enjoy a sexy Italian beauty!

Alfa Romeo GT

Next up is the Alfa Romeo GT Blackline Coupe, powered by a 165 horsepower 206Nm torque 2.0 litre JTS engine mated to a 5-speed Selespeed, priced at RM 218,888. This sleek coupe never fails to turn heads but mechanically it is not very different from the Alfa GT sold by the distributor’s previous incarnation, Sime Darby Auto Italia.

The GT is equipped with a BOSE Hi-Fi system with amp and subwoofer, a CD player with MP3 capabilities, xenon headlamps, 8 airbags, stability control, and sports seats.

Alfa Romeo Brera

The Alfa Romeo Brera Coupe is priced at RM 308,888 and is powered by the same 2.2 litre JTS engine as the 159 sedan. You’ve got 7 airbags, stability control, 6 speakers, rain sensor wipers, keyless ignition, bi-xenon headlamps, 8-way electrically adjustable front seats with heating for the driver’s seat, and leather upholstery.

The flagship and most expensive car is the 2-seater Alfa Romeo Spider, also powered by the 2.2 litre JTS and 6-speed Selespeed. It’s priced at RM 318,888 and is essentially a soft top convertible version of the Brera.

Alfa Spider

The Spider’s equipment includes keyless ignition, rain sensor wipers, cruise control, paddle shifts, 6-speakers, bi-xenon headlamps with washer, heated driver’s seat, stability control, and 5 airbags for the front and sides of the 2 passengers including a driver’s knee airbag.

There is more coming. The cute little hatch called the MiTo will be coming later this year to give the MINI Cooper and the Fiat 500 some competition. Look after the jump for full galleries the bellas, including a few promo videos of the 159 and GT.
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Alfa Romeo to unveil the MiTo Veloce Concept in Amsterdam

March 21, 2009 at 10:50 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Alfa Romeo, Cars, Concept Cars

The high performance Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show recently, and the Italian auto maker is not about to leave the gorgeous MiTo at that only. The auto maker has revealed that it will present another MiTo concept at the upcoming AutoRAI event which will take place in Amsterdam.

Called the Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce Concept, it would be positioned between the standard MiTo and the high performance GTA version if it goes into production, and something tells me that it will. The MiTo Veloce Concept is expected to be powered by a tuned version of Alfa’s 1.4 litre turbocharged engine that would kick out 177HP.

The MiTo Veloce is expected to sprint to the 100 km/h point in about 7.5 seconds, and is expected to feature an up-rated suspension, as well as some slight modifications on the body work. The show will kick start on April 1st, so stay tuned as we will bring you more details.

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VIDEO: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept Official Promo

March 11, 2009 at 1:04 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Alfa Romeo, Cars, Videos

Italian-based Alfa Romeo has released an official promo video of the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept, which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The 2 minute 48 second-long video showcases the MiTo GTA being driven in Valencia. You can also hear the roaring exhaust note delivered by its 240HP 1.75 litre turbocharged power plant. Continue reading to watch the video.
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Geneva 2009: The Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept finally revealed

March 5, 2009 at 12:45 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo, Cars, Concept Cars

Italian auto maker Alfa Romeo has finally unveiled the MiTo GTA Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. On the outside, the aggressive-looking super mini is treated to large air intakes with mesh inserts, a front lower lip spoiler, a centrally mounted exhaust tail pipe, and a huge rear diffuser among others.

The MiTo GTA Concept receives power from a 240HP 1.8 litre cracking power plant which comes with direct injection and a dual variable valve timing system. Alfa Romeo has used carbon fiber in a number of places such as the roof, tailgate spoiler and mirror fairings to help improve power to weight ratio. The similar treatment, but with aluminium was utilized in the suspension and braking components, as well as in certain parts of the chassis.

Unfortunately, Alfa Romeo has yet to release more information regarding the MiTo GTA Concept, other than what we already know. Please click here to read our previous report on the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept as well as to view an gallery.

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Geneva 2009: Alfa reveals updated Alfa Romeo 159 with new engines!

March 4, 2009 at 10:23 am By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo, Cars

The new Alfa Romeo 159 was released at the Geneva Motor Show with the additions of two new Euro 5-compliant engines including; a 200HP 1.75 litre TBi with 320Nm of torque which accelerates the 159 sedan to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, to a top speed of 235 km/h, and a 170HP 2.0 litre JTDM power plant. This can propel the 159 Sportwagon to the 100 km/h in 9 to a top speed of 216 km/h.

At the show, two variants are being displayed including the 159 sedan in TI trim and the 159 Sportwagon. The sedan in TI trim is finished with lowered geometry, bigger tires, 19 inch alloy rims, miniskirts and large aluminum brakes with red calipers on the outside while the interior features sports seats in perforated leather with the Alfa Romeo logo stitched in red, plus the steering wheel with sports grip and the gear knob covered in leather with red stitching. The TI also comes equipped with triple-zone climate control, VDC system with Electronic Q2, GPS, Bose Hi-Fi system and Cruise Control.

On the outside, the 159 Sportwagon is treated to 18 inch wheels while the inside features sports steering wheel with radio commands, a gear knob covered in leather with black stitching and new sports seats covered in leather while its head lining, the parcel shelf and the pillar fairings are finished black. Making up the equipment list include; triple-zone climate control, Cruise Control, VDC system (with Electronic Q2), Bose Hi-Fi system, GPS system (with telephone and voice commands), and Visibility Pack (rain, mist and twilight sensors. Continue reading to view an image gallery.
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240hp Alfa MiTo GTA initial details revealed!

February 23, 2009 at 11:27 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Alfa Romeo, Cars, Concept Cars

Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

Alfa Romeo has unveiled more details on the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA. It’s still called a concept right now but I reckon it’s quite close to a production version.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Alfa Romeo nomenclature, GTA actually stands for Gran Turismo Alleggerito and is associated with mad and scary cars full of torque steer such as the 147 GTA.

Under the hood of the MiTo GTA is a 1.8 litre turbocharged engine with dual variable valve timing and direct fuel injection producing a nice 240 horsepower. Although torque figures were not given you can probably expect between 300 to 350Nm of torque. The MiTo GTA has been lowered by 20mm, and the front suspension uses new geometry for the aluminium leading arms, and all-new bushings for the rear suspension. The dampers also have active damper control for a better balance between handling and comfort.

There is also something Alfa calls a “Sky-Hook” function which is supposed to improve comfort levels, but it’s not known what it is or how it works at the moment. We’ll have to wait until Geneva to find out.

Check out two more photos after the jump.
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Alfa Romeo Mito GTA Concept to debut at Geneva

February 19, 2009 at 9:54 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Alfa Romeo, Cars, Concept Cars

Alfa Romeo Mito GTA

Alfa Romeo will be exhibiting an Alfa Romeo Mito GTA Concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in early March, which will likely to be a close to production high performance version of the 3-door Alfa Romeo GTA. The powertrain is likely to be Fiat’s new 1.8 litre direct injection turbo engine, which is also said to be making a debut in the 159 in 200 PS form.

The Mito GTA could have it in a higher state of tune, perhaps 240 horses is not too hard to imagine. The engine has dual variable valve timing, direct injection and turbocharging technology. This is the same Euro 5-compliant engine that was announced to be slotted into the new Lancia Delta.

The Mito GTA will most probably also have the Q2 differential to help rein in those horses sent to the front wheel. Looks like MINI John Cooper Works will have some good looking sexy Italian competition soon!

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Alfa Romeo Mito GTA set for Geneva debut

January 23, 2009 at 9:24 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Alfa Romeo, Cars, International News

Alfa Romeo Mito

The MINI John Cooper Works will have a new rival come the Geneva show this March in the form of this hot little Italian number, the Alfa Romeo Mito. The Mito will receive a new top of the line variant called the Alfa Romeo Mito GTA and it will be powered by the 1.8 litre T-JET engine from the Fiat Bravo. Autocar claims the engine will be tuned to put out 240 horsepower, which looks likely as a nice and punchy 180 has been demonstrated by a smaller 1.4 litre engine used in the Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Essesse. Even the 1.4 litre in the Marangoni M430 Mito has 220hp. The Mito will get a Q2 differential at the front to reign all the torque in, since it is a front wheel drive vehicle. Power to weight ratio will also be helped by lightweight materials exclusive to the GTA like carbon fiber and aluminium.
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Risotto ai automobile: Marangoni M430 Mi.To

November 29, 2008 at 7:49 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Alfa Romeo, Cars

Marangoni M430 Alfa Romeo MiTo

This is the Marangoni M430 Alfa Romeo Mi.To. First the bad, this car is just pure risotto, which is a completely random term that I’m going to use for an Italian ricer car. Overdone bodykit, glaring two-tone paint, random decals, scissor doors, huge 18 inch wheels with red tyres for red burn-out smoke – you name it, it’s got it! And what’s M430 supposed to mean anyway, a homage to the Ferrari F430?

But what’s hot is what’s under the hood. The standard 150hp output of the 1.4 litre turbocharged T-JET engine under the Alfa Romeo Mi.To’s engine hood has been boosted to a Golf GTI-beating 220 horsepower! This is a tiny 1.4 litre engine that actually makes more power than the 4.0 litre V6 in the new Ford Mustang.

We can actually buy a car that has this engine in Malaysia, the Fiat Bravo GT. This should really tickle the interest of Bravo GT owners, a potential 220hp plus a manual transmission would be really fun.

Look after the jump for a high-res gallery of the M430.
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Cars used in the Bond movie Quantum of Solace

November 16, 2008 at 9:54 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Cars, Ford, Land Rover, Volvo

OlgaI just caught the latest installment in the James Bond universe – the Quantum of Solace over the weekend. I’m abit disappointed that the sexy Aston Martin DBS did not get much screentime other than an initial heated car chase scene.

Instead, Bond goes on to drive a few SUVs from the Ford group of marques, though the makers did try to “balance” them out with a fuel efficient small car.

Let’s have a look at the cars of the Quantum Solace.
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