Alfa Romeo Giulietta: Official Car of 2012 Superbike

Alfa Romeo Giulietta: Official Car of 2012 Superbike

So beautiful!!

2011 Alfa Romeo Giulia (159 replacement)

Alfa Romeo will revive the Giulia nameplate for the successor to its 159 sedan, according to rumors circulating in the European press. While there have been conflicting reports regarding which platform the car will use, sources tell us Alfa is developing a suitable RWD chassis with the help of Maserati.

Rumors about Alfa sticking with a front-wheel-drive layout seem largely unfounded. In October, Renzo Barbirato, Alfa Romeo’s marketing manager, stated the entry-level MiTo is the only Alfa Romeo model that will not make the switch to rear-wheel drive in the coming years.

It’s not known if the new 159/Giulia will be among the Alfa models bound for U.S. consumption, but it seems like a suitable candidate. The 8C Competizione and 8C Spider have been confirmed for the North American market, and the CXover sport utility vehicle is a safe bet.

The new Giulia is expected to arrive in 2011

Alfa Romeo MI.TO video

Alfa 159 J4 2.2 C by Autodelta

Autodelta is pleased to announce that it will unveil the bespoke Alfa 159 J4 2.2 C at an exclusive event at the Yacht Harbour of Driessen, Amsterdam, on 20th & 21st of June.

The Autodelta J4 2.2 C (C denoting “Compressore”) will become the third member of the exclusive bespoke J-series models, joining the Brera J5 3.2 C and Spider J6 3.2 C in the range when it is commercialised from July 1st; and like the other two established sports cars, its integral theme continues a long tradition of applying forced induction principles by Autodelta to develop nothing less than the very ultimate expression of high performance motoring.

However, while the Brera J5 and Spider J6 models have focused on improving Alfa Romeo’s 3.2 V6 engine, the 159 J4 2.2 C will be launched with a supercharged version of the 2.2 JTS direct injection petrol engine. The addition of a Rotrex C30-74 supercharger and a specifically-developed system boosts the 2.2-litre unit’s power from the standard 185bhp up to 245 bhp, an increase of 60 bhp. Meanwhile peak torque is lifted from 230Nm to 290Nm, giving the sports saloon an extra 60Nm of torque.

Supercharging the 2.2 JTS engine and evolving the 159 J4 2.2 C package to perfection has been a long-term project for Autodelta, running alongside the development programmes to realise the J5 and J6. Autodelta’s engineering team was able to build on valuable experience gained when it became the first company in the world to apply forced induction to Alfa Romeo’s 2.0 JTS unit, as used in the 156 and GT models; and although an all-new unit, many of the important lessons learnt, and technical knowledge gained, were carried forward to the 2.2 JTS project.

“Both are high compression engines, which mean that a very thorough development programme is called for,” says Autodelta’s Managing Director Jano Djelalian, “but one of the biggest advantages is that a high performance driving experience can be coupled to excellent fuel efficiency, something that is becoming more important with ever rising oil prices.” In fact Autodelta’s technical excellence is quite simply unchallenged: no other company has been able to successfully supercharge and commercialise Alfa Romeo’s direct-injection JTS engines.

The Brera J5 3.2 C revolutionised Autodelta’s operations when it was added to the range in the autumn of 2005, creating a demand that resulted in a restructuring programme being implemented in order to offer customers respectable waiting times. “Alfa Romeo created a superbly stylish sports car with the Brera, and one that we were able to take forward in a number of areas,” says Jano, “It moved us forward as we welcomed a whole new type of customer coming through our doors; for the first time we also had one model that was in demand right across the world, and as well as gearing up to cope with it here, we had to take our global network of agents one step further.” The engineering had to be designed in such a way that Autodelta’s fully trained agents are able to install the supercharger package and test the cars in a most efficient manner. To that effect, the 2.2 JTS Supercharger package has an installation time of only six to seven hours, and then all cars are driven between sixty and eighty miles to complete the testing process.

“The J5 arrived just as we celebrated our 20th anniversary,” continues Jano, “and it has superbly launched us into our third decade.” The global demand for the J5 saw Autodelta’s R&D operation also being restructured and expanded to other regions to spread the demand placed on its UK HQ and allow all new models to be targeted at specific markets right from their launch. Autodelta’s two main R&D satellite hubs are in Athens (Greece) and Moscow (Russia). This widening of focus gives Autodelta’s engineers the ability to run the cars in extreme climatic conditions of heat and cold as well as in very dusty conditions and on surfaces that are extremely challenging. It also allows the cars electronics’ to perfectly suit the different requirement posed by local fuel characteristics.

Development of the 159 J4 2.2 C was able to slot perfectly into this new organisation, with more than half a dozen test cars running in three countries. Autodelta has been able to smoothly bring its development partners into the new structure, including Rotrex (superchargers), OZ (wheels) and Dunlop (tyres). “We have also learnt a lot from taking the decision to run testing on some of the most demanding race circuits in Europe,” says Jano. “The Nürburgring in particular puts a huge strain on every part of the car, not least the brakes, and every flaw is amplified; so we have gained invaluable feedback from taking this route. Although we are a small company with finite resources we want to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of high performance motoring.”

Before starting the supercharger installation project Autodelta’s engineers had to develop solutions to driveability issues that come into the equation. “We listened very closely to customers who had bought the 2.2 JTS and the points they raised,” says Jano. “A re-map to perfect these criteria and optimise the performance was developed.” This re-map will be made available by Autodelta for the standard 2.2 JTS aspirated models, similar to a re-map which has been commercialised for the 3.2 V6 engine; and it will improve driveability, increase performance and improve fuel consumption.

The 159 J4 2.2 C features a completely new aluminium inlet manifold as the factory plastic unit was not able to withstand the 0.65 bar boost which the Rotrex C30-74 unit is producing. The new inlet manifold design, now with a reduced volume was also a critical part of the development as we managed to increase the speed of response says Autodelta’s head of Research & Development, Sergio Truzzi. “Changes to the inlet and exhaust camshaft variator control strategy had to be initiated to generate more continuous torque and improve driveability,” adds Sergio.

With increasing fuel prices and taxation rising on larger capacity engines, Autodelta believe the 2.2 JTS supercharged engine offers certain beneficial advantages over the 3.2 V6. The additional advantage of a lighter kerb weight than the 3.2 V6 Q4 model means that the 2.2 JTS supercharged cars are almost 150 Kilograms lighter and therefore have a better bhp per ton ratio in comparison.

Autodelta has also taken a slightly different overall approach for this project, the third J-series model, in light of the excellent characteristics of the production Alfa 159 2.2 JTS. “During the extensive test programme we were very impressed with the chassis’ all-round capability as factory standard,” says Sergio, “and we found that with the additional performance from the supercharger the very capable chassis came alive and coped extremely well as far as grip and steering turn in was concerned. This clearly demonstrates the inherent sporty nature of the 159 chassis,” he continues. “Although the standard brakes also coped very well, we felt the Selespeed supercharged versions did incur some brake fade; improving the braking window was addressed by developing new perforated brake discs.”

Due to the inherent responsiveness of the overall Alfa 159 package to the supercharging conversion Autodelta will offer the J4 package with its bespoke Rotrex supercharger system, while utilising the car’s standard components. “We’re very pleased with how this project has turned out,” says Jano, “it means we will be able to offer a fully supercharged car at a highly competitive price, and hopefully bring the Autodelta driving option to a wider audience than has been the case, which is especially relevant with the broad appeal that the Alfa 159 offers. The cornerstone of our philosophy has always to blend extreme performance with day-to-day practicality, and with the wide appeal of the Alfa 159 this becomes even more requisite.

“Overall we feel the cars are more then capable to fulfil most drivers’ demands but of course we have gone a further step to satisfy the most demanding of owners and for the most extreme usage of the cars,” says Jano. This has involved progressive all round dynamic development of the car to create a cutting-edge, envelope-pushing sports saloon. The Alfa 159 is based on the same architecture as the Brera, allowing technology applied on the Brera J5 3.2 C to form the underlying basis of the upgrade. A fully adjustable coil over suspension set up allows for height adjustment as well as rebound adjustment to enable the driver to fine tune the car for any occasion. Up-rated perforated brake discs and special compound pads improve the braking capability, while an entirely new aerodynamic package will present a distinct new styling direction.

Autodelta will also release a special ‘Corsa’ tuning kit for the 245 bhp supercharged 159 J4 2.2 C, that will see the car producing more power than the 260 bhp currently available in the Alfa 159 3.2 V6; the Corsa tuning kit will be available as a retro fit for those who want even more power and is fully reversible.

source: italiaspeed

New Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Video

Alfa Romeo has found the time to release a new video of their range-topping sports car.
The 450 hp Alfa sports car is named both after the legendary 8-cylinder sports cars from the '30s and '40s (8C) and the 6C 2500 Competizione model driven by Fangio and Zanardi at the famous "Mille Miglia" races in 1950.

First photos : Alfa Romeo Mi.To on street

Here are first photos taken on streets of Torino !!



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Alfa Romeo announces Collaboration with Prodrive

"Alfa Romeo has teamed up with world-leading motorsport specialist, Prodrive, to evolve the handling of the Alfa Brera coupe, specifically for the British market," read a press release issued by Alfa Romeo UK today. "Following a year’s intensive suspension development programme, including full sign-off from the engineering department in Italy, the result is a bespoke, British-honed, Alfa Brera S."
The press release added that "according to Prodrive Project Leader, Peter Cambridge, the collaboration has 'built on the existing model’s capabilities to deliver outstanding driver feedback and handling.'"
Alfa Romeo UK also announced at the same time that production of the Alfa Brera S will be limited to 500 numbered cars. Details remain sketchy but it will include further unannounced enhancements to the exterior and interior of the car, which are expected to comprise of a performance exhaust rear box, lighter sports seats and some cosmetic detailing. Two existing petrol engines, 2.2 and 3.2-litres in standard specifications will power the special edition Alfa Brera S from its launch next month. Prices and specifications will be revealed at the launch which is scheduled for 19 May 2008.

Will Ontario be the North American location for Alfa Romeo production ?

The Ontario government is reported to have held a series of recent meetings with Fiat Group officials as the Canadian province makes an aggressive pitch to become the North American location for Alfa Romeo production.

Alfa Mi.To in action video

8C Spider video released by Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo Mi.To First official images

This little contender has been called many (good) names, such as Junior, Furiosa (furious) and, lately, MiTo, an acronym for Milano (Milan), Alfa’s headquarter and the place where the little car has been designed, and Torino (Turin), Fiat’s headquarters, where the car will be built. And this is the name chosen for the new car, only with a dot in the middle (Mi.To), with the meaning we have already told you. It could also stand for “Mini Torturer”, but Alfa would elegantly not admit it (only wish for it). It will rather say Mi.To could also be understood as Myth (Mito, in Italian). And this is also something Alfa wishes the new car to become.

With its official presentation for the international press members scheduled for June, and sales little after it, in July, the Mi.To is based on the Fiat Grande Punto’s platform (hence Turin as its manufacturing site) and is 4.06 m long, 1.72 m wide and 1.44 m high. Wheelbase has not been informed, but it will quite likely be the same one that its Fiat counterpart holds: 2.52 m.

Engines offers will be initially limited to four options and will range from 90 cv to up to 155 cv. As in Lancia Delta, all of the, petrol and diesel, will use turbo. Alfa Romeo has not said how many are oil burners, but we would bet on a fair division of two petrol options and two other diesel ones.

Besides this, Alfa also marks that Mi.To is the first car released since the 8C Competizione. Considering this supercar is the new pattern the company intends to follow, it is natural that the cheapest Alfa also gets some styling cues from its bigger brother, such as the unframed side windows, the front bumper, the shape of the headlights and the LED taillights. It will also be natural to expect this car to be sold in the USA. Too small? Check on the new Fiesta and think again.

In order to assure great handling, Alfa has given Mi.To the DNA system, a holistic equipment that guides “engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox”, very likely the dual-clutch gearbox that Fiat names DDC, for faster changes and more sportive feel. There are three modes to be used, Dynamic, for high performance, Normal, for city driving, and All Weather, for difficult weather conditions.

Bertone Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 11

The stunning design is a modern evolution of the intriguing Berlina Aerodynamica Technica cars of the mid to late ‘50s designed by Franco Scaglione. This latest evolution was commissioned by the American enthusiast Gary Kaberle over fifty years after the original B.A.T. series first stunned the motoring world with their futuristic designs.

Kaberle is well known as a former owner of B.A.T. 9 from 1963 to 1991. B.A.T. 9 is the third of the trio of B.A.T. cars, and which legend has it Kaberle purchased as a 16-year-old having saved money from running a popcorn stand and borrowing some extra cash from his grandparents.

Back in 2005 Kaberle outlined the new B.A.T. 11 ‘DK’ project in detail and presented the first styling proposals, prior to Bertone’s involvement, at the prestigious occasion of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. To add to the spice, all three of the original B.A.T. cars graced the lawns at this most exclusive Californian motoring event, providing the perfect backdrop for Kaberle to present his new project.

At the Concours Kaberle said, “This is 50 years to the time B.A.T. 9 was produced. There was originally a five, seven and a nine, so I'm doing an eleven - I'm trying to be Italian. I sold my car (B.A.T. 9) because my wife had breast cancer and I needed some money to pay for the treatment. Scaglione also had cancer and died a few weeks after my wife, so we're doing some things to dedicate the car to my wife and the Scaglione family, so the 'DK' is my wife's initials.”

B.A.T. 11’s flamboyant design is strongly evocative of the original B.A.T. cars with its tapered fins and faired in wheels, and like the later B.A.T. 9 also features strong Alfa Romeo DNA at the front. Similar to the Bertone Bella of 1999, the B.A.T. 11 presents a highly monolithic form, although introduces a simple dihedral bodyside section. The fins on the car begin from the front fenders and wrap tightly around the cockpit, extending to the top of the side windows. At the rear these wings are angled at nearly 45 degrees and also incorporate slim LED lighting units.

A stunning feature are the 21-inch wheels which present an intricate double layer of twisted spokes, the outer examples crafted from carbon fibre that, according to interior and wheel designer Gwen Pennarun, are a contemporary evolution of the classic Borrani knock-off wire wheels.

The unveiling was a highly emotional affair, representing quite a surprise to the many guest designers at the event. Contrary to the often blasé attitude of designers, all guests at the AutoDesignNight were delighted by the B.A.T. 11 and paid a remarkable amount of respect to Bertone Chief Designer David Wilke. The Bertone B.A.T. 11 goes to prove, that despite their ongoing struggle for production contracts and finance, Bertone is still one of the world’s leading design studios of automotive haute couture.



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Alfa Romeo 8C Spider at Geneva 08

Alfa Junior will be called Mito

The Mito will be Alfa Romeo’s smallest production car since the Alfasud, measuring slightly smaller in length than the popular Alfa 33 and Alfa 145 models. The Mito will share the same platform as the Fiat Grande Punto although with reworked suspension. Prices in Italy will start at around €15,000 including taxes for the entry-level 95bhp 1.4 petrol model with 5-speed transmission.

The Mito will also be offered with a 1.4 Multiair engine with 105bhp, accompanied with a 6-speed transmission, as well as the turbocharged 1.4 JTB (Multiair with turbocharger) offered in outputs between 135 and 165 bhp. The range-topping model, which could use the GTA badge, will most likely be fitted with a 1.8 Turbo engine producing 230bhp. There will also be a diesel offered, fitted with the excellent new 1.6 JTDM 120bhp unit.

The Alfa Romeo Junior(Mito) is currently in its final testing stages and a dealer presentation will be held 18th-19th March where the final car will be presented.

source: italiaspeed

Alfa Romeo GT 170 CV Multijet and Blackline III set for Geneva

The Alfa GT model offers an original style, rich in exciting features and performances. It represents an innovative conception of sporty style, into which comfort and elegance also converge. The best example of this stylistic equilibrium is the model on display in the Geneva showroom: the Special “Blackline III” range, fitted with the powerful 1.9 JTDM with 170 CV and the front self-locking Torsen® (called Q2) system.

The greatest change in this new Alfa GT model is the adoption of a 1.9 JTDM propulsion, which supplies a maximum power of 170 CV (125 kW) at 3.750 rpm and a maximum torque coupling of 330 Nm (33,6 Kgm) at 2.000 rpm, which allows a top speed of 100 km/h in 8,2 seconds. A powerful and progressive engine, which will be available as of next June, and can also be fitted with a anti-particulate filter (DPF).

It's worth noting, that placed on the tunnel is a Sport button, with which you can vary the mapping of the accelerator pedal. You can chose between a more touristy mapping or a sportier one: the latter improves the car's response and renders the drive more exciting.

So much power, therefore, is confirmed by the external design which stands out due to the compact aggressive styling. The car is embellished with aesthetic touches like the 18” alloy wheels, the double chromed exhaust, and the satined effect for mirrors, grills and whiskers. Even in the interior the Alfa GT Serie Speciale “Blackline III” reveals a sporty charisma, as shown by the sporty pedals in aluminium and the serigraphed kick-panel. Furthermore, the black tones characterize the black leather seats with a central perforated insert and Alfa Romeo logo on the headrest, as well as the steering wheel and display panel in leather.

In addition, the model on display is differentiated by the front self-locking Torsen® (called Q2) system, which has all the merits of front-wheel traction, such as heightening the driving ease and pleasure and guaranteeing the advantages typical of an integrated traction. In detail, the system is mated to JTDM with 170 CV, so benefiting of the excellent weight/power ratio, thanks to the use of Common Rail technology. The benefit is also due to the predominant role that diesel motorizations have taken on in the field of sport engines. The “Q2” system combines perfectly the torque specifications and power of the 1.9 JTDM increasing yet further the already excellent performance levels of a vehicle with a normal differential.

This is how it works. The “Q2” system is based on a limited slip differential, the mechanical Torsen type. In particular, this differential has the job of permanently distributing torque between the front wheels in a dynamic manner, depending on the driving conditions and road surface. Mated to the exclusive front wishbone suspension, the system allow a particularly efficient tuning of the vehicle.

SOURCE: ITALIASPEED

NEW Alfa Romeo 149 Junior SPYSHOTS

Alfa Romeo Spider by Novitec

Novitec has added some finishing touches to the new Alfa Romeo Spider, just in time for the cabrio season. The open two-seater was voted Cabrio of the Year 2006 after its launch at the Geneva Motor Show that year.

Novitec has designed a new front bumper and rear diffuser to underline the aerodynamics and to make it stand out from the factory spec Spiders. Novitec also bolted on a new stainless steel rear silencer accentuating the sound, while the four tailpipes (115x85 mm ovals) add some aggressiveness to the back end.

Novitec also supplies some new footwear for the Alfa Spider, 20 inch N9 multi-piece rims wrapped in Pirelli 255/30R20 rubber while the suspension, adjustable in height from 35 mm to 75 mm and ride stiffness, ensures optimum grip.

Spyed : Alfa Romeo 149