Report: New Alfa Romeo-Derived / U.S. Made Dodge Compact Sedan to Debut at 2012 Detroit Show
A new U.S. market compact sedan to be developed by Fiat and built by Chrysler is set to make its debut appearance at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in the beginning of next year, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal. The as-of-yet unnamed model will be badged as Dodge and powered by a Fiat-derived 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. It’ll also do 40 mpg combined, or at least it will if Fiat wants to net itself a further 5% of Chrysler from
The Italian automaker wants to expand its 46% share in Chrysler & Friends by an additional 7.5% courtesy of the U.S. Treasury and Canadian government on top of the 5% it’s expected to get by pushing the 40 mpg envelope.
The new model will be built in Chrysler’s Belvidere plant in Illinois, which the brand is currently spending US$600 million retooling for the job. Production is expected to start later this year. Dealers, such as David Kelleher of David Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Glen Mills, PA are naturally very excited:
“We have never had a viable compact car. This will allow us to reach the entry level customer and it's a perfect fit for Dodge which has been faced with challenges.” [Like having to share a lot with the Chrysler Sebring, for one…]
The Caliber, the closest thing Dodge currently has to a Honda Civic / Ford Focus / Chevy Cruze competitor at present, does a paltry 24 mpg in automatic guise.
The new model will share the same basic floorplan as the Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback, which will also be used to underpin five new models over the next three years.
There’s no word yet on a name, but I’m willing to discount Aires, Neon and Stratus as possible contenders.
Monstrous Paramount Marauder Armored Vehicle to Star in First Episode of Top Gear Season 17
In just a few hours from now, Top Gear will air the first episode of season 17 on BBC. During the past two weeks, we got a taste of what Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond have in store for us this year through two teaser clips.
In one of those trailers, we saw a large off-road-like vehicle playing the role of a monster truck on a white Alfa Romeo 156 and an older generation Renault Megane sedan. It turns out that the vehicle is a mine protected armored truck called Marauder from South African company Paramount Group and the driver behind the steering wheel is Richard Hammond. We were contacted by Paramount Group who told us that the Marauder will be featured in tonight's first episode of Top Gear Season 17.
We’ll have more on this tomorrow with bonus pictures and videos after the program airs on TV, but for the time being, check out the Marauder’s specifications and a gallery of the vehicle below.
Alfa Romeo 4C Sports Concept Heading to Goodwood Festival of Speed
The new Alfa Romeo 4C Sports Concept will receive its UK public debut at the rapidly approaching 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from July 1 to 3. Seen for the first time at the Geneva Salon in March, Italy’s answer to the Lotus Elise boasts a lightweight chassis with power coming from a mid-mounted 1.75-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 200 ponies to the rear wheels. It can complete the 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in less than 5 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph (250km/h). Production is set to start in 2012.
The two-seater 4C concept will be joined at Alfa Romeo’s exhibition stand by an array of models from the Italian firm’s past and present including the updated MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde, which will also make its UK public debut, and the historic Alfa 6C 3000CM, 6C 1750GS, 750 Competizione and the 33 TT 12.
Alfa Romeo will also participate in the Supercar Paddock with the 8C Spider that will make its way up the historic Goodwood Hill.
Novitec Rosso Supercharges Alfa Romeo 8C Spider to 600-horsepower
It may not be the best sports car Italy has to offer us right now, but Alfa Romeo’s 8C Spider is certainly a prime candidate for being one of the most beautiful out there. That said, even Novitec Rosso is smart enough to know that you don’t mess with a good thing with the German tuner focusing its attention on improving the Alfa’s mechanical hardware.
The highlight of Novitec Rosso’s performance package is hidden under the 8C Spider’s hood with the adoption of a modified version of the supercharger system used on the firm’s Maserati GT tune. A new water-to-air intercooler with a dedicated radiator, custom injectors, a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system and an ECU optimization round off the changes to the 4.7-liter V8 engine.As a result of these upgrades, the V8 gains an additional 150HP for a total output of 600HP at 7,300 rpm, while peak torque is also lifted to 588Nm (433.7 lb-ft) at 5,400 rpm. Novitec Rosso says the sprint from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) is reduced from 4.2 seconds to 3.9 seconds, while top speed increases from 290km/h to 305km/h (180mph to 190mph).
The only exterior modification concerns the availability of new alloy wheel designs measuring 21-inches up front and 22-inches on the rear, shod in Pirelli tires size 255/30 ZR 21 and 315/25 ZR 22 respectively.
Novitec also offers a height-adjustable threaded coil-over suspension and upon customer request, it can customize the Alfa 8C Spider’s interior with leather and Alcantara appointments.
Zagato TZ3 Stradale: A Dodge Viper ACR Dressed as an Alfa Romeo
We don’t know if Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne’s future plans for the upcoming, next generation of the Dodge Viper include the development of a corresponding Alfa Romeo model based on the underpinnings of the muscle car, but famed Italian coachbuilder Zagato has given the formula a try with its new TZ3 Stradale.
You see, Zagato’s TZ3 Stradale is an Alfa Romeo bodied sports car based on the platform and mechanical hardware of the track-conquering Dodge Viper ACR, which features the same 600HP 8.4-liter V10 engine as the standard Viper SRT-10 along with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a race-spec suspension. All parts of the TZ3 Stradale’s carbon fiber body are new with the cherry topping being the classic Kamm-tail (K-tail) layout.The TZ3 Stradale is Zagato’s second and final tribute to the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo (1910-2010), which started in 2009 with the presentation of the 8C Competizione-based TZ3 Corsa that won the Villa D'Este Design Concept Award in 2010.
Unlike the TZ3 Corsa, which was a one-off commissioned by Alfa Romeo Zagato collector Martin Kapp, the TZ3 Stradale will be built in a limited number of 9 units with the first example having already being delivered to US Alfa Romeo and Zagato collector (and Saratoga Automobile Museum's board member) Eric King. The TZ3 Stradale No2 and No3 will be delivered in Japan and Europe.
Alfa Romeo UK Introduces 2011MY 159 with New 2.0 JTDM and Revised Features
After its introduction at last year’s Paris Motor Show, Alfa Romeo is finally launching its 2011 model year 159 saloon and Sportwagon range onto the UK market. The updated 159 lineup is enhanced with a new 136 bhp 2.0 JTDM diesel engine, as well as with new interior trim and equipment. The 2.0-liter JTDM is a Euro-5 diesel unit equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger delivering 136 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of peak torque at 1,750 rpm. Linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox, it allows the sedan to complete the 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in 9.9 seconds (SW: 10.1 sec) and to reach a top speed of 126 mph (202km/h).
The sedan returns a combined fuel economy of 55.4 mpg UK (5.1 lt/100km) with CO2 emissions of 134 g/km, while the Sportwagon is rated at 54.3 mpg (5.2 lt/100km) with 137g/km of CO2.
In addition to the 2.0 JTDM 136 bhp, Alfa Romeo also offers the 159 with two more engines in the UK, a 1.75-liter turbo petrol with 200 bhp and a 2.0-liter JTDM turbo diesel with 170 bhp, both compliant with Euro 5 standards.
The revised for the 2011 model year 159 range is available in three trim specifications, the entry level Turismo, the comfort-orientated Lusso and sporty TI.
All models are fitted as standard with six airbags, electric front and rear windows, dual zone automatic climate control, new sports cloth upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, car radio with CD/MP3 player and eight speakers, Blue&Me Bluetooth hands-free system, black leather steering with remote controls, black leather gear knob and 16” alloy wheels.
The Lusso model adds several comfort features such as leather upholstery, sports dials with white illumination, darkened interior headlining, black aluminium centre console and steering wheel trim inserts, dark chrome painted dashboard and door trim inserts, rear parking sensors, stainless steel kick plates and 17” Multi-spoke design alloy wheels.
The sportier TI is distinguished by the bespoke 19-inch alloys, side skirts, lowered sports suspension, red painted brake calipers, wraparound seats trimmed in black Sports leather and Alcantara, sports pedal unit in aluminium and kick plates with the TI logo.
The Wonderful Alfa Romeo GT Cabrio that Never Was...
The Alfa Romeo GT was a fairly successful small coupe built between 2003 and 2010. Its clean styling courtesy of the Bertone design house and its sweet handling led to sales of 80,832 units worldwide. But did you know that Bertone also conceived a convertible version of the car? In 2003, the Italian design house and coachbuilder built a one-off, four-seat soft-top version of the GT for Alfa Romeo, in order to convince them it was worth making. However, the beautiful concept never reached the limelight. Originally, Bertone insisted for the Alfa Romeo GT coupe to be built by its carmaking division, Carrozzeria Bertone. Fiat refused, and decided to assemble the GT at the Pomigliano plant, alongside the 147 and the 156.
Bertone then hoped that Fiat would allow them to build the cabriolet version of the GT. “Daniele Bandiera [Alfa Romeo CEO at the time] told us they loved the car and that we were going to build it," current chairman and widow of Nuccio Bertone Lilli Bertone told Autonews.It never happened though, as Alfa decided to build the Brera-based Spider instead. This was a massive blow to Carrozzeria Bertone, which later went into bankruptcy and was bought in 2009 by Fiat, which renamed it Officine Automobilistiche Grugliasco. The Alfa Spider enjoyed modest sales between 2006 and 2010 (12,488 units), while the Brera sold 21,786 units between 2005 and 2010.
The Alfa Romeo GT Cabriolet remained locked in Bertone's garage until April 6 2011, when it was shown to the press for the very first time. One can't help but wonder if the GT Cabriolet would have enjoyed greater commercial success than the Giugiaro-designed Spider. We will never know the answer to this question, but you're welcome to write your opinions on this matter in the commentary section below.
New Dodge Charger TBi Powered by Alfa Romeo’s 1.75 Liter Turbo Engine
Now here’s some news we weren’t expecting. The Chrysler Group announced today the premiere of a new variant of the 2011 Dodge Charger bearing the TBi moniker, which stands for Turbocharged Boosted Induction. The Charger TBi is powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine sourced from sister company Alfa Romeo. The Italian flavored 1.75-liter powerplant is the same one found on a variety of Alfa models including the Giulietta and 159, as well as the upcoming 4C sports coupe previewed in Geneva last month. On the 2011MY Charger, the force-fed four-pot delivers a maximum output of 225HP and a peak torque of 250 lb-ft / 340Nm at just 1,900 rpm.
The Detroit automaker said that the gasoline engine “ensures performance that matches or exceeds that of a 3.0-litre V6 whilst still delivering the moderate fuel consumption which is typical of a compact, 4 cylinder unit”. The new powerplant will be matched exclusively to a new automatic "TCT" twin dry clutch transmission with eight gears.
Alfa Romeo Launches 2011MY MiTo in Europe
This week marks the commercial debut of the 2011 model year Alfa Romeo MiTo in Italy and on other major European markets. First shown at the 2011 Geneva Salon, the modestly updated MiTo comes with a fresh batch of exterior colors, different seat upholsteries, new optional equipment and Euro 5 compliant engines all fitted as standard with a Start&Stop system. The starting price for the 2011MY MiTo in Italy is €15,500 ($21,800), which will get you in the Progression model equipped with a 78HP 1.4-liter petrol engine. The Distinctive trim level retails for €22,550 ($31,650) and features the 1.6-liter diesel engine with 120 horsepower. The other available diesel engine is a 1.3-liter JTDM-2 with 95HP, while the gasoline range is completed by the 1.4-liter MultiAir unit, available in three levels of power: 105 (naturally aspirated), 135 and 170 horsepower (both turbocharged).
The MiTo MY 2011 is offered in four trim levels (Progression, Distinctive, “Super” and Quadrifoglio Verde), while buyers can also choose from seven new alloy wheel designs and eleven body colors, among which a new metal-flake color called “Bronzo Metal”.
Thanks to the new Start&Stop system, fuel consumption is lower with the base 1.4-liter engine returning 5.6 liters/100 km (42 mpg) on the combined cycle, compared to 5.9 liters/100 km (39.9) of the 2010MY. The 135HP 1.4-liter Multiair turbo engine is now linked to a new-generation double-clutch TCT transmission that reduces the 0 to 100 km/h sprint to 8.2 seconds (0.2 seconds quicker). As for the diesel engines, Alfa announces that the service interval is now 35,000 km (21,750 miles).
The MiTo MY 2011 also debuts a new Blue&Me-TomTom multimedia system that connects the car's infotainment system with a portable navigation device. The fully-integrated system has 4.3-inch touch-screen that can also display phone, media and board computer information.Alfa Romeo 4C Concept: Video and Live Shots from the Geneva Motor Show
I know some of our readers will disagree, hell, even some of the folks here at Carscoop will beg to differ, nevertheless, I'm going to say it: I'm utterly disappointed with the styling of Alfa Romeo's 4C Concept, which is slated to enter production in 2012. Alfa had a unique chance to redefine its design language with its first mainstream rear-wheel drive model in decades but instead chose to add the Mickey Mouse - bug face treatment to a body that looks awfully similar to the Lotus Elise.
The specific styling cues may work for the 8C Competizione but if you ask me, the 4C looks just as silly as the MiTo does. Granted; the true essence of the 4C Concept lays under the skin and in particular the mid-engine / rear-wheel drive architecture, but would it be much to ask for some of that styling magic Alfa Romeo has served us over the years?
As always, feel free to agree or disagree in our comments section below.
Duped: Alleged Spy Video of Alfa Romeo 4C an MPCARDESIGN Project
A "spy" video showing an Alfa Romeo 4C GTA and Spider has been circulating around the internet lately, with some screen shots even making their way on British car magazine Autoexpress which posted a story on its website the other day.
We had our doubts about its authenticity ever since we first saw the film last week, and today these suspicions were confirmed after we came in contact with Marco Procaccini from MPCARDESIGN who told us that he made the video as part of a new (independent) Alfa Romeo project he is working on. Apparently, someone got hold of Mario's video, and tried to pass it on as a scoop, duping many people in the process. You can check both the faux spy video and a teaser from MPCARDESIGN's new Alfa Romeo 4C design study right after the jump.
Alfa Romeo Focuses on the Giulietta and 2011MY MiTo at the Geneva Show
The Fiat Group will have a particularly strong presence at the Geneva Motor Show this year, as it’s planning to reveal a bevy of new models and concept cars. Alfa Romeo’s offering at the Swiss salon will be centered on the Giulietta compact and 2011MY MiTo subcompact models, with two of each scheduled to go on display. And for those of you wondering, Alfa's press release made no mention of the rumored concept sports coupe based on the underpinnings of the KTM X-Bow.
First up is the 170HP Giulietta Distinctive fitted with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to the Alfa TCT dual-clutch automatic transmission and a Start-Stop system, which returns 5.2 lt/100 km (45.2 US mpg) on the combined cycle. The show car is customized with a Sport Pack package that includes 18-inch alloys (17” wheels also available), side skirts, seats clad in fabric-leather upholstery, aluminum inserts, metallic headlight frames and dark interior.
The standard equipment list includes the Alfa DNA dynamic vehicle control system with a Q2 electronic differential, VDC with ASR and Hill Holder, six airbags, front seatbelts with dual pre-tensioner and front anti-whiplash headrests.
The second Giulietta to go on display is the range-topping Quadrifoglio Verde 1750 TBi with a Rosso Competizione paintjob, powered by a direct-injection and turbocharged 1.8-liter four-pot with 235HP and 340 Nm (251 lb-ft) of peak torque. Only available with this engine, the Quadrifoglio Verde trim level comes with 17-inch rims (18-inch wheels are optional), more powerful brakes and a sporty interior, with fabric-leather seats.
Both Giuliettas feature the Blue&Me-TomTom system that allows owners to operate the telephone, sound system, navigation and other driving aids through one, 6.5-inch color touch-screen.
The Italian automaker’s stand will feature the 2011MY MiTo subcompact as well, which goes on sale in April. The refreshed model gets a new choice of exterior colors and interior fabrics, plus an extended list of optional equipment and a revised Quadrifoglio version powered by a 170HP four-cylinder engine.
To make it more appealing, the 2011MY MiTo Quadrifoglio comes with a new surround under the Alfa badge, modified Quadrifoglio Verde logos and chrome mirror housings, door handles and headlight/taillight frames. The optional 18-inch wheels round up the exterior changes.
Inside, the sportiest MiTo comes with the Sabelt sport seats (also an optional item) wrapped in an Alcantara-fabric combination, black color scheme and green-white seams found on the seats, steering wheel, hand brake lever and gear shifter knob.
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