alfa romeo

Alfa Romeo MiTo Touring Sport

As far as special editions go, the latest from Alfa Romeo isn't really anything special. But it may be a good buy just the same, so long as you would have ordered yours within these parameters anyway, or don't mind limiting your choices.

Called the Touring Sport, the special MiTo packs in a variety of optional equipment from alloy wheels to Blue&Me infotainment system, bundled at an attractive price for British buyers. The trade-off is a limit selection: three colors (black, white or red) and two engine options (gasoline or diesel, each producing 95 horsepower). So is it special? That depends on how you look at it.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo Touring Sport Edition

Tags: Alfa, Alfa MiTo, Alfa MiTo Touring Sport, Alfa Romeo, Alfa Romeo MiTo, Alfa Romeo MiTo Touring Sport

Chopard Mille Miglia Gran Turismo XL Alfa Romeo Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This year is both the 150th anniversary of Chopard, as well as the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo. As anniversaries are a time for watches (duh), Chopard is making a limited edition Gran Turismo watch in their Mille Miglia collection for Afla that contains the signature red that Alfa Romeo cars seem to look best in. The watches are actually mostly black, but have high contrast hands in a cherry red tone. At 44mm wide, the watch will actually come in three versions. Two chronographs, and a three-hand Gran Turismo XL Chronometer model (actually, all models are technically certified Chronometers). The chronograph versions (like the one pictured) will come in a polished steel case (limited to 500 pieces), and a DLC coated steel case version (limited to 100 pieces). The three-hand model is in polished steel and limited to 500 pieces as well. Strap is your standard Mille Miglia Dunlap tire tread pattern in rubber, and inside the watches are Swiss automatic movements (base ETA). Really an awesome treat for the proud Alfa Romeo car owner.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Alfa Romeo, Chopard, Gran Turismo, watch

Zagato Takes the Wraps off the Alfa TZ3 Corsa at Villa d'Este

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

It doesn't get more glamorous than the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. The show is held every year on the shores of Lake Como, and draws a mix of some of the most jaw-droppingly, heart-achingly beautiful classics and modern concept cars from the world over.

Our own Jared Paul Stern brought you a summary of the award-winners from this year's Concorso, among them the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa by Zagato, which won the design award for concept cars. The one-of-a-kind racer was previewed in the days leading up to the show, and suitably impressed the judges, journalists and observers in attendance. A suitable 50th birthday celebration for Andrea Zagato, the head of the design studio responsible for the TZ3, and for Alfa Romeo, which celebrates its centenary this year.

The one-off was commissioned by a German gentleman racer named Martin Kapp, and lays that unspeakably gorgeous aluminum bodywork over a carbon fiber chassis and the 4.7-liter V8 from the Alfa 8C Competizione. Click on the image above for all the angles.

Tags: alfa, alfa romeo, alfa romeo tz3 corsa, alfa romeo tz3 corsa zagato, alfa tz3 corsa, carrozzeria zagato milano, Concorso dEleganza Villa dEste, villa deste, zagato, zagato alfa romeo tz3 corsa, zagato milano, zagato tz3 corsa

1955 Maserati Wins Coppa d'Oro at Villa d'Este

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Events

A rare 1955 Maserati A6GCS Spider bodied by Frua (above), owned by American collector John F. Bookout Jr., won the historic Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este – Best of Show by Public Referendum at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este which took place April 23-25 at the famed Lake Como resort in Italy. The beautiful roadster also won top honors in the Post-War Open Sports Cars class. The Best of Show awarded by the judges at the event, which was sponsored by the BMW Group, went to a 1938 Talbot-Lago T150 C SS Teardrop Coupé bodied Figoni & Falaschi owned by another American collector, Oscar Davis. The Concorso d'Eleganza Design Award for concept cars and prototypes went to the Zagato Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa Coupé that my colleague Noah Joseph previewed last week. Over 5,000 visitors attended the event.

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Tags: 1955 maserati, Alfa Romeo, BMW, classic cars, Concours dElegance, Italy, Lake Como, Maserati, Villa dEste

Zagato Previews new Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa ahead of Villa d'Este

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Alfa Romeo and Zagato have a long history of collaboration between them. 90 years in fact, out of Alfa's 100-year history. So to mark the automaker's centenary, the famous design house – which has recently undertaken work for Ferrari, Bentley and Spyker, to name just a few – is preparing to unveil a new vehicle at the upcoming Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.

Following an earlier report forecasting the creation of the vehicle, Zagato has now released a handful of details and the solitary overhead shot you see above. Called the TZ3 Corsa, it follows in the footsteps of the original TZ and TZ2 racers. Built upon a carbon fiber frame with lightweight aluminum body panels that evidently bear much in common with the flagship Alfa 8C Competizione on which it is based, the TZ3 Corsa has been commissioned by an unspecified gentleman racer in Germany, who apparently intends on campaigning the one-of-a-kind creation in actual motorsport competition. Stay tuned as the prestigious open-air auto show on the shores of Italy's Lake Como approaches at the end of the month.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo race cars by Zagato

Tags: alfa, alfa romeo, alfa romeo tz3, alfa romeo tz3 corsa, alfa tz3, alfa tz3 corsa, concorso deleganza villa deste, villa deste, zagato, zagato milano

Thousands of Alfa Romeo Owners to Participate in Centenary Rally in Milan

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Events

If you own an Alfa Romeo old or new, Milan is the place to be this June. That's where the stoic Italian automaker, which celebrates its centenary this year, will be holding a massive rally for owners of its vehicles from throughout its 100-year history.

The event, which will be held the weekend of June 26-27, is anticipated to draw some 3000 participants and is being organized in conjunction with the factory by the Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo, the largest Alfa owners club with some 1500 members. Among the festivities planned, each car will be emblazoned with a special logo on the roof and the procession through Milan will be filmed by helicopter. There will also be live music concerts and the presentation of a special statue designed by Alfa's own styling department. Each participating owner will also be given a special gift package to mark the occasion.

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Tags: alfa, alfa romeo, centenary, milan, milano, registro italiano alfa romeo, riar

Zagato to Debut new Alfa Romeo Concept at Villa d'Este

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 by Zagato – Image courtesy Brian Snelson CC2.0

If you were enamored of the selection of Alfa Romeo concepts unveiled this year at the Geneva Motor Show, we've got more news for you. In celebration of its centenary, Alfa Romeo has teamed up with yet another stoic Italian coachbuilder with which it shares a rich history to unveil another concept car.

Following in the lines of the legendary TZ and TZ2, the new TZ3 Corsa by Zagato is set to be unveiled at Villa d'Este – the most glamorous auto show in the world, held on the shores of Italy's Lake Como. Based on a carbon fiber chassis, the TZ3 Corsa is tipped to take the engine from the sumptuous 8C Competizione, wrapped in what promises – if Zagato's previous works are any indication – a real show-stopper. Stay tuned for more.

Tags: alfa, alfa romeo, alfa romeo tz3 corsa, alfa romeo zagato, carrozeria, concorso deleganza villa deste, villa deste, zagato, zagato milano, zagato tz3 corsa

1938 Alfa Romeo Wins Louis Vuitton Concours Award

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

American Jon Shirley's stunning 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Touring Berlinetta has won the coveted Louis Vuitton Classic Concours Award, selected from Best of Show winners at the world's most prestigious automobile concours d'elegance. To qualify, the vehicle may only be restored using original parts. The Alfa Romeo took home the top prize at last year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Lake Como. Since 2005, Louis Vuitton has recognized excellence in the closely related fields of Classic Concours, for historic cars, and Classic Concept, an award presented to a modern designer making the most significant contribution to the styling of today's cars. The Concept Car Award goes to the vehicle which the jury believe has the greatest potential to win a concours d'élegance in 40 years' time. This year's award was presented to Adrian Van Hooydonk, Design Director of BMW, for the amazing BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept vehicle unveiled at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

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Tags: Alfa Romeo, BMW, concours delegance, Lake Como, Louis Vuitton

Geneva Preview: Bertone's Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept Leaks Out

by Jeremy Korzeniewski (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Stile Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept leaked images – Click above for image gallery

The raging torrent of pre-Geneva Motor Show leaks is officially in full effect today as a series of images showing off Bertone's new Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept have hit the Internet (thanks Unica-Strada!). First of all, what's a Pandion? That would be a type genus of the Pandionidae, better known as an osprey or as a fish hawk. Moving on, then.

To our eyes, the Pandion isn't really what we've come to expect from Alfa Romeo, at least not styling-wise. The Italian marque's classically flowing curves are present and accounted for, but they are bisected by swaths of what appears to be clear plastic. The rear-view is especially busy – kinda like it's fashioned from hundreds of containers worth of Tinker Toys. Oh, and fans of Battlestar Galactica are sure to appreciate the Pandion's head-on view.

Stile Bertone – which until recently was led by Jason Castriota, the man responsible for such far-out designs as the Alfa 8C-based B.A.T. 11 and the Corvette ZR1-based Mantide – penned the Pandion, and we do see some influence from the styling house's past designs. We don't yet know what's underhood of the uniquely styled concept, or really anything else about it not revealed by these images. See for yourself below.

Gallery: Stile Bertone Alfa Romeo Pandion Concept

[Source: Unica-Strada]

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Tags: alfa romeo, alfa romeo pandion, AlfaRomeo, AlfaRomeoPandion, bertone, geneva, geneva 2010, geneva motor show, Geneva2010, GenevaMotorShow, pandion, stile bertone, StileBertone

Italy's Finest to Unveil Trio of Alfa Romeo Concepts in Geneva

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Alfa Romeo is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Along the way, the Italian automaker has collaborated with some of Italy's finest design houses and coachbuilders. And they plan on reviving those relationships at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March with not one, not two, but three new concept cars.

Pininfarina – the design house responsible for crafting most modern Ferraris, among others – will present a roadster concept (previewed in the blue sketch above) targeted to succeed the Alfa Romeo Spider. Stile Bertone – responsible for the BAT series of Alfa Romeo concepts – will present a new coupe design (teased in the black and white sketch at top). And finally ItalDesign Giugiaro – which was responsible for the original design of the achingly beautiful Brera coupe – will present its proposal for a replacement for the 159 sedan.

All the while, Alfa Romeo itself will present the new Giulietta in its major motor show debut. Geneva, it appears, is gearing up to be a real Alfa love-fest.

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Tags: 2010 geneva motor show, 2010GenevaMotorShow, alfa, alfa romeo, AlfaRomeo, bertone, geneva, geneva 2010, geneva motor show, Geneva2010, GenevaMotorShow, giorgetto giugiaro, GiorgettoGiugiaro, GiugiaroVadho, italdesign, italdesign giugiaro, ItaldesignGiugiaro, pininfarina, stile bertone, StileBertone

Alfa Romeo MiTo for Maserati

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

If you've ever had to bring your beloved pet to the veterinarian, you know what it must feel like to drop off the keys to your prized Italian sportscar for service at the garage. But while a pet can't be replaced, it probably eases the separation anxiety to know you're getting something special back in the meantime. That's why Alfa Romeo has prepared a special run of its stylish MiTo hatchback especially for its sister company Maserati.

The special Maserati edition MiTo features Blu Oceano paint, delectable Pelle Frau leather interior, special badging, a 170-horsepower turbocharged engine, and all the top options available in the Alfa Romeo catalog. Only 100 examples are being made and distributed to Maserati dealerships across Europe.

Ferrari recently did the same with a special-edition Fiat 500, and then turned to offer them for public consumption. Alfa and Maserati may choose to do the same, but until then, the only way to get your hands on one is to bring in a GranTurismo or Quattroporte for service.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo for Maserati

Tags: alfa, alfa for maserati, alfa mito, alfa romeo, alfa romeo for maserati, alfa romeo mito, alfa romeo mito maserati edition, AlfaForMaserati, AlfaMito, AlfaRomeo, AlfaRomeoForMaserati, AlfaRomeoMito, AlfaRomeoMitoMaseratiEdition, maserati

Maserati CEO Harald Wester Named Head of Alfa Romeo

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Alfa Romeo and Maserati – two of Italy's most storied auto marques – have been more closely integrating over the course of the past several years. But now with the Fiat empire under which both brands lie growing to accomodate Chrysler, Alfa and Maserati are set to cooperate even further following the appointment of Harald J. Wester as chief executive of Alfa Romeo.

Executive reshuffles happen all the time in the auto industry, especially in the Fiat group as of late. But usually a new appointment means the vacation of another. In Wester's case, however, he'll be taking over Alfa Romeo in addition to his role as CEO of Maserati. Not only that, but he'll remain CEO of the Abarth performance brand as well, plus chief technical officer for the entire group.

As with the appointment of Lancia CEO Olivier Francois as head of the Chrysler brand, we can expect Alfa, Maserati and even Abarth to work more closely in the near future, most critically in North America where Maserati has been preparing the ground for Alfa and Abarth to return.

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Tags: abarth, alfa, alfa romeo, AlfaRomeo, ceo, Chief Executive, chief executive officer, ChiefExecutive, ChiefExecutiveOfficer, harald j wester, harald j. wester, harald wester, HaraldJ.Wester, HaraldJWester, HaraldWester, maserati, wester

Alfa Romeo and Italia Independent Collaborate on Special Edition Brera

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

As if the Brera coupe couldn't get any more stylish, Alfa Romeo has teamed up with fashion house Italia Independent for a special edition.

The Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent gets a special titanium paintjob, 18" turbine-style black rims, red brake calipers and an aluminum fuel cap. Inside the interior is decked out in black leather with red top stitching, carbon fiber trim and the requisite Italia Independent logos.

All this comes at a price, however: €29,700 (the equivalent of about $41k) with the 185hp 2.2-liter four, or €38,850 ($57k) for the 260hp 3.2-liter V6, available with front- or all-wheel-drive.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent

Tags: alfa, alfa brera, alfa romeo, Alfa Romeo Brera, Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent, AlfaBrera, AlfaRomeo, AlfaRomeoBrera, AlfaRomeoBreraItaliaIndependent, Italia Independent, ItaliaIndependent

Presenting the All-New Alfa Romeo Giulietta

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Take a good look at the car above, because Alfa Romeo wants you to get used to seeing it. If the Italian automaker has its way, this will be the most popular product in the company's 100-year history. It's the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, and it's here to stay.

Replacing the old 147, the new Giulietta is positioned just above the MiTo, and while pricing hasn't been announced, Alfa promises its positioned will be attractive enough to lure potential buyers away from the Volkswagen Golf. The vehicle was initially expected to carry the 149 nameplate before Alfa changed tracks to Milano. Workers displaced by Alfa's move to Turin, however, prompted the company to revive the age-old Giulietta badge.

With styling cues borrowed from the 8C Competizione supercar in a more aggressive format, the Giulietta will offer a range of four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines ranging from 120 horsepower to an eventual 230. Each model gets start-stop technology for improved fuel economy and will soon get the advanced MultiAir valve management system as well as a dual-clutch transmission. The new Giulietta is scheduled to make its public debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Tags: 2010 geneva motor show, 2010GenevaMotorShow, alfa, alfa giulietta, alfa romeo, alfa romeo giulietta, AlfaGiulietta, AlfaRomeo, AlfaRomeoGiulietta, geneva, geneva motor show, GenevaMotorShow, giulietta

Autodelta's Supercharged Alfa Romeo Brera S & J4 159

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Few cars on the road – at any price – have the presence of an Alfa Romeo. Unfortunately their performance seldom keeps up with their looks. That's where aftermarket modifiers come in.

Last year the Italian automaker contracted British motorsport concern Prodrive to help it out in the performance department. Their answer was the Brera S, removing much of the aggressively-styled coupe's weight and fine-tuning the suspension. Now Autodelta is getting in on the action. The English tuning house has taken Prodrive's Brera S coupe and strapped on a supercharger good for 347 horsepower.

The power upgrades are also available on the Brera's four-door counterpart, the 159, which Autodelta transforms into the J4 3.2 Compressore. The pair were unveiled at London's exciting MPH09, but you can see them for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Autodelta Alfa Romeo Brera S & J4 159 3.2 Compressore