First Alfa Romeo 4C Promo Touts Brand's Return to the U.S., Configurator Launches in June

There's a lot to like about the production Alfa Romeo 4C, from its ultra-lightweight construction that uses carbon fiber components to keep the dry weight at a surprisingly low 895kg or 1,973 pounds, to its nicely crafted body, and one thing to hate: those spider eye-style headlamps that look like a bad afterthought.

Of course, it could be just us and a bunch of other gearheads we talked to and who said the same thing, so if you disagree, don't be shy to share your feelings in the comments.

Now, the reason why we're coming back to the 236HP (240PS) Alfa 4C that was unwrapped earlier today at the Geneva Auto Show isn't to talk about its lights, but to tell you that the Italian brand has released the first promotion videos of the mid-engine sports car, and launched a primitive online configurator.

Alfa tells us in one of the videos that the full-spec configurator will be available in June. The one that's online now, only gives the chance to choose from two colors for the body and interior trim.

At Alfa Romeo's Geneva motor show press conference, the Italian company's CEO Harald Wester confirmed the 4C's North American premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, with first deliveries before the end of the year.

While Alfa won't reveal pricing for the United States until the LA show, Wester did say that the 4C Launch Edition shown in Geneva will be priced at €60,000 (US$78,000) in Europe where it goes on sale in September.

Articles Source : Carscoop

 Video Source : Youtube

Category › Alfa Romeo , Alfa Romeo 4C , Video

Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition Will be Made in 1,000 Units, Cost €60,000 in Europe

It was no secret that the 4C would make its world debut at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show, yet Alfa Romeo still managed to spring a surprise. That’s because the compact sports coupe was actually launched in the exclusive – ahem - “Launch Edition”.

This model will be manufactured in just 1,000 numbered units: 400 are earmarked for Europe, Africa and Middle East, 500 for North America and 100 for the rest of the world. Alfa Romeo announced that the 4C “Launch Edition” will be priced at €60,000 (US$78,000) across all European markets, including VAT but excluding local taxes, and is available to order immediately (no word on U.S. pricing yet).

Buyers of the “Launch Edition” can choose between two body colors, Carrara White or Alfa Red, while the carbon aero kit, Bi-LED headlights with dark surround, dark-finished rear aluminum diffuser and 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloys in burnishing finish come as standard.

Moreover, there’s a racing exhaust system with a BMC air filter, a specially calibrated suspension kit and specific color for the brake calipers on the outside, and a leather/fabric/Alcantara seat upholstery and red stitching on the steering wheel, handbrake, seats, handles and mats.

Measuring 399 cm long, 200 cm wide and 118 high and riding on a 238 cm wheelbase, the 4C features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis that weighs only 65 kg and a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout.

Power comes from a 1.75-liter turbocharged aluminum engine that puts out 236HP (240PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,700 rpm, which are directed to the rear wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and a limited-slip differential.

The TCT gearbox uses a next-generation software and sports a launch control mode. The 4C accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.5 seconds and its top speed exceeds 250 km/h (155 mph). It achieves 1.1g of lateral acceleration and 1.25 g of maximum braking deceleration, the latter thanks to the four ventilated and perforated Brembo discs that sport four-piston aluminum calipers at the front.

Suspension is by superimposed wishbones at the front and MacPherson struts at the rear, while the weight distribution is 40/60 front/rear respectively.

Surprisingly, the 4C’s steering does not feature power assistance of any kind. According to Alfa Romeo, this choice has been made not only in the name of paring weight but also “to secure a superlative driving feel”.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Category › Alfa Romeo , Alfa Romeo 4C , Auto Show , Geneva Motor Show , News

2013 Geneva Motor Show

If we are nearing the end of February, then it must be time for the Geneva Auto Show that takes place each year in March. This is the 83rd time that automakers will gather in the Swiss city to display their latest models; the Palexpo center will open its gates on March 5 for the press and two days later for the public and will last until March 17.

In spite of all the fuss about “green” transportation, the 2013 Geneva Auto Show’s most anticipated new models are sports cars.

First and foremost, there’s the Alfa Romeo 4C – a two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupe with a carbon fiber chassis that heralds the Italian manufacturer’s new era and its long-anticipated return to the U.S. market.

Then there’s the Formula 1 duel that has been taken to the streets: Ferrari will unveil the Enzo successor, code-named F150, and rival McLaren, the production version of the P1. Interestingly, both hypercars will be powered by hybrid powertrains and despite putting out in excess of 900-horses, they promise ultra-low CO2 emissions.

Other sports car that will make their premiere in Geneva are the open-top versions of the brand-new Corvette Stingray and the Toyota GT 86 (Scion FR-S in the U.S.), the Aston Martin Rapide S and Vantage SP10 and, of course, a special Lamborghini to celebrate the Sant’ Agata-based company’s 50th anniversary.

Naturally, the show won’t be only about sports cars: BMW will launch the 3-Series GT, China's Qoros its 3 Sedan, Volvo its updated range and the VW Group the electrified Audi A3 and VW Golf models.

That’s far from a full description of the cars that will debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show, but you can scroll down and view the provisional list in detail.

As always, it will be updated constantly so watch this space.

Acura	Alfa Romeo	Aston Martin	Audi
BMW	Bentley	Bugatti	Cadillac
Chevrolet	Chrysler	Citroen	Dodge
Ferrari	Fiat	Ford	Honda
Hummer	Hyundai	Infiniti	Jaguar
Jeep	Lamborghini	Lancia	Land Rover
Lexus	Lincoln	Maserati	Maybach
Mazda	Mercedes	Mitsubishi	Nissan
Opel	Pagani	Peugeot	Pontiac
Porsche	Renault	Rolls-Royce	Saab
Seat	Skoda	Subaru	Suzuki
Toyota	Volkswagen	Volvo	Concept

Articles Source : Carscoop

Category › Acura , Alfa Romeo , Aston Martin , Audi , Bentley , BMW , Bugatti , Cadillac , Chevrolet , Chrysler , Citroen , Dacia , Dodge , Geneva Motor Show , Infiniti , Lamborghini , Maserati , Maybach , Mazda , Mercedes-Benz

Another Alfa Romeo 6C Sports Coupe Design Concept

Even though Alfa Romeo been heavily neglected over the years, it continues to have a special place in the heart of car enthusiasts as well as people already working (Ferdinand Piech, we're looking at you) or aspiring to work, in the auto industry.

There's something about Alfa's past, which blends a rich racing heritage with some of the most beautiful and, arguably, better handling production cars ever made. Throw in the fact that, for the most part and unlike other Italian sports car makers, its vehicles were/are affordable to the masses, and you can see why its hard to turn a blind eye to the brand.

We're not trying to paint a beautiful picture of Alfa Romeo, as it’s no secret that for many decades, the Milanese company's cars were some of the most unreliable pieces of metal ever put together, while when Fiat took over in 1986, it diluted the brand almost beyond recognition.

Still, there's enough magic left in the name to inspire young designers like Alex Imnadaze and Ignacio Cuesta Grandío to imagine new products for the Italian carmaker, both of whom, prepared a sports coupe named 6C Concept.

We've already shown you Imnadaze's study, but Grandío, a design student at the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia in Spain, told us about his own 6C Concept that you can see for yourself in the photos below.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Category › Alfa Romeo , Alfa Romeo 6C , Concept , News

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C

The production version of the Alfa Romeo 4C makes its début at the 2013 International Motor Show in Geneva. This mid-engined rear-wheel drive coupé with two bucket seats represents the true essence of a sports car at the heart of Alfa Romeo's DNA: performance, Italian style and technical excellence, offering maximum driving satisfaction in total safety.

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C

2014 Alfa Romeo 4C

Designed by Alfa Romeo engineers and produced in the Maserati plant in Modena, the new compact supercar will be available for purchase in 2013, marking the return of the Italian brand to the United States and inaugurating Alfa Romeo's global growth plan.

The Alfa Romeo 4C derives directly from the concept which raised many eyebrows in wonder at the Geneva Show in 2011, so much so that it won three prestigious awards: the 'AutoBild Design Award' (2011, Germany), the 'Design Award for Concept Cars & Prototypes' (2012, Italy) and the 'Most Exciting Car of 2013' - 'What Car?' (2013, Great Britain).

Acronym 4C

The acronym '4C' draws its inspiration from the brand's glorious past, projecting the values of technology and emotions into the future. Indeed, it refers to Alfa Romeo's great sporting tradition: the acronyms 8C and 6C in the 1930s and 1940s distinguished cars - both racing and road - fitted with the powerful 'eight cylinders' and the innovative 'six cylinders', confirming in its design layout and construction the goal of achieving the power /weight ratio of an authentic supercar, less than 4 kg/HP, yet focusing not merely on the maximum power delivered, but on limiting the weight to guarantee maximum agility and top performance. To this end, the Alfa Romeo 4C uses technologies and materials derived from super sports cars (including the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione) - carbon fibre, aluminium, rear-wheel drive - and technologies from the latest standard models from Alfa Romeo, but updated to enhance the sports appeal of the new car even further. This is demonstrated by the new 1750 Turbo Petrol all-aluminium engine with direct injection, the sophisticated Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA selector with the unprecedented Race mode.

Exterior style

Designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the 4C immediately brings to mind some of the traditional iconic models which have left a significant mark in the history of the Brand. Above all others, in terms of dimensional and layout similarities, one stands out in particular: the 33 Stradale, a car that combined extreme mechanical and functional requirements with an essential style which 'clothed' the engine and chassis appropriately with unmistakable Alfa Romeo treatments. The 4C has followed suit, and thus completes a journey which was embarked upon with the 8C Competizione, emphasising some particular concepts of the brand, such as compact size, dynamism and agility.

Interior design

The elemental design and essential materials also distinguish the interior, which is all designed and built for maximum driving satisfaction. Specifically, the carbon fibre in the interior immediately stands out, used to make the central cell, which has been left in full view to enhance the sense of uniqueness, of technology and light weight.

Dimensions and aerodynamics

The compact dimensions make this car with 2 bucket seats truly unique amid its competitors: it is just under 4 metres long, 200 cm wide, 118 cm high and with a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres. These dimensions serve both to emphasise the compact size of the car and to accentuate its agility. What's more, owing to the designers' excellent work, the car achieves maximum aerodynamic efficiency levels, recording a negative Cz (downforce coefficient) which, as in racing cars, contributes towards achieving increased stability at higher speeds.

New 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol

An evolution of the engine already in use in the Quadrifoglio Verde version of the Giulietta, the new 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol engine implements an innovative aluminium block and specific intake and exhaust systems which have been optimised to enhance the sports appeal of the car even further. In addition, it boasts cutting-edge technical solutions including direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any turbo lag.

Alfa TCT automatic transmission

The 1750 Turbo Petrol engine is teamed with the innovative Alfa TCT automatic twin dry clutch transmission, which is a genuine benchmark in its segment due to its low weight and extreme speed of activation. The gears can also be changed in sequential mode using the shift paddles located behind the steering wheel.

The new Alfa DNA selector with Race mode

The Alfa Romeo 4C also sees the début of the new Alfa DNA selector which not only features the three standard settings available until now - Dynamic, Natural and All Weather - but also a fourth mode: Race, designed to enhance the driving experience on a race track even further.

Excellence made in Italy

The very best technical and industrial expertise of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands were used to develop the final version of the 4C. Specifically, the teamwork between the two brands was aimed at the integration of the Alfa Romeo design department with the Maserati production plant. In short, this too is a distinguishing trait of Alfa Romeo, a brand with a century of history that continues to be one of the most famous and popular ambassadors of Italian products across the world.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

Category › 2014 , 4C , Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept is an Audi A5 Sportback-Sized Sports Sedan, Debuts in Geneva

The second most problematic child in the Fiat-Chrysler Group after Lancia, is also the one with the greatest prospects for future growth – just as long as the Italians get their cards right and finally begin investing in products.

Of course, we're talking about Alfa Romeo, which is trying to tell the world that it's slowly getting back on its feet with the presentation of a new concept model for a sharply styled sports sedan that will join the highly-anticipated production version of the 4C mid-engine coupe at next month's Geneva Auto Salon.

Named 'Gloria', the study is the work of the European Design Institute (IED) of Turin in collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Style Centre. It might break cover in Switzerland, but the Gloria was designed to appeal to consumers in the North American and Asian markets.

"In effect, the saloon remains a symbol of elegance and prestige for these markets, associated with the idea of comfortable space both at the front and the rear, expressed by the length of the model," said Alfa Romeo in a statement.

At 4,700mm long, 1,920 mm wide, 1320mm high and with a wheelbase of 2,900mm, the four-door Gloria is very close in dimensions to the Audi A5 Sportback. Alfa said that the car was designed to be propelled by "a state-of-the-art V6 or V8 biturbo engine", by which it means the new powerplants introduced in the Maserati Quattroporte.

“We asked the students in the Master programme to give us their completely independent interpretation of a new Alfa Romeo saloon,” said Lorenzo Ramaciotti, Head of Fiat & Chrysler Design. “During development, we commented, discussed and guided the projects in order to get the most from their spontaneous expressions of creativity. The result was stimulating and marked by professional and creative excellence.”

More information about the Gloria will be released at the Geneva Auto Salon.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Category › Alfa Romeo , Concept , Geneva Auto Salon , Gloria , News