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 Interwebs (thanks Unica-Strada!) First of all, what the heck is a Pandion? Simple: a type genus of the Pandionidae. Mmm hmm. That’d be an osprey, sometimes known 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. That said, see for yourself below and, as always, let us know what you think in the Comments.

If you’re dropping off a six-figure Italian exotic at the dealership for service, you expect to be loaned something special in return, right? That’s why Fiat supplied Ferrari with a run of special-edition 500s for use in their European service network. (Heck, they even produced some for public consumption.) Now its classy kid sister is following suite with a special loaner car of its own.

Produced in a limited run of 100 units, these specially-prepared Alfa Romeo MiTos will be dispatched to Maserati dealers across Europe. Each is distinguished from the average MiTo by its Maserati Blu Oceano paint, special plaque on the center console and “Alfa Romeo for Maserati” sill plate. The special edition Alfa also comes equipped with top-of-the-range 170-horsepower, 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine, 18-inch wheels and rear spoiler, along with an interior decked out in sumptuous Pelle Frau leather and all the electronic bells and whistles on offer.

After Maserati gave Alfa the 8C Competizione, it’s nice that Alfa – now under the same leadership as Maserati – can give a little something back. Details in the press release after the jump.
PRESS RELEASE

Maserati Teams Up With Alfa Romeo MiTo for its European Service Network
26/01/2010 - Modena

Maserati and Alfa Romeo: two icons of Italy’s world-famous automotive industry representing sportiness, technology and elegance.

One hundred Alfa Romeo MiTos produced exclusively for the Maserati service network will soon be seen on roads all over Europe. Maserati has chosen the Alfa Romeo MiTo as the new courtesy car for its customers, connoisseurs of Italian style with a keen eye for originality.

The special-purpose cars will be styled in the exclusive Maserati Blu Oceano (deep Blue), and fitted with a sparky 1.4 MultiAir Turbobenzina engine (170 hp) - the most powerful engine in the MiTo range.

The cars will not only be distinguished by their unique color, but also by two other exclusive features: the “Limited Edition” plaque on the air conditioning unit, and the kick plate made from specially treated aluminum, bearing the words Alfa Romeo for Maserati.

The 100 cars will also have a series of high-end details, supplied as standard: Pelle Frau upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, leather steering wheel complete with radio and telephone controls, a radio navigator covering the whole of Europe, and a hands-free Blue&Me system including USB port and bi-xenon headlights.

The MiTo for Maserati also has a racing temperament. The 18′ alloy wheels, rear spoiler, rear bumper and aluminum pedals are all fitted as standard. All the cars will come with Dynamic Suspension, the advanced electronic shock absorber control system that actively varies the set-up to reflect the road conditions and driving style, to guarantee rapid cornering and excellent handling.

Through this partnership with Alfa Romeo, Maserati’s European network will be able to offer customers a special car that reflects its own philosophy, where each choice is the product of the utmost attention and care paid to every detail.

[Source:Autoblog]

The Interwebs have discovered some additional snaps of the Geneva Motor Show-bound Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Although there’s a full-on rear shot, these are more about details and lighting elements than taking the entire car in. The new hatch won’t suffer from any lack of LED’s, with an array of four in the headlights and a basket full of them in the rear taillights and third brake light.

Fiat’s aims to sell around 100,000 units per year, and with five engine choices on offer at launch, the company is doing its best not to leave any potential customer out. If we’re lucky, that pool of potential customers will include Americans that aren’t ex-pats… Have a look at what’s coming in the gallery of high-res images below.

[Source:Autoblog]

The Alfa Romeo 147 was voted European Car of the Year. But that was way back in 2001, the year after its launch. And despite a mid-cycle refresh, it’s since grown a little long in the tooth. The Italian automaker introduced the MiTo to replace the three-door 147 last year, and has been hard at work since on the new Milano (previously referred to as “149″) to replace the 147 five-door once and for all. Now, following months of speculation, spy shots and even some out-of-focus snapshots from the factory floor, we’ve got our best look yet at the new Italian hatchback.

If these images from Quattroroute are to be believed, it appears Alfa Romeo’s Centro Stile has done a better job translating the 8C Competizione’s design cues into the longer Milano than it did with the stubby MiTo. The snout does appear to extend a tad too far, giving the Milano (which, in these pictures, is wearing a 149 plate up front) a long front overhang, the trademark shield grille protruding with the headlights swept back. The tail end, as is often the case with Alfas, has some of the best lines in the business, and outfitted with the right engine, that may be all that other motorists see of it, anyway.

The jury’s still out, but the latest reports indicate that the Milano won’t make it to the North American market. Thanks for the tip, Vittorio!

[Source: Quattroroute]

The last new Alfa Romeo to be sold in the U.S. market prior to the recent low-volume 8C Competizione was the 164 sedan. Fittingly, perhaps, it now appears that its descendant could be among the first Alfas to be produced in North America.

Seemingly reconfirmingg earlier rumors, Inside Line is reporting that the successor to the (now discontinued) 166 is expected to shift from a front-wheel drive to a rear-drive platform shared with the next generation Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. While the current LX platform shares much of its suspension architecture with a previous-generation Mercedes E-Class, the new model is expected to be developed in-house by Chrysler.

The new big Alfa sedan will likely be built exclusively in Brampton, Ontario and exported to Europe. Inside Line is also reporting that the new rear-drive platform could be shortened and used for the next Brera and Spider as well. We expect to find out more some time in November when Chrysler/Fiat plans to further clarify their forthcoming product lineup.

[Source: Inside Line]

We have an old saying: there’s no such thing as too much Alfa Romeo news. With that in mind, why is the world’s hottest Alfa sporting a “Got Milk?” mustache? Because the Photoshop warlocks at Britain’s favorite automotive tabloid have no idea what the new 8C GTA is actually going to look like. Here’s what we think we know. Alfa Romeo is going to release a carbon fiber intensive 8C Competizione variant called the GTA to celebrate the marque’s centenary next year.

Thanks to all the exotic weave, the GTA will be over 300 pounds lighter than the “regular” Competizione, and with a new ECU and stouter internals, the 4.7-liter F430 derived V8 should produce more than 500 horsepower — just in time to not upstage the 458 Italia’s 562 hp. All that power will get neutralized by optional carbon-ceramic stoppers and naturally, expect the GTA’s suspension to be much stiffer than the current car’s GT tuning.

If it sounds like Alfa might be considering a return to the race track we can only give the thumbs up, smile and mutter under our breath, “about time.” And it might help explain the white mouth. Price? Over $300,000. How many? Just 100 examples, total. We’re expecting to catch an actual glimpse of the 8C GTA at the Geneva Motor Show this coming March.

[Source: AutoBlog]

We’ve never made any attempt to hide our love of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, an exotic GT widely regarded as one of the most beautiful shapes the industry has put on the road in decades. But at the same time, we can’t help but feel a little remiss that the Italian automaker has decided to replicate the 8C’s design elements over the rest of its line at the expense of other design themes. Like the sharp lines of the 159 and Brera, set to be replaced on the upcoming Giulia with 8C-derived styling. Or this design study, recalling classic Alfa Romeos of yore, but with a modern twist.

The brainchild of South Korea’s Hongik University Transportation Design graduate Seongjun Ko, the Berlina Da Corsa (racing sedan) borrows cues from 60’s and 70’s Alfas like the GT 1300 Junior and 1750 GTV, and there’s even a little Lancia Stratos in the greenhouse. But the trick to the design is an adaptable roofline composed of flexible wires that, not unlike the BMW GINA concept, can change the shape of the roof to streamline for racing applications or adapt to accommodate rear-seat passengers. Unfortunately, the aggressive, almost Dodge Challenger-esque front end gives way to an awkward tail, but the idea isn’t without merit. We just hope Alfa Romeo is paying attention. Check out the extensive renderings, models and sketches in the high-resolution gallery below and see for yourself.

source:Autoblog]

Alfa’s finally pulled the covers off the MiTo GTA, releasing a full set of specifications and a few new images of the hottest of hot hatches just ahead of the car’s official debut at the Geneva Motor Show late next week. While the standard-grade MiTo is definitely a looker, the Italian automaker has added a major dose of sportiness by way of a 90-horsepower injection, handily passing the MINI John Cooper Works edition along the way. To go along with the added zip, Alfa’s engineers have reduced the weight of the car through the use of carbon fiber for the roof, tailgate spoiler and mirror housings, along with aluminum replacements for many chassis and suspension parts.

The engine displaces just 1.8 liters, but an impressive 240 horsepower is extracted via turbocharging, direct-injection and variable valve-timing. Underneath the slinky skin are chassis modifications that lower the ride height by 20 millimeters, along with an “active suspension” and variable steering geometry that makes up the Alfa D.N.A. system, allowing the driver to tailor the car’s feel to their specific preferences. Inside, unique anatomical seats with four-point seatbelts attached to the rear roll bar keep the driver secured and matte black surfaces are meant to limit distractions while racing around the track. There’s plenty of additional details in the press release after the break, and be sure to check out our coverage next week from Geneva for live shots.

PRESS RELEASE:

Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA, world preview

Gran Turismo Alleggerito: a historical and famous “signature” throughout the world which, interpreted in a modern and effective manner, has guided the entire development of the MiTo GTA Concept, which has the priority objectives of reducing weight and achieving an excellent power-to-weight ratio. Hence the decision to use components of ultra-light carbon fiber – as for example the tailgate spoiler, the roof and the mirror fairings – as well as the use of aluminum for the braking system, suspension and some parts of the chassis. And the body has been completely revised, maintaining the very high level of torsional rigidity (a necessary element for the maximum efficacy of the suspension) and optimizing many structural and reinforcing components; a necessary “diet”, not only to reduce weight but also to lower the center of gravity, enhancing agility and driving precision. To the same end, a special onboard set-up has been specified, preserving the equipment and systems most directly associated with the sporting use of the car. Finally, to obtain the best power-to-weight ratio in its category, an innovative engine, endowed with character and technology, has been specially developed.

So, the MiTo GTA Concept car boasts an extraordinary power-to-weight ratio which contributes to making it the standard-bearer of Alfa Romeo sporting cars. The design is sensual, modern, but never overstated, and from first sight it communicates a technological “DNA” which forms the inspiration for the development of future high performance versions.

1.75 Liter 240 HP Turbo Gasoline Engine: the sporting heart of the MiTo GTA Concept

Everyone recognizes the ability of the Italian motoring industry to produce engines full of “determination” and temperament, real “jewels” born out of experience and the passion of engineers allied with technical skills consolidated over the years. So there is no question that the engine should be designed and developed by the engineers of FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies, exploiting the experience which created the mythical Twin Spark and V6 engines as well as the racing engines which Alfa Romeo brought to racing tracks throughout the world.

And anyone whose character has been molded on the race track knows that he must always look to the challenges of the future. The Mito GTA Concept engine was developed in accordance with this principle, using advanced technical solutions in the field of spark ignition engines, including direct gasoline injection, dual VVT, the turbocharger and a revolutionary management system. Hence the exciting performances comparable with those of an engine of 3000 cc, while consumption is maintained at moderate levels typical of a 4-cylinder engine of average capacity, benefiting the environment and operating costs.
In addition, the engine has been designed to interact with the Alfa D.N.A. system which allows the driver to select the most suitable driving mode and thereby modify the operating parameters of the various vehicle systems, enhancing driving pleasure and safety under all conditions.

Style and aerodynamics: “clear” sportiness and advanced technology

To marry the harmonious lines of a hatchback for daily use to the requirements arising from track competition: this was the ambitious objective of the MiTo GTA Concept development team. Aerodynamic research had a decisive influence on the technical choices and on the style of the car. In particular, the model succeeds in combining an improvement in the CX drag coefficient (to increase maximum speed and reduce consumption), a substantial increase in downforce (to ensure maximum stability and safety even at high speeds) and efficient management of airflow at the front end (to cool the engine compartment).
In detail, the front end is characterized by the wide air intakes necessary to allow the lively engine to “breathe”, the new styling of the classic Alfa Romeo grille, the badge positioned on the bonnet and the new bumper. Also on the bonnet is the windscreen wiper deflector which further contributes to improving the aerodynamic performance of the car. Our view of the front end concludes with the new headlight surround which is darkened to ensure the absence of reflections: this is achieved by a new coating on the parabolic mirror of the bi-xenon headlights. So, the overall effect of these solutions is to give the front end a “determined” appearance, in which the sportiness is emphasized by the technical solutions adopted and the special chromatic effects, while the classic Alfa Romeo “family feeling” is interpreted in a novel way.

From the side, the eye is caught by the new engine cooling air vents – a clear reminder of the 8C Competizione – in which the direction indicators are embedded, while the many wind tunnel tests have “molded” the aerodynamic miniskirts to optimize the airflow along the sides and on the underside of the car.
To “earth” all the power of the engine, MiTo GTA Concept uses sports mixture tires, fitted to ultralight forged aluminum rims with “reverse” fluid-molded channel and 19″ keying diameter, designed to allow adequate cooling of the brakes to ensure maximum efficiency in the sportiest of uses.
Finally, the rear end has been redesigned to achieve maximum aerodynamic performance. In particular, the bumper has an air extractor to increase aerodynamic downforce, at the center of which emerges the large diameter twin exhaust pipe, the ultimate expression of the power of this exclusive prototype. Even the tailgate has been completely redesigned, using carbon fiber technology and incorporating an integral spoiler with a wing which is wider in the upper and side sections.

As with the racing car, in which the most refined components are often “under the skin”, so for the Mito GTA Concept the work of refining the under body was particularly important. To obtain the necessary “downforce” a flat rear floor was used, together with an exhaust system incorporating a transversal silencer efficiently connected to the rear extractor. Great care was used in specifying the accessories and components fitted under the floor, while special aerodynamic covers conduct the airflow to achieve an aerodynamic load at high speeds.

To finish, the choice of color: the special “Tritecno” white which emphasizes the lines of the car and contrasts the texture of the parts made of quality materials.

Advanced chassis for record agility

The MiTo GTA Concept chassis was designed to ensure maximum control of the car under all conditions: from the race track to use on low-grip roads. To enhance the already excellent dynamic qualities of the Alfa Romeo MiTo, the designers created numerous ad hoc chassis systems.

As well as creating a very stiff chassis, they completely revised the operating parameters of the suspension, lowering it by about 20 mm. The new geometry of the front suspension uses innovative aluminum front arms, while the rear end has undergone a special development involving the elastic components of the suspension.

The steering is now more direct, precise and sensitive, allowing the driver to obtain maximum “road feel”. The steering can be personalized by selecting different positions using the Alfa D.N.A. system, ensuring an immediate response from the vehicle under all conditions.

But to achieve the “state of the art” in dynamic behavior, Alfa Romeo has developed a new “active suspension system”. The result of collaboration between Alfa Romeo and Magneti Marelli, the system exploits the exceptional experience of both companies in sporting activities throughout the world.

By means of shock absorber control, the system reduces oscillations of the car body under all driving conditions, thereby guaranteeing the highest levels of safety, comfort and drivability. In particular, by exploiting the many parameters managed by the new system, it is possible, for example, to counteract the transfer of load under acceleration, stiffening the rear end and guaranteeing lightning quick acceleration with maximum traction. Using the same principle, it is possible to make the suspension interact with the braking system and steering to obtain the most efficient control of vehicle dynamics.

In addition, the system is able to identify the driving situation and road surface conditions to choose the most appropriate control program, and to exploit the responsiveness resulting from its high degree of computing power and the technology used in the shock absorber solenoid valves; the result is an instantaneous response, with controls applied in real time, to complement the sensitivity and technique of the driver.

As well as being an important technological partner for the more sporting driver, the new active suspension system also ensures an excellent level of comfort under the conditions of daily use. In fact, using the “Sky-Hook” function, the system isolates the passenger compartment and makes it notionally motionless with respect to external disturbances. So, using this new system, the chassis can vary its performance according to the conditions of use or at the request of the driver.

The interface between the car and the driver can only be provided by the “Alfa D.N.A.” system with which, in addition to the normal functions, it is possible to adjust the geometry of the car according to the driving mode selected. The “Alfa D.N.A.” system has three operating modes, each selectable by the driver: Dynamic (mode for sports driving), Normal (mode for driving under normal conditions) and All Weather (mode for driving under conditions of low grip, such as rain or snow).

In detail, with the introduction of “active suspension”, the system operates on all the dynamic control components of the car: engine management computer, instrument panel, VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control - stability control system), steering and suspension (the latter two functions, in Dynamic mode for example, become stiffer, optimizing handling of the car). To ensure maximum safety under all conditions, the braking system has been duly “beefed up”, with components worthy of a supercar.

First of all, the wheel set features impressive one-piece anodized calipers with four opposing pistons, produced by Brembo in co-design with the Alfa Romeo Style Center and on which the logos of the Bergamo concern, still a winner in competition, and GTA represent a signature guaranteeing maximum performance. Using the style features specified by the Alfa Romeo Style Center, Brembo has designed and produced a new brake caliper concept in keeping with the sporting character of the car, which is complemented by the dual-cast discs employing two materials, cast iron and aluminum, to provide, with the caliper, a significant weight reduction (between 15 and 20% compared with a traditional brake disc) in accordance with the philosophy imposed by the historic abbreviation GTA - Gran Turismo Alleggerito - light grand tourer. In addition, the dual-cast disc ensures greater driving comfort, reduces corrosion and consumption, optimizes performance of the braking system and pools the advantages arising from the temperature behavior of the cast iron and the lightness of the aluminum. The innovation consists in the way in which the two materials are combined in a single component, and in the behavior of the disc itself: it is a solid disc at low temperatures, and behaves as if “fluidized” at high temperatures, when maximum performance is demanded and the disc tends to warp.
Finally, to “glue” the car to the road, Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA Concept offers new high-performance tires specially developed by Pirelli.

“Technical” interiors with personality

MiTo GTA Concept has an interior with strong personality in which the two anatomical front seats stand out; these provide maximum lateral support in sports driving and a marked reduction in weight. The same impression of sportiness is found in the dark tones of the passenger compartment and in the materials which have been chosen to guarantee maximum efficiency in high speed driving: for example, to minimize reflections, matt black predominates on the coatings of the components which “fall” within the visual field of the driver (such as the dashboard), while the other materials have an extremely “technical” appearance. In addition, the 4-point seatbelts are attached to the rear roll bar, which also supports the retention net provided to restrain baggage items.
The rear part of the passenger compartment enhances the “sporty” nature of the design: there are special compartments for racing helmets and fire extinguisher and there are spaces to contain items used in competition.

The floor covering is new, featuring a carpet which leaves the driver’s mats uncovered, with an aluminum scuff plate bearing the GTA name. In addition, on the floor there are rubber inserts replicating the tread of the exclusive Pirelli tire fitted to the car.
The floor covering – like the roof lining and front, central and rear pillars – is in costly black Alcantara texture and a red stitching runs all the way round the car elegantly surrounding the internal environment. And there’s more: new air vents, specially designed for the MiTo GTA Concept and embellished with aluminum inserts, combine functionality with technical and sporting design.
Particular attention has been lavished on the steering wheel, the result of an ergonomic study to maximize grip for the driver, the instruments with new graphics (the speedometer has an end of scale of 300 Km/h) and the gear lever knob, featuring a characteristic design which even in this mechanical component displays the technical values of the Alfa Romeo brand.

Finally, the “supersporting” GTA pedals in brushed aluminum, recalling those in the 8C Competizione, have rubber inserts to increase grip.

RadioNav with sporting cockpit

In order to permanently manage the operating parameters of the car, MiTo GTA Concept has adopted an innovative system integrated into the Radionav and developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli.

Besides displaying the “views” relating to navigation, from the large color display it is possible to select different screens to obtain information on the various operating parameters controlling the mechanical and dynamic performance of the vehicle. For example, for each position of the Alfa D.N.A. selector, the system displays a summary of the configurations associated with the mode chosen by the driver. In addition, in an ergonomic and intuitive way, it shows various indicators such as the engine oil temperature, turbocharger pressure and the throttle valve opening percentage. Finally, to emphasize the agility of the MiTo GTA Concept, it is possible to monitor the acceleration trend in real time: in this way one’s personal driving style and the behavior of the car under braking can be analyzed in depth, in rapid changes of trajectory or the most violent of pick-ups.

In this way, MiTo GTA Concept maximizes driving pleasure by virtue of this innovative dashboard display, which gives the driver the sensation of being in control of a genuine competition car.

[Source:Autoblog]

There are few things as tragic as a missed opportunity. So if you’ve been sitting at home crying over your chance gone by to grab one of the 84 examples of the simply stunning Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione to reach American shores, cheer up, because the miracle of eBay has come to save the day yet again. Not one, but three U.S.-spec 8Cs have popped up for sale on the auction site’s automobile section.

Of course, this sort of design perfection doesn’t come cheap. Not by any stretch of the imagination. One example in St. Louis is rolling off the block today with a starting bid of $243,900. A second one in Minneapolis is up for grabs with a starting bid of $305,800 and a Buy-It-Now price of $329,995. And a third example is available out of Houston with a Buy-It-Now price or Best Offer at $295k. They’re all in red (naturally) and are far from priced to sell, but can you really put a price on beauty? Well, apparently you can, but that doesn’t mean anyone’s going to pay it.

[Source:Autoblog]

It looks like the rest of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competiziones are starting to get into customer hands since that first one was delivered to James Glickenhaus. Last weekend at Motor4Toys we just missed a red one, but it happened to show up this morning at our weekly gathering in Irvine, California. The car drew a huge crowd, who universally praised it for its voluptuous good looks and gorgeous red paint job.The owner drove in and parked, revving it a bit to treat the onlookers. Although we’ve had the great pleasure of seeing the car in person a few times already, it is still stunning. And it was fun to watch the others seeing it for the first time. This is truly mobile art. Drew and Jonathon happened to be at the show this morning as well and are trying to convince the owner to let them take it for a spin. Hopefully they get their wish, but until then, check out the gallery to see some of my pics along with Drew’s typical photographic magic.

[Source:Autoblog]