Alfa fans have been a bit disappointed that the Italian automaker reportedly decided to push back the debut of the highly anticipated upcoming Junior model past the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, and Bertone’s unveiling of the BAT 11 concept remains up in the air, but just the same, Alfa Romeo will have plenty to show us next week. In addition to debuting the production – and we use that term loosely, considering only 500 will be made – version of the 8C Spider, Alfa will be unveiling updated versions of its unspeakably gorgeous Brera and Spider models.

Thankfully, the Italians know better than to attempt improving on a masterpiece, so Alfa hasn’t messed with the award-winning design to any great extent. The wheels, brake calipers and suspension components have been replaced with lighter-weight aluminum versions, which should help address the cars’ lamentably underwhelming performance relative to its design by taking a chunk out of its unsprung weight. The subtle changes continue inside, where redesigned seats offer a sportier and more ergonomic driving position, another drawback often reported on the first-generation model. The dashboard has been updated as well to integrate a new dual-zone climate control system and a new sat-nav unit. Meanwhile, underhood, a new 185hp 2.2-liter four joins the 260hp 3.2-liter six and 210hp 2.4-liter JTDM turbodiesel, mater to a variety of six-speed transmissions in various degrees of automation. All in all, Alfa seems to be addressing some of the shortcomings of its most head-turning standard-production models, and has hopefully found a new sweet spot. Check out the press release after the jump for all the details on the 2008 Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider

[Source: AutoBlog]

Let’s be honest here. There are some cars on which we report because they’re new and that’s what we do. But some are just pure pleasure. Now try to figure out into which category the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider falls.

Although we’ve already seen plenty of the Alfa 8C in both coupe and roadster bodystyles, we can never get quite enough, and at this year’ Geneva show, Alfa will finally be showing the production version of the 8C Spider. Technical details carry over from the luscious fixed-roof 8C Competizione, and little is expected to have changed from the concept spider unveiled at Pebble Beach in 2005 to the production version being unveiled now. As with the initial run of the coupe, only 500 spiders will be produced, so this could be our best chance to get up close and personal with the hottest model this side of Scarlett Johansson.

To whet our appetites, Alfa Romeo has dropped three dreamy photos of the production 8C Spider – check them out by clicking on the thumbnails below.

[Source: AutoBlog]

Os holandeses da Vandenbrick Design prepararam um projeto para quem precisa de mais espaço do que uma Ferrari 612 Scaglietti pode oferecer. Trata-se de uma “shooting break”, uma perua com base no cupê italiano. O termo vem do inglês, perua de caça. Na década de 1960, algumas empresas inglesas faziam adaptações em esportivos, visando os praticantes das caçadas, tão populares naquele país. No porta-malas, mais espaço para os rifles e os cães. Não é a primeira vez que uma Ferrari ganha uma versão perua. Em 1961, os engenheiros Giotto Bizzarrini e Carlos Chiti deixaram a Ferrari e montaram a Scuderia Sereníssima.
Pegaram a 250 GTO de corrida que haviam ajudado a desenvolver e aplicaram melhorias. As mudanças mecânicas obrigaram a construção de um teto reto, que a fazia parecer com uma perua. O modelo foi apelidado 250 GT Breadvan, em alusão ao formato parecido com o de um pão. Já o bilionário Sultão de Brunei foi mais longe. Encomendou ao estúdio italiano Pininfarina um adaptação na 456 GT, antecessora da 612. Além de transformado em perua, o cupê ganhou interpretações quatro portas e conversível, exclusivas para o magnata árabe.

Source[AutoBlog]

The upcoming Alfa Romeo 169 flagship sedan is slated to be based on a modified platform from sister-company Maserati, but a potential tie-in with Jaguar could provide an interesting alternative.

A report from British magazine Autocar recalls that Alfa’s parent company Fiat initially expressed interest in acquiring Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, but decided to pass in favor of focusing on the rejuvenation of its own divisions instead. However, Indian automaker Tata, which is tipped to have placed the winning bid for the English marques, shares close relations with the Fiat Group. The Italian auto giant advised Tata on its acquisition bid, and the partnership could stand to benefit the Alfa Romeo division.

Borrowing a platform and powertrain from Jaguar could, according to Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne, lead to a “stunning” rear-drive Alfa 169, while optimizing the cost to benefit ratio for the Italian automaker. As Autocar points out, Land Rover’s existing American dealership could also prove an irresistible asset for Alfa Romeo’s imminent return to the US market.

[Source: AutoBlog]

The Italians are known for making great sports cars, touring cars, supercars, even little itty-bitty cars. Sport-utes, not so much. Lamborghini’s monster LM002 notwithstanding, the last time few times Fiat tried its hand at SUVs, it came up with the Sedici (a slightly taller than normal compact car built in partnership with Suzuki) and the Oltre concept (some sort of twisted cross between a Hummer and an Apple store). But with crossovers continuing to sell big, despite the impediments of fuel prices and an increasingly enviro-conscious market, the mafia legitimate business association of the Italian auto industry can hardly afford to sit it out. So they’ll try, try again.

The next up to bat is the production version of the CX-Over, expected to hit the market in 2010. Sources indicate an overall length of about 4.5 meters, potential for hybrid powertrain options (though more likely a range of the company’s highly-efficient diesels), available AWD and a body style fitting somewhere between a minivan and a sport-ute. The Fiat version is expected to sell in the €22k-30k range in Europe, and is expected to spawn an additional version from sister brand Alfa Romeo.

[Source: Info Motori]

Stylish looks and charismatic engines have always been Alfa Romeo trademarks, but used buyers demand more substance – especially those looking for a practical family saloon!

Don’t ignore the Italian brand, how­ever, because despite its reputation for rust-prone and unreliable cars, the firm’s newer models are well worth a look. They are far removed from the Seventies offerings that tarnished its image. The new breed represents great value used.

Admittedly, the cars still can’t match the class’s best for reliability, but if you buy sensibly, the 155, 156 and 159 are fine transport. Here, we look at all three to ensure you get an Italian supermodel rather than a Latin mule. The earliest model in our line-up is the boxy 155. It’s available only as a saloon with pet­rol engines – but its successor introduced some much needed variety.

In 1998, the original 156 saloon hit showrooms, with the stylish but impractical Sport Wagon estate following in 2000. The range includes a powerful 2.4-litre JTD diesel and Alfa’s Selespeed automated manual transmission, while performance fans will enjoy the 250bhp 3.2 GTA. The latter arrived in 2002, and covers 0-60mph in only 6.3 seconds – but prices start at £10,000.

Although the 2003 facelift diluted the 156’s looks, a new 2.0-litre petrol engine and tweaks to the diesel line-up give this version the broadest appeal second-hand. In February this year, the new 159 arrived. Its GM-derived engines lack the sparkle of their predecessors, but its improved build bodes well for the future. And don’t be put off by the dealers’ poor showings in our annual Driver Power satisfaction survey. There’s a wide choice of independent specialists, plus an active owners’ club (click on www.aroc-uk.com). Be sure to budget for insurance, though. Even a base 155 sits in group 14, so premiums are high.

Our choice: Facelifted 156
by the time it has reached two years old, a 156 will have endured the worst of its depreciation, yet it’s still young enough to look the part, too. So, a low-mileage 2.0-litre JTS or 1.9 JTD Multijet diesel version is a tempting proposition.

Whatever you choose, though, you should have an inde­pendent inspection carried out. And make sure any potential buy comes with a full service history. You can get your hands on a 54-plate Veloce example with either engine for around £9,500.

Source [Auto Express]