Alfa Romeo News

Fans of the long-gone and much-mourned Toyota Supra -- and those hoping to see a successor after its 11-year absence -- can perhaps take heart in news today that Toyota and BMW have confirmed a deal to jointly produce a new sports car platform.BMW development chief Herbert Diess told Germany's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper the architecture would spawn two new cars. "We have agreed on a joint architecture for a sports car," Diess said, however declining to reveal more details about the platform.Toyota has previously partnered with Subaru to produce the wildly successful Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, but while they are near-clones, it seems the Toyota/BMW collaboration will focus on ensuring the two resultant cars are strongly differentiated. "What is important is that there will be two different vehicles that are authentic to the two brands," Diess said.Watch our video review of the tweaked Toyota 86The announcement is not unexpected, following the two brands making an agreement in mid-2012 to collaborate on a range of technology -- including weight-saving strategies and  lithium-air batteries -- and also consider the potential for a medium-sized sports car platform.Toyota is tipped to be unveiling a sports concept that could point to a Supra successor at the Detroit motor show in a couple of weeks, so it's possible that a production vehicle seeded from the show car could include the BMW collaboration. However the Toyota end of the joint development could also end up wearing a Lexus badge.And Toyota is not the only Japanese carmaker partnering with a European brand for a sports car. As we've reported previously, Mazda is collaborating with Italy's Alfa Romeo on a platform that will be the basis for both the next Mazda MX-5 and Alfa Spider.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Alfa Romeo's 4C sports car has broken the Nurburgring record for the fastest lap by a production car with less than 250hp (187kW), completing the circuit in 8 minutes and 4 secondsPowered by a mid-mounted, highly-tuned turbocharged new-generation 1.75-litre engine -- developing 176kW and 350Nm -- the 4C undertook the challenge with Nurburgring veteran Horst von Saurma at the helm and jockeying the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.Helping with the job was the two-seater's bantam 950kg weight, the result of liberal use of carbon fibre -- including a McLaren 12C-like passenger cell made from the material -- but with no modifications except being fitted with a set of high-performance Pirelli Zero Trofeo tyres.The rear-wheel drive hero is scheduled to arrive in Australia mid-2014, with prices likely to start around $80,000 -- depending on exchange rates. However there are still concerns it could be delayed as demand in overseas markets is putting pressure on supply.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott  

Carsguide believes the roadster version of the mid-engined two-seater will likely debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show

As the Australian car sales race heads into the final quarter lap for 2013, most eyes are on what will be the top car. But further back in the field, there’s been a big improvement for several European models, which are posting sales lifts of up to 1000 per cent as a result of aggressive price cuts.Leading the charge is Fiat’s 500 which was slashed more than $10,000 in June, and now starts at just $14,000. This resulted in 310 buyers last month, compared to just 86 before the price drop. The little Italian car has increased in sales at the rate of 850 per cent every month since June, in a market that shrank by almost 15 per cent.Fiat as a whole is benefiting too, with the 1765 sales so far this year being more than a 500 per cent increase over the 328 at this stage in 2012. While the Fiat 500 is attracting customers, established competitors like the Holden Barina, Nissan Micra, Suzuki Alto and Swift and Toyota Yaris have meanwhile seen a decline in sales year-to-date.This means that for the first time, the 500 is outselling more than half its competitors. Meanwhile, Alfa Romeo’s small models, which also received price cuts recently, have returned positive results – albeit on fairly low numbers. MiTo has doubled in sales in the premium light car segment from 23 to 45, while its larger sibling, Giulietta – in a field that includes the Toyota Corolla, Holden Cruze and Mazda 3, found 324 new homes compared to just 88 before the new pricing strategy.The local HQ says the surge in sales is due to sharper pricing and specifications and more dealership support. “The success is a result of a combination of factors: an expanded and engaged dealer network, streamlined vehicle spec levels and sharper pricing – as well as strong and smart marketing support,” Fiat and Alfa Romeo spokesperson Karla Leach says.With the international launch of the new Alfa Romeo 4C sport car this week – estimated to cost somewhere around $75,000 when it arrives here -- the Italian brand is buckling up for the challenge of luring customers with a few more dollars to spend. Leach says Fiat and Alfa Romeo have serious intentions to keep strengthening their position here. “We have strong ambition for the continued growth of these brands in Australia,” she says. But it’s not just Italians aggressively tackling the entry level market.Renault last month introduced the cheapest Clio ever, firmly cementing the French brand into the budget light car segment with an entry-level price of under $17,000. Keen to be seen as a viable alternative, Renault has hit hard at competitors, offering five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and fixed price servicing. Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar said at the Clio unveiling last month that the brand has high expectations of the car.“We have a fantastic value proposition in terms of a beautifully designed vehicle with high levels of personalisation, at an extremely competitive price.” he said. Traditional options like Mazda, Hyundai and Toyota still dominate the light and small car segments, but European rivals are fighting hard to gain credibility as mainstream brands.The big winners are the buyers, who may now afford to consider Italian design, French flair or German precision for the same price as more established mainstream manufacturers. The exception to the success story is Opel, which failed to accrue enough buyers in its very short stint in Australia. Despite competitive prices, the German brand disappeared in August, posting less than 1,000 sales this year between the Astra and Corsa small cars combined. 

Alfa has announced there will be 1000 “launch edition” models and 3500 production vehicles of the exotic 4C sports coupe in the first year. Australian spokeswoman Karla Leach says Australia-Pacific will get around 10 per cent of that allocation. Just how many of the estimated 100 and 350 vehicles respectively are destined for Australia is still to be decided.Both versions will arrive in Australia in the second quarter of next year and Alfa Australia already holds 100 serious expressions of interest. “Until we know the allocation we’ve put a hold on pre-orders,” Leach explained.Final pricing has not been confirmed yet, but Australian cars are expected to cost $80,000-$90,000 for the regular vehicle and $100,000-$120,000 for the launch edition.The two-seater 4C is based around a carbon-fibre chassis to keep weight down to a svelte 895kg (dry). The 1.7-litre turbo petrol engine is good for 177kW/350Nm and power is transferred to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch auto.The launch version adds a carbon fibre spoiler and mirror covers, rear alloy diffuser, 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloys finished in a burnished look, brake callipers in the buyer’s choice of four colours, a race exhaust, BMC air cleaner and a suspension kit with harder shock absorbers and rear anti-roll bar.Watch the video here.  

Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Ferrari are all part of the Fiat automotive group, which helps explain why the 4C coupe is built by Maserati in Modena, Italy. Ferrari's Fiorano test circuit is just around the corner, so it makes sense for Alfa to show off the 4C's track ability at the hallowed track. The 4C is set to arrive in Australia in early 2014. The lightweight, mid-engined sports coupe packs a 179kW/350Nm 1.75 litre turbocharged engine with a six-speed dual clutch transmission.With a carbon-fibre and aluminium monocoque helping keep weight down to 950kg, its capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds and an impressive Euro-cycle combined fuel figure of 5.7l/100km.  Watch the video here. 

The Alfa Romeo 4C's design blends contemporary details with clear reference to the classic Alfa 33 Stradale. Enjoy a closer look at the 4C's sensuous curves in this studio film.     The 4C is set to arrive in Australia in early 2014. The lightweight, mid-engined sports coupe packs a 179kW/350Nm 1.75 litre turbocharged engine with a six-speed dual clutch transmission.With a carbon-fibre and aluminium monocoque helping keep weight down to 950kg, its capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds and an impressive Euro-cycle combined fuel figure of 5.7l/100km.  Watch the video here. 

Alfa Romeo's new 4C sports coupe is set to arrive in Australia in early 2014. The lightweight, mid-engined sports coupe packs a 179kW/350Nm 1.75 litre turbocharged engine with a six-speed dual clutch transmission.With a carbon-fibre and aluminium monocoque helping keep weight down to 950kg, its capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds and an impressive Euro-cycle combined fuel figure of 5.7l/100km.  Watch the video here. 

One of the big magnets at Frankfurt motor show this year was the dynamic BMW i8 - but performance purists might be horrified to learn the Bavarian muscle car only has a three-cylinder turbo 1.5-litre petrol engine. And an electric motor.But the output is staggering: 170kW/320Nm from the tiny petrol motor and the rest from the electric power plant, for a total output of 266kW and a whopping 570Nm of torque. It goes to 100km/h in 4.4seconds and uses next to no fuel. Try 2.5litres/100km.It's an all-wheel drive model, with the electrics powering the front wheels and the three-potter the rear. Most of the body is of carbon fibre plastic, the suspension and other underbody parts are aluminium and the electric bit can be recharged at home in about four hours.BMW says the i8 is likely to go from concept to production in a matter of months and has even worked out a price for it: US$136,000. It might be a tad more if it comes to Australia.Ferrari produced a 458 Speciale, said to be its 'best V8 ever'. The blue-striped red coupe producing some pretty decent numbers: 445kW/540Nm, three seconds flat from standstill to 100km/h and a top speed of 325km/h.Across the passage Fiat had a flotilla of its cute littlies. There was the 500e, an electric powered one with a 140km range, the 63kW GQ Twinair, a turbo S version with 77kW and one called Living which offered a head-spinning 88kW.Plus a 500 Abarth circa 1959, one of the world's earliest mini hotties, alongside the latest and considerably bigger version. But Alfa Romeo's 4C was possibly the best of the Italian sporting machines, a lovely blend of style, performance and balance at a comparatively affordable price.  

The Townsville dealership of China's Great Wall Motors is to have a new showroom. The Motoco Group, operated by Jason Collins and Alan Baxter, has confirmed its purchase of the former BP service station site at the corner of Bowen Rd and Balls Lane, Mundingburra, for $1 million.The firm will spend about another $500,000 converting the property into a showroom and car yard for the dealership, which it has operated for about four years. It will also sell Foton light trucks. Motoco dealer Jason Collins said the Great Wall team, which had traded almost opposite on Bowen Rd alongside its used car business, had earned its new location.“They should have their own stand-alone facility,” Mr Collins said. “We are consistently in the top 10 in Australia with Great Wall.” There are about 80 Great Wall dealerships around the country and the number is growing. It is one of the largest manufacturers in China, where the auto industry has exploded in recent years to become the world's largest vehicle maker.Work to fit out the new Townsville showroom has just began. “It will be gutted and turned into a showroom with a new glass facade and a modern awning,” Mr Collins said. He said they were confident about the prospects for business in Townsville despite a difficult market recently.“Townsville has been very good to this business,” Mr Collins said. “Talking to the Gold Coast dealers, they are still doing it tough and there's a general feeling that we have it far better in this area.” Peter Wheeler of Colliers International Townsville, who negotiated the sale of the 2233sq m property, said the purchase opposite Motoco's Audi Townsville Centre was a logical extension of their business.But with interest rates at their lowest levels for some 50 years, it was also a well-timed move. “Now really is the time to be buying. It's a good time to be getting into the market,” Mr Wheeler said. The Motoco Group which also operates in Cairns was formerly Honeycombes Cars. It has dealerships in Audi, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Fiat, Great Wall, Peugeot, Winnebago and Millard. It is also involved in Rising Sun Marine and Townsville Suzuki Marine dealerships.tony.raggatt@news.com.au