This feed contains the latest All feed items for the ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA model. http://www.motortorque.com/ Copyright 2013 MotorTorque All Rights Reserved. Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Automotive Website Framework Engine (2.9.1208.1803) Alfa Romeo has announced that it will be unleashing its eagerly anticipated Alfa 4C sports car at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England between 12th and 14th July 2013. Alfa's exclusive 'Launch Edition' of the compact supercar will be on display as part of the prestigious festival's 'First Glance Class'. It will also be seen in action by the public for the first time as it ascends the famous Hill Climb course. The Alfa Romeo 4C 'Launch Edition' made its first global public appearance at this year's Geneva Motor Show, in March, where the model was met with critical acclaim. Alfa Romeo say that the Alfa 4C model 'represents the true essence of a sports car', with its 'Italian style, performance and technical excellence'. As with its spiritual predecessor, the iconic 33 Stradale model, the Alfa 4C is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive, compact sports coupe. Both cars, as well as technical displays of the new sports coupe's chassis and gearbox, will be on-display at the Alfa Romeo Goodwood stand. The Alfa Romeo 4C 'Launch Edition' is powered by a new, all-aluminium, direct-injection 240bhp turbo petrol engine. According to the Italian car manufacturer, the engine is capable of pushing the Alfa 4C to reach 'real supercar performance'. Combining 'Launch Control' and Alfa's six-speed TCT transmission, the Alfa Romeo 4C has a top speed in excess of 155mph, and it can cover the 0-62mph sprint in a time of just 4.5 seconds. Damien Dally, Head of Brand at Alfa Romeo UK, commented: 'The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a spectacular celebration of motoring drawing automotive enthusiasts from all over the country and even Europe. What better event for the Alfa 4C to make a thrilling UK debut?' He continued: 'We can't wait to see the crowd reaction as this fantastic car takes to the famous Hill Climb for the very first time. This will be a Festival of Speed to remember for Alfa Romeo.' http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/alfa-romeo-4c-to-debut-at-goodwood-festival-of-speed-22419.aspx Glenn Doyle Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT Alfa Romeo has launched a limited edition 'special series' of its popular Giulietta hatchback. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta already has a chic reputation as it offers a unique stance on the road and has featured in adverts with the likes of film star Uma Thurman. Alfa Romeo is building on this popularity by boosting its appeal with a new limited edition model - the Giulietta Collezione. First appearing on the Alfa Romeo 147, the Collezione badge aims to enhance the stylish features of the Giulietta. The Italian manufacturer is priding itself on the fact that its new Giulietta Collezione is the only model in its segment to feature a contrasting two-tone roof design as standard. The Collezione model comes available in three different paint jobs - Solid Black, Alfa Red and Ghiaccio White - each offering a contrasting roof colour. The Collezione model also features darkened headlight surrounds, 17-inch Titanium alloy wheels, chrome door handles and titanium effect wing mirrors. The contrasting colour scheme continues to the interior, as there is a new black and red competizione cloth upholstery in contrast stitching. There are also, titanium finish inserts on the centre console and dashboard. There are four engines on offer in the Collezione model range, including two petrols and two diesels. The highlight in the petrol range is the 170bhp 1.4-litre MultiAir, whereas the diesel highlight is a frugal 1.6-litre unit, emitting just 114g/km and returning up to 64.2mpg. Prices for the new limited edition Alfa Romeo Giulietta Collezione range start from £18,265. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/alfa-romeo-launches-limited-edition-giulietta-collezione-22324.aspx Richard Bush Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT The exclusive 'Launch Edition' of the much desired Alfa Romeo 4C made its debut at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show. The global launch of the Alfa Romeo 4C marks the brand's return to the realm of lightweight sports coupes and is dedicated to the car's host of fans throughout the world. The exclusive 'Launch Edition' will be produced as a numbered limited edition, with 400 models popping up around Europe - with exclusive characteristics developed specifically for this unique version. The 4C 'Launch Edition' is available for order straight away, with the compact supercar being available at a price of £52,000 - or €60,000 in most European markets. Both of the prices for the Alfa Romeo 4C include VAT. The supercar features a new direct-injection 240hp four cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol engine, designed with one objective: to ensure exceptional performance without sacrificing driving fluidity and use in any circumstances - from the racetrack to the city streets. The powerful new engine helps the 4C to burn down the 0-62mph sprint in only 4.5 seconds, as well as achieving a top speed in excess of 155mph. In addition, the new 'Launch Edition' will come in two liveries: Carrara White or Alfa Red, as well as being marked out by the distinctive badge, inlaid beneath the paintwork. Our MotorTorque video team are currently at the Geneva Motor Show, reporting back on all of the cars and concepts from the week. You can watch our new Alfa Romeo 4C sneak preview video below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GHOV9nhM5Q http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/geneva-motor-show---alfa-romeo-4c-21563.aspx Glenn Doyle Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Read more about the Alfa Romeo 4C After years of teaser images Alfa Romeo is finally ready to reveal the new 4C mid-engine supercar. The Alfa Romeo 4C features the manufacturer's new 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo petrol all-aluminium engine alongside a slick new exterior design. We found out a bit more about the Alfa Romeo 4C at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GHOV9nhM5Q http://www.motortorque.com/videos/motorshows/new-alfa-romeo-4c-sneak-preview---geneva-motor-show-2013-21554.aspx New Car Reviews Motorshows Richard Bush Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT Alfa Romeo has confirmed that its new 4C mid-engine supercar will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The car will be available to buy later in the year, and features the manufacturer's new 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo petrol all-aluminium engine. The car has a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres and stands less than 4 meters in length. Features on the car include Alfa TCT twin clutch automatic transmission, a new Alfa DNA selector with Race mode and a chassis made entirely of carbon with load-bearing and structural function. The model to appear at Geneva will be the final version of the new 4C. The car has been designed with two bucket seats to help represent the true essence of a sportscar, and to give one of the most impressive drives around. The 4C is a tribute to the manufacturer's sporting heritage and manages to achieve a power/weight ratio of less than 4kg/HP. The exterior of the car takes design cues from a number of iconic models - most notably the 33 Stradale. The interior is well-distinguished and features carbon fibre materials to help it stand out from the crowd. The original concept first appeared at Geneva in 2011 and won a number of awards, including 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). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ddIyVa68cY http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/alfa-romeo-4c-to-get-world-premiere-at-geneva-21308.aspx Ant Bradshaw Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT Alfa Romeo will launch a new Alfa Romeo two-seat roadster to sit alongside the 4C racer in its new sporty line up, the Italian brand has announced. A brand new Roadster car will be built by the brand's owner's Fiat, in a partnership with Japanese manufacturer Mazda. The two-seater sports cars will be sold worldwide and assembled at Mazda's production plant in Hiroshima, starting from 2015. The production plans will in fact see the creation of two new convertible Roadster cars, one branded Alfa Romeo and the other Mazda. Both cars will likely share the same engines and rear-wheel drive powertrains plus other internal components, and will be made distinct with different styling and badges. The new Mazda branded Roadster however will not be a successor to Mazda's current convertible on sale, the MX-5. The two manufacturers have revealed the new Roadsters will be based on the foundations of the next-generation Mazda MX-5, one of the most affordable small convertible cars in the UK market. The MX-5 has also proved to be one of the most popular convertibles available for well over a decade in Britain. The prospect of a new Mazda-branded roadster sitting alongside a new-generation MX-5 marks a more unprecedented move by the company in recent times. While on paper it seems the two models will share parts, it is currently unclear whether the all-new Roadster will sit above or below the MX-5 in terms of performance and pricing. As for the Alfa Romeo-branded Roadster, it will represent the Italian marque's first convertible to go on sale since the Brera Spider, which was one the market between 2007 and 2010. Since this new upcoming car is not based on any existing Alfa, like the Brera coupe for instance, it could very well be considered the company's first standalone Roadster since another model, also called the Spider, was sold up until 1993. The classic Alfa Romeo Spider was, like the MX-5, a very compact convertible. Up to four generation models of the previous standalone Spider were made between 1966 and 1993. Now with two brand-new Roadsters arriving in the next couple of years, alongside the upcoming Alfa Romeo 4C coupe, and the next Mazda MX-5, both manufacturers are rapidly expanding their sports car offerings for the near future. Written by Stephen Goldasz http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/mazda-and-fiat-team-up-to-make-new-alfa-romeo-roadster-21003.aspx Stephen Goldasz Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT Alfa Romeo is confident the new Giulietta TCT will change the way we look at the marque and build on the success it has enjoyed over the last 12 months when it bucked the trend for the market. The sporting Italian brand saw sales hit a nine year high of 11,563 cars and registrations soared 30.8 per cent in a market which saw most rivals go down 4.4 per cent. The success of the brand has been down to a combination of factors, from the latest product line-up, to its improved dealer network which now boasts a top 10 positioning in the J.D. Power UK customer satisfaction survey and the highly competitive finance and incentive offers available on each model. Both the sporty compact Alfa MiTo and Alfa Giulietta hatchback have helped the marque gain a new customer following by becoming a credible alternative to mainstream German rivals. While much of that UK rise has been down to the city car MiTo, the more executive Giulietta has also been winning conquest sales. In the UK, Alfa Romeo sold 7,113 Giuliettas in 2011 and has sold over 10,000 since launch about 18 months ago. Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT The Alfa Giulietta blends five door practicalities with coupè looks and is still the safest car in its class despite the introduction of newer models from competitors. Now the TCT (Twin Clutch Transmission) is available in the Giulietta range, from £21,855 and rising to £24,800. The Giulietta's Twin Clutch Transmission is its own in-house automatic design and manufactured system which ensures very rapid yet smooth responses demanded by sporting drivers but also integrates with the Alfa Romeo DNA system to give a choice of dynamic, normal or adverse modes depending on choice or conditions. It is not only quick but also clean and is available on petrol and diesel powered models in the range and helping optimize the savings is the Start&Stop system, a rare feature on any automatic. Available in Lusso or Veloce trim levels on the Giulietta, the latest generation Alfa TCT 'dry' dual clutch semi-automatic transmission is combined in the Giulietta with the 1.4 TB MultiAir 170bhp and 2.0 JTDM-2 170bhp engines. Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT performance In particular, this innovative transmission ensures greater driving comfort and a sportier feel than conventional automatic transmissions with a torque converter, together with improved efficiency and lower fuel consumption. Worth noting is that Alfa TCT improves fuel consumption with respect to corresponding manual transmission versions by exploiting integrated, smart engine and transmission electronics in order to optimise engine system performance and efficiency. The transmission works in either all-automatic or sequential mode, as required by the driver. The user can manually manage the up and down position of the accurate, ergonomic shifter, with which steering wheel shift paddles may be combined. In addition, the driver can customise the car's dynamics using the Alfa D.N.A. driving selector to enhance its features of comfort, performance, safety and efficiency. Equipped with the 1.4 TB MultiAir 170bhp engine, the Giulietta TCT's top speed is 135 mph with just 7.7 seconds needed to accelerate from 0 - 62 mph. Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT economy Even with this performance, fuel consumption and emissions are extraordinarily low: 54.3 mpg over a Combined Cycle and 121 g/km of CO2 - values that make the Giulietta one of the most environmentally-friendly and efficient petrol-powered compacts on the market, even when compared to manual gearbox competitors with lower power ratings and performance. In addition, for fleet buyers and company car drivers, the 1.4 TB 170bhp MultiAir engine with Alfa TCT records the highest horsepower to BIK percentage for a petrol engine in the C segment, and proves that performance doesn't have to come at the cost of a high tax bill. When combined with the 2.0 JTDM-2 170bhp diesel engine, ALFA TCT values continue to impress. In fact, compared to the same manual gearbox version, acceleration from 0-62 mph is improved from 8.0 seconds to 7.9 seconds, fuel consumption on the combined Cycle improves from 60.4 mpg to 62.8 mpg, while CO2 emissions reach a record level for an engine of this power: 119g/km compared to 124g/km with the manual gearbox. The two petrol versions attract 15 per cent BIK and the twin diesels incur 17per cent BIK payments. Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT sales At the moment, Giulietta models are selling twice as fast to business users as private buyers and it is thought that the gap will further widen now the TCT is available and brings with it the lower CO2, VED and BIK advantages. The arrival of the new cars combined with the taxation changes has posed a dilemma for Alfa Romeo. Until now, the Giulietta diesel was a stronger seller than its petrol equivalent, said Alfa Romeo marketing boss Damian Dally. "With the new tax structure and the highly efficient petrol engine and TCT, the savings are moving more towards the petrol model, but I think the business buyers have been slow to see this," he said. Alfa Romeo believes about 18per cent of Giulietta sales will be the new TCT in a full year but they will not be pushing the cars at the cost of profits and longer term value for buyers. In fact they believe Giulietta sales will this year be about 6,000 cars compared to 7,100 approximately in 2011. Alfa Romeo Giulietta TCT first drive The sophistication of the Alfa Romeo TCT (Twin Clutch Transmission) is very impressive in the Giulietta, an often overlooked premium car, and it will please both enthusiasts and environmentally conscious car lovers. Without detracting from the performance DNA of the Giulietta, the TCT brings additional refinement with its ease of operation, immediacy and smoothness. You have a selector lever on the tunnel or can order wheel mounted paddle shifts and the system operates in milliseconds up or down to ensure there is always the next gear ready. If you go for the 170bhp petrol I tested you may notice a sharper pick up from rest than was the case with the similarly powerful diesel, but its mid-range pulling power was noticeably greater and possibly more useful in town traffic. Ride, handling, steering and brakes were all very good but I would have liked longer front seat travel and rear seat room is a little restricted for taller people. MILESTONES: Alfa Romeo Giulietta. 1.4 MultiAir, petrol, 170bhp TCT, Veloce £23,925. Insurance group: 23 Mechanical notes: 4cyl turbocharged, petrol, 1368cc, 170bhp, 250Nm at 2500rpm, 6speed TCT, front wheel drive, electro mechanical rack and pinion steering, all-disc brakes, front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension. Performance: Max 135mph, 0-62mph 7.7 sec. Fuel consumption: 44mpg at tested (officially 54.3mpg). Emissions & BIK tax: 121gkm CO2, 15%. Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mechanical, 8 yrs anti-rust. For: Very smooth and responsive TCT, lively performance, good ride. Against: Front seats reach, rear legroom, some blindspots. http://www.motortorque.com/alfa-romeo-giulietta-hatchback-(2010-on)-veloce-14-tb-multiair-veloce-5dr-tct-car-review-18098.aspx David Miles Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Between 114 and 177g/km across the Giulietta range is decent, as is diesel combined fuel economy, which exceeds 60mpg. The Giulietta is also available with Fiat’s winning MultiAir engine. Check out that and the JTDM diesels. http://www.motortorque.com/research/a-to-z/2012-03/alfa-romeo-giulietta-hatchback-7893.aspx Robin Brown Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:29:09 GMT The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is now available with a new dual-clutch system that promises improved fuel efficiency and performance.The TCT transmission with optional shift paddles is available on the five-door hatchback with either the 1.4 litre TB MultiAir petrol engine with 170bhp, or the 2.0 litre JTDM-2 diesel engine also with 170bhp.When equipped with the petrol engine, the TCT Giulietta can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than without the new transmission, and hit a top speed of 135mph, unchanged from before.The engine also has a combined fuel economy of 54.3mpg, improved from 48mpg without TCT, while CO2 emissions are produced at 121g/km, reduced from 134g/km made previously.As a result the Giulietta with this engine and TCT transmission moves from band E to D in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), meaning no cost for the first year and afterwards £20 less than before is paid.The JTDM-2 diesel engine with the TCT transmission will move the Alfa Giulietta from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, slightly up from 8 seconds without TCT, like the petrol engine it also has a top speed of 135mph.The combined fuel economy is also now at 62.8mpg, upgraded from 60.1mpg without the new transmission, while CO2 emissions are now just 119g/km, down from 124g/km without TCT. The Giulietta with this engine and new transmission moves from Band D to C in VED, saving customers £65 a year.The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is available to order now in UK showrooms with the TCT transmission. The 1.4 MultiAir petrol engine and 2.0 JTDM-2 diesel are available on two trim levels, Lusso and Veloce with on the road pricing starting from £21,855 for the former.Alfa Romeo first launched its TCT transmission back in January this year, after the Italian manufacturer released an automatic version of its Mito supermini.It can operate automatically or as a manual sequential gearbox depending on the driver’s preference. The transmission’s main priority is to reduce fuel consumption. It interacts with the brakes, engine, steering and other functions in a certain way to achieve this and slightly improve driving performance at the same time.The TCT transmission could be made with other models across the Alfa Romeo range, including the company’s sports cars. The Alfa Romeo 4C concept, which made its public debut during this year’s Geneva Motor Show, was shown sporting a TCT dual-clutch transmission derived from that found on Mito supermini. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/alfa-dual-clutch-reaches-giulietta-14661.aspx Stephen Goldasz Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:19:26 GMT Alfa Romeo will get a Fiat-developed 1.8-litre four cylinder petrol engine with a rumoured output of 300bhp.The new Euro 6 engine is expected to arrive in the UK in 2014, just in time for the launch of the 4C sports coupe, which was first unveiled as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.So, as well as impressive performance figures – which will peak at 300bhp – the new Fiat engine will also be clean and efficient, which hasn’t always been said of Alfa Romeo’s engines.According to Fiat, the new engine will be made entirely from aluminium allowing for lightweight construction which has helped the unit pass the stringent Euro 6 emissions criteria. Also helping is Fiat’s award winning Multiair variable valve technology. The system keeps the engine valves working at their optimum by strictly controlling their opening schedule. That allows for a more precise, direct injection system and will work in cooperation with a high-efficiency turbocharger.“This is an extremely important step for Alfa Romeo, as we continue to reposition our brand and prepare it for global distribution,” said Harald J. Wester, Fiat’s chief technology officer and head of Alfa Romeo and Maserati. “The dedication of Group-wide resources to develop specific powertrain solutions for the specific needs of Alfa Romeo is a reflection of the renewed thrust we are placing on the development of this brand. This is a first step in a series of initiatives to be implemented in the near future which will reconnect Alfa Romeo to its historical roots as a premium Italian sports car brand.”The new engine will be rolled out in North America towards the end of 2013 where it is expected to feature on the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It’s not set to reach the UK until 2014 when the 4C sports coupe – which was one of the stars of the Geneva Motor Show in March – should be available; suggesting that the new 1.8-litre petrol engine could feature on the sleek model.The 4C is a two-seat sports coupe from the Italian manufacturer and has been pencilled in for production since it was first unveiled. Based on the 8C Competizione, the 4C boasts a sleek profile built from carbon fibre and, as well as the iconic triangular Alfa grille, features flares and air vents across the front and wings of the model to give a dynamic, sporty look.At just four metres in length, it’s a compact two seater and if the new Fiat engine is fitted, it will sit in the middle of the car, be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and send its power to the rear wheels. http://www.motortorque.com/car-news/performance-engine-for-alfa-romeo-revealed-14618.aspx David Hort Wed, 05 Oct 2011 10:48:21 GMT