1982 Alfa Romeo Spider on 2040-cars

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Stellantis says its 2021 performance has been better than expected

MILAN — Stellantis softened up investors ahead of its electrification strategy event on Thursday by flagging that 2021 got off to a better-than-expected start despite a chip shortage that has hit automakers worldwide. Stellantis, which was formed in January from the merger of Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA, faces an investor community keen to hear how it plans to come up with a range of electrified vehicles (EVs) to rival Tesla. At its "EV Day 2021" kicking off at 1230 GMT, Stellantis will disclose significant investments in electrification technology and connected software as it aims to be an industry frontrunner, it said in a statement. In April, Chief Executive Carlos Tavares said it would offer low-emission versions — either battery or hybrid electric — of almost all of its European models by 2025, and they should make up 70% of European sales and 35% of U.S. sales by 2030. Stellantis, the world's fourth-biggest automaker, has 14 brands in its stable, including Jeep, Ram, Opel, Fiat, Peugeot and Maserati.   Stellantis EV Day coverage: Dodge will launch the 'world's first electric muscle car' in 2024 Fully electric Ram 1500 will begin production in 2024 Jeep will have 4xe plug-in hybrid models across the lineup by 2025 Stellantis teases mystery electric Chrysler concept Stellantis previews 4 electric platforms: Here's how they'll be used Fiat says all Abarth models to be electric from 2024 Opel Manta E will be the electric revival of the classic German coupe Stellantis says its 2021 performance has been better than expected   At a similar EV strategy event last week, French rival Renault announced that 90% of its main brand models would be all-electric by 2030, whereas previously it had included hybrids in its target. Germany's Volkswagen, the world's second-biggest automaker after Toyota, expects all-electric vehicles to make up 55% of its total sales in Europe by 2030, and more than 70% of sales at its Volkswagen brand. Stellantis said its margins on adjusted operating profits in the first half of 2021 were expected to exceed an annual target of between 5.5% and 7.5%, despite production losses due to a global shortage of semiconductor supplies. Stellantis shares listed in Milan were down 2.6% at 0920 GMT, underperforming the broader European car index. Bestinver analyst Marco Opipari said Thursday's news was positive but that the stock was suffering from profit taking as it had moved up about 20% since the end of April.

Alfa Romeo wants your vote on designs for a 4C 'Designer's Cut' anniversary model

In 2018, the heritage division at Fiat Chrysler America launched a project called "Reloaded by Creators." It started with FCA Heritage restoring and selling a number of precious and vintage Italian models like the Alfa Spider IV and Lancia Fulvia brought back to new condition by the in-house brands. When Stellantis took over FCA, Stellantis' Heritage Department took over the initiative and expanded the project with one-offs like the Abarth Classiche 1000 SP tribute built on the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. The classics heads are at it again with this, the 4C Designer's Cut project. Planned as a 10th anniversary celebration of the Alfa Romeo 4C coupe, the Designer's Cut will create a one-off tribute to some aspect of Alfa Romeo history that will also "pay tribute to authentic Italian style and driving pleasure embodied by the original 4C." Alessandro Maccolini, who designed the 4C and remains part of the Alfa Romeo Style Center as a design manager, is heading the effort.  He's come up with three aesthetic proposals so far. The first is the 4C Tributo, a crimson red take that takes straight aim at one of the peaks in the vintage Alfa Romeo catalog, the Tipo 33 Stradale.  The second is the 4C Corsa, a race-inspired version in matte gray "to accentuate the muscular shape and performance-oriented technical features," on black wheels.   Finally, the 4C Leggenda. Done up in light blue over white wheels, the sporty inspiration is the 1750 GT Veloce, the historic inspiration is colors that echo hues in Milan's crest of Biscione, a feature in Alfa Romeo’s logo.  The automaker wants feedback from enthusiasts about which one to choose and which direction to take. It's not clear yet if Alfa Romeo plans changes to the powertrain. The Abarth Classiche 1000 SP tribute didn't alter the mechanicals, sticking with the 4C's 1,742-cc turbocharged four-cylinder making 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It is clear that Alfa plans to sell this one-off, highlighting its desirability to "passionate collectors." The curious are encouraged to e-mail Stellantis Heritage now. The Abarth 1000 SP is still available to purchase, as are a 1958 Abarth 500 tribute that's based on a 1970 Fiat 500. Have your money ready.

Editors' Picks March 2024: Refreshed Acura TLX, the Mazda CX-90 and more

This month, a wide variety of body styles and powertrain propositions earn Editors' Picks status. The brand-new Mazda CX-90 has impressed us in many forms, but that comes as no surprise. The Tonale from Alfa may not be a super-hot performance SUV like the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, but it's still captured our love. And for those wishing to remain lower to the ground, the V60/V60 Cross Country bring style to the limited pie that is the wagon market. Lastly, Acura updates its TLX, and the package only gets better. In case you missed previous Editors' Picks posts, here’s a quick refresher on whatÂ’s going on here. We rate all the new cars we drive with a 1-10 score. Cars that are exemplary in their respective segments get an EditorsÂ’ Pick designation. Those are the ones weÂ’d recommend to our friends, family and anybody whoÂ’s curious and asks the question. You'll find the entire list of Editors' Picks at this link here, which we keep updated as cars are either added or dropped from the list. The vehicles youÂ’ll find below consist of every car we rated in March that earned an EditorsÂ’ Pick. 2024 Mazda CX-90 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus View 70 Photos Quick take: The driver's three-row SUV. Enthusiasts who need space should seek out the CX-90. It translates Mazda's enthusiast DNA into a people hauler. Score: 8 What it competes with: Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Chevy Traverse, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, Kia Sorento, Buick Enclave, Nissan Pathfinder, VW Atlas Pros: Lovely to drive inline-six; premium interior; will make you forget you're driving a family hauler Cons: Limited third-row and cargo space for the segment; PHEV is rough around the edges From the editors: News Editor Joel Stocksdale — "With excellent driving dynamics, classy interiors, strong powertrains and good value, the CX-90 should be high on anyone's shopping list, whether they're looking at mainstream or upscale brands. It's a strong competitor in a big field. The available interiors put it on par with some real upscale brands. It's not perfect, but it's very good, and it's a good sign for future Mazdas." Road Test Editor Zac Palmer — "There's little doubt that the CX-90 is the affordable three-row SUV for enthusiasts, and I think the inline-six is likely your best bet.