1991 Alfa Romeo Spider Convertible (pininfarina) on 2040-cars

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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.

Stellantis reveals STLA Large platform with EV and ICE support

Hot on the heels of a Jeep Wagoneer S teaser and photos of the prototype next-generation Dodge Charger (or Challenger), comes a reveal and details of what will likely underpin both of them: the STLA Large platform. It's one of multiple Stellantis flexible architectures that will be the basis of its upcoming electric cars, and apparently internal combustion ones, too. Stellantis says the STLA Large platform will be for D- and E-segment cars, crossovers and SUVs. In other words, it will be for midsize and large vehicles. For reference, lengths supported will be from 187.6 to 201.8 inches, and width will range from 74.7 to 79.9 inches. It will be highly flexible, too, with Stellantis claiming significant amounts of adjustability in overhangs, wheelbase, suspension placement and powertrain arrangement. The powertrain flexibility is quite impressive. Front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive layouts will be supported. Single- and dual-motor layouts will be on offer. Internal combustion will be available, too, either on its own or as a hybrid. Apparently engines can be fitted either longitudinally or transversely, too. Battery packs with between 85 and 118 kWh of capacity will be offered, with Stellantis claiming that sedan-style vehicles could have a range of up to 500 miles. The packs will also be available in 400- and 800-volt designs. Stellantis noted also that the platform can "easily accept future energy storage technologies when they reach production readiness." This seems to hint that the company is looking at different battery chemistries and maybe even solid-state batteries that could be added more easily in the future. Furthermore, the platform is designed to handle impressive output. Stellantis says that some models on the platform will have 0-to-62 mph times in the 2-second range. Limited-slip differentials for improved power delivery and wheel-end disconnects for reduced mechanical drag are also on the table for this platform. All of these details fit well with the information previously given for the concept Dodge Charger Daytona Banshee and Jeep Wagoneer S. The former was previewed with both battery voltage architectures and a wide range of electric powertrains with between 456 and 670 horsepower depending on specification and upgrades. And that's just for the 400-volt system; the 800-volt option wasn't detailed. We've also seen photos of the Charger chassis seemingly with provisions for gas engines, likely versions of the Hurricane I6.

Only best-performing US Fiat dealers to get Alfa Romeo franchises

Alfa Romeo has been rumored to return to the US market so many times for so many years, it's hard to keep count. This time, though, Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne promises that it's for real. Alfa is scheduled to reappear in the States this summer with its 4C sports coupe as its introductory model. However, buyers won't be able to pop into just any Fiat showroom and leave with a 4C – it's planning to only sell Alfas at its best-performing dealers, according to The Detroit News. In fact, the first 4Cs sold here won't be sold at Fiat dealers at all. Instead the first shipment of cars in June will go to Maserati dealers, not unlike the handful of Alfa 8C Competizione coupe and convertible models that trickled in starting in 2008. According to Fiat Chrysler spokesperson Rick Deneau, the company is still deciding which Fiat retailers will participate in Alfa's reentry. Many of Fiat's US dealers are apparently not happy with the meritocracy approach. They built Fiat showrooms partially on the promise that Alfa would enter the US market in 2012, then 2013, and now later this year. Even worse for them, the prospects for more mainstream Alfa Romeo models in the US are still questionable. This isn't the first time that we've heard that Fiat plans to keep Alfa Romeo exclusive in the US. Still, Fiat only plans to export about a 1,000 4C sports coupes a year here. If Alfa wants to be a legitimate player in America and be a money-making concern globally, it will need far more sales than that. Featured Gallery 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C: First Drive View 57 Photos News Source: The Detroit NewsImage Credit: Copyright 2014 Matt Davis / AOL Earnings/Financials Marketing/Advertising Alfa Romeo Fiat Maserati Coupe Performance Sergio Marchionne alfa romeo 4c fiat dealers