1969 Alfa Romeo Spider Roundtail Duetto Project on 2040-cars

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Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is dead after 2020, but look at this 33 Stradale Tributo

The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is finally making its exit. Alfa quit selling the coupe in America starting with the 2019 model year, and now the roofless version will wrap up with the 2020 model year. There will be no 2021 4C Spider in the U.S. Alfa is not killing the 4C without a bang, though. In conjunction with the announcement of the car’s U.S. departure, Alfa has announced a 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo special edition model. ItÂ’s meant to honor the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, which is the iconic roadgoing version of the Tipo 33 race car. ItÂ’s gorgeous and works as a fitting send off to the mid-engine sports car that kickstarted AlfaÂ’s return to North America. There are a number of things changed or added with the 33 Stradale Tributo, but the single biggest difference is the red transparent finish to the carbon monocoque chassis (pictured above). The normally black exposed carbon fiber is now a glowing and translucent red, and itÂ’s rather striking. Additionally, Alfa paints it in an exclusive shade of red: Rosso Villa dÂ’Este tri-coat. It gets gray-gold wheels, a two-tone black and “tobacco” (brown) interior and special badging on the dash, side sills and center console. Everybody who buys one will also get a special, numbered book that goes over the 4C in detail. All 33 Stradale Tributo models will be fully loaded with options, too. Most importantly, it gets the Akropovic exhaust and race-tuned suspension. Alfa says a standard 4C with every option would be “thousands more,” so hey, youÂ’re getting a deal. The 33 Stradale Tributo will start at $81,590, and only 33 will be built. Considering that Alfa has only sold 92 4C Spiders throughout all of FCAÂ’s 2020 reported sales so far, they might be easier to get than you think. If you want one, Alfa says you should email (yeah, weird) them at: sales@alfaromeo.com. Related Video:

Alfa CEO says 4C can manage more power

With 240 horsepower from a 1.75-liter engine, the Alfa Romeo 4C does a lot with very little. But there's always room for improvement, says the company's CEO. Speaking with Automotive News, Alfa Romeo chief Harald Wester indicated that the historic Italian auto marque could squeeze more out of the 4C's already high-strung engine. "We are only at 134 horsepower per liter," said Wester, "so there is space" for it to produce yet more power. To accommodate the extra muscle, Wester says, the Alfa would also need bigger brakes, but the chassis may already be as stiff as it needs to be. Considering that Mercedes gets 355 horsepower out of the 2.0-liter turbo four in the A45, CLA45 and GLA45 AMG (for a specific output of over 177 hp per liter), Wester may be right, opening the door for a 300hp version with a 0-60 time of around four seconds flat. And his saying so more than subtly suggests the possibility of a more powerful 4C becoming a reality. But then the prospect of shoehorning a bigger engine into the same chassis to make a new Maserati GranSport - another prospect which Wester (also CEO of Maserati) suggested earlier in the 4C's development - never came to pass, largely due to engineering roadblocks. Featured Gallery 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C: First Drive View 57 Photos News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Copyright 2014 Matt Davis / AOL Alfa Romeo Coupe Performance alfa romeo 4c alfa 4c

Fiat Chrysler taps Amazon, Shell execs to fill roles

MILAN — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is tapping executives from Amazon and Shell Oil Company with previous automotive industry experience to fill its ranks. CEO Mike Manley said in a letter to employees Thursday that Mark Stewart would join FCA as chief operating officer of North America from Amazon, "a company known for its culture of innovation, and obsession with delivering incredible value to customers." At Amazon, Stewart led teams focused on advanced robotics, artificial intelligence and automation methods. He previously was COO of ZF TRW automotive components supplier. Niel Golightly was named head of global communications. He was most recently Shell's vice president for external relations in North and South America, with a focus on reputation, brand and stakeholder engagement beyond communication strategies. He previously held roles at Ford Motor Company. Related Video: Image Credit: REUTERS/Rebecca Cook Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Alfa Romeo Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM FCA Amazon shell Mike Manley