1984 Alpha Romeo Spider Only 30 K Miles on 2040-cars

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Marchionne on Alfa's US return, Dodge Dart's powertrain weakness and minivan plans

As a reporter covering an auto show, the one opportunity you never want to miss is going to the Sergio Marchionne press briefing.
"This undertaking to bring Alfa back is a one-shot deal... We are not going to do this twice."
There just aren't that many real characters left in the auto industry. Marchionne, who sits atop both Chrysler and Fiat, is not only one of the smartest execs in the business, but also the most frank. Herein, a sample of the quotable always-sweatered executive:

Alfa Romeo Stelvio goes on sale this summer for $42,990

The wait is nearly over for the most practical Alfa Romeo yet. The mainstream versions of the new Stelvio crossover SUV go on sale this summer, with pricing and availability for the 505-horsepower Quadrifoglio coming later. The entry-level Stelvio will start at $42,990, and the higher-trim Ti will go for $44,990. This pricing, which includes destination charges, is nearly identical to key competitors in the small luxury crossover segment. The Jaguar F-Pace starts at just $70 more with a base price of $43,060. The BMW X3 starts a bit lower than both at $41,045. Each of those entry-level crossovers makes less power than the Stelvio, though. The Jaguar makes 247 horsepower, and the BMW makes 240. The Stelvio's turbo four-cylinder makes 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque. And unlike the BMW, the Alfa comes with standard all-wheel drive. Along with the standard eight-speed automatic, the Stelvio is capable of getting to 60 mph in an estimated 5.4 seconds on the way to a 144 mph top speed. Aside from the potent four-cylinder, Stelvios come standard with leather seats, keyless entry and starting, rearview camera, 7-inch infotainment display, and 18-inch wheels. Spending the extra $2,000 for the Ti trim level will add 19-inch wheels, real wood trim, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, and heated seats and steering wheel. Sport packages are available on both the base model and Ti. Each package includes sportier suspension, a different steering wheel, black window trim and roof rails, and aluminum pedals and paddle shifters. On the base Stelvio, the package only costs $1,800 and also adds 19-inch wheels. On the Ti, the package costs $2,500, but includes 20-inch wheels and 12-way power sport seats. The Ti also offers a Lusso package for $2,500 that comes with 19-inch wheels, 12-way power seats with nicer leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped dashboard, and a "luxury" steering wheel. Related Video:

Check out Autoblog Electric — your connection to the EV world

DETROIT — Autoblog today announces the launch of Autoblog Electric, a hub dedicated to electric vehicle news and research.  Powered by Autoblog, Autoblog Electric delivers the latest news from the EV world, shopping tools for owners to research their next electric vehicle and videos of the latest electric models. Autoblog Electric is also home to a Charging Station Finder, which allows users to search for EV chargers in their area by inputting their zip code into a mapping tool. “Autoblog Electric is a natural extension of our coverage at Autoblog as we seek to serve an increasingly electric world,” said Autoblog Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore. “We aim to be the resource for EV owners and enthusiasts as they research their vehicles and the charging network around them. And of course, Autoblog Electric will obsessively cover the electric auto industry with the latest news from Autoblog.” Autoblog ElectricÂ’s editorial mission is to cover all-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, the charging network, sustainability issues, EV industry personalities and battery technology. Looking for some Autoblog Electric Swag? Check out our online shop. Alfa Romeo is the launch sponsor of Autoblog Electric.