1987 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate Convertible 2-door 2.0l on 2040-cars

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Alfa Romeo working on seven-seat, mild-hybrid SUV

Alfa Romeo will kick off its next product offensive with an SUV larger than the Stelvio (pictured) being prepared for launch about two years from now. The people-hauler, built on the Stelvio's Giorgio platform (the same as the Giulia sedan), will be the first brand offering with an electrified drivetrain, and the largest vehicle Alfa Romeo has ever built. A report last year said the coming SUV would probably slot into the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE segment, however, the XL Stelvio has been benchmarked against the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90, and a seven-seater model is likely. Alfa Romeo Chief Technical Officer Roberto Fedeli opened up to Auto Express, saying that a larger, heavier SUV could embody brand DNA with the help of "a 48-volt mild hybrid solution." The near-instant get-up of an e-turbo would counteract weight gain expected to be around 440 pounds. Fedeli revealed Alfa Romeo's testing a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder with an e-turbo on a simulator, and said they "can achieve around 350 to 400 bhp." Right now, the standard Stelvio produces 280 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0-liter. A larger model that opened proceedings at 350 hp would create enough separation between the Stelvio and a rival like the 333-horsepower Audi Q7 with the 3.0-liter six-cylinder. Were there a Quadrifoglio version, we'd imagine it would want to outdo the 505-hp coming from the four-leaf Stelvio. After the SUV launches, the next-generation Euro-market Giulietta bows. After that, perhaps a new 4C? This summer, Autoline Network reported that the 4C would die in 2020 due to lagging sales. Yet, according to Auto Express, Alfa Romeo execs are still deciding "whether to completely reinvent the Alfa 4C for its next generation with a new chassis architecture and engine." We know that a heavily tweaked 4C appears next year as a 2019 model, the revisions aimed at getting the coupe closer to what it should have been from the beginning, and Fedeli wants a halo car to pitch alongside Alfa Romeo's Sauber F1 sponsorship. A brand new 4C would be a lot to ask, although it appears the door isn't totally closed. Related Video:

Alfa Romeo planning a four-cylinder, 350-hp Giulia Veloce?

At the moment, Alfa Romeo sells a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder Giulia with 280 horsepower for $37,995, and a 2.9-liter, twin-turbo six-cylinder Giulia Quadrifoglio with 505 hp for $72,000. A vacuum separates those poles, and the marketplace, echoing nature, hates it. Some recent Internet sleuthing in The Netherlands and in the U.S. might have identified a suitable object to fill that void: a 350-hp version of the 2.0-liter turbo. Last December, Dutch shop Squadra Tuning discovered an entry on Fiat Chrysler's Dutch-market parts site for a 2.0-liter turbo Giulia producing 350 metric horsepower (345 U.S. ponies). Not long after that, an Autoevolution reader submitted an image of an FCA document for the NAFTA region, which listed a 2.0-liter, 350-hp model for the USA equipped with the eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The name of the model powered by that engine: "Giulia Veloce." Certain international markets already offer a Veloce trim with an auto transmission and all-wheel drive, but engine choices are the 280-hp 2.0-liter we already get, and a 2.2-liter turbodiesel we don't get. If those overseas discoveries were merely smoke, conjecture took a huge step toward fire a few days ago when Bozi Tatarevic found a 2.0-liter, 350-hp engine option on Mopar Tech Authority, FCA's OEM service portal. Car and Driver asked Alfa Romeo for clarification, the carmaker responding, "No plans for any other engines for Giulia in North America for 2018 model year besides the 2.0L and 2.9L [gasoline] versions." Having ruled 2018 out, onlookers have turned their eyes to 2019 for the introduction of this 350-hp motor. What's more, a comment on Tatarevic's tweet sends speculation into 48-volt overboost. Twitter user Rob P replied, "This is pretty well established as happening. MY2019, USA only. 280hp + 48V electrical system + elec. assisted turbo = ~350bhp 'Veloce' in USA nomenclature." No matter how the horses are made, assuming 350 cavalli make it across the Atlantic, Alfa's lineup will profit from the addition: Buyers in the sport sedan segment would get some Italian sprezzatura to cross-shop against German Monumentalitat. Related Video: News Source: Bozi Tatarevic / Twitter via Road and Track Rumormill Alfa Romeo Luxury Performance Sedan FCA alfa romeo giulia 48-volt system giulia

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.