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Alfa Romeo Giulia to get Ferrari-related engine

Alfa Romeo has a long, proud history of using V6 engines in its coupes, sedans, and sports cars over the years, but as the new Giulia sedan approaches, the Italian marque is allegedly turning to Ferrari for its next six-cylinder. This is obviously not the first time a Ferrari-sourced or derived engine has been found under an Alfa's long hood. While 8C Competizione famously used a version of Ferrari's F136 V8 during its short run, the Giulia's new V6 will be offered on a much larger scale, slotting in above an entry level, four-cylinder turbo (likely the next-gen version of the 4C sports car's 1.75-liter engine). According to Autocar, the new V6 will be "specially developed for Alfa Romeo," and will be built at the Termoli engine factory alongside the new turbo four-cylinder. As for the rest of the Giulia, Autocar has been able to shine a light on a number of other details about the new midsizer. It will, thankfully, be rear-wheel drive, and designed to counter the "mostly cold and clinical" and soulless cars of the German competition, Maserati chief Harald Wester told AC. Some of the new sedan's structural elements will even be shared with Maserati's entry level model, the Ghibli. Most notable of all, though, is what the Giulia means for American consumers. After the limited-run 8C and the niche 4C, the new sedan will lead Alfa Romeo's long-awaited, large-scale return, where it will combat the popular BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, not to mention rivals like the Cadillac ATS and Lexus IS. Look for more on the Giulia next week when it's officially revealed in Milan.

2021 Maserati updates: Android Automotive infotainment, enhanced driver assists, design tweaks

A new infotainment system with a larger touchscreen highlights the changes to the 2021 Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte, while the Levante SUV makes do with a minor update to its existing system as well as styling tweaks. The major changes are concentrated on the interior. The Ghibli and Quattroporte ditch their former Uconnect-based infotainment systems for an all-new system using Android Automotive software, and screen size grows from 8.4 inches to 10.1 inches with higher resolution and a frameless design. A Maserati Connect app is available for smartphones and smartwatches and also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Levante retains its 8.4-inch unit but with improved resolution. The interiors of all three models also see an upgrade to the instrument cluster. The cluster's driver-information display gets enhanced resolution, while the gauges are redesigned for a more premium appearance. And the plastic covering over the instruments has been replaced with glass. The sedans and SUV also add a new Advanced Driving Assist. The semi-autonomous lane-centering feature works in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control. It's basically an evolution of the existing Highway Assist, the difference being its ability to work on more secondary roads rather than just major highways. Finally, all three models get new grille designs (available in chrome or black) and new taillights with what Maserati describes as a "boomerang" graphic, inspired by the 3200 GT coupe. Related video:  

Maserati Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte get Edizione Nobile limited edition models

Maserati has a new special-edition package for its 2019 vehicles it calls the Edizione Nobile , or Noble Edition. The Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte (not the GranTurismo) are all going to get in on the Noble fun, with 50 of each being built. Why Maserati decided to go with the Noble Edition name isn't exactly explained beyond the name of the paint being Blu Nobile. Each Maserati gets that handsome blue paint plus 20-inch alloy wheels and silver brake calipers to set them apart from their non-noble (peasant?) siblings. We'll note that this package is available on top of the GranLusso trim level for each of the cars. Inside, you'll get the sport seats from the GranSport covered in a black/brown color combination. The Quattroporte and Ghibli cabins use glossy wood for their cabin trim while the Levante uses a high-gloss metal. An Edizione Nobile badge is displayed on the center console with the car's series number next to it. There aren't any exclusive features beyond the appearance of the Edizione Nobile, but a few options are made standard. Those include the Alcantara headliner, Bowers & Wilkins audio system and Maserati's Level 2 driver assistance package. Maserati says Edizione Nobile models will be delivered to dealerships sometime this month. Just add $7,500 on top of the GranLusso trim for each model, and you've got your price. This means a Levante S GranLusso would go from its $91,980 starting price, to $99,480 with the Edizione Nobile package. These models don't really differ much from your run-of-the-mill Maseratis. However, if noble vehicles are your thing, Maserati has 150 of them waiting. Related video: