The Alfa Romeo 4C was a significant vehicle for the Italian brand in the United States. Although there were a few 8C Competizione supercars in the country, the 4C was the model that truly marked Alfa Romeo’s return. Introduced in 2013, the sports car has since been discontinued. However, to commemorate its 10th anniversary, Alfa Romeo has revealed three project ideas called the Designer’s Cut. These concepts will serve as inspiration for an upcoming one-off model that will be available for purchase in the future.
Tag Archives: Alfa
Alfa Romeo CEO: Prioritizing Driver-Focused Interiors
Alfa Romeo is set to adopt Stellantis’s new electronic architecture for its new Giulia in 2025. However, CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato has clarified that this update will not result in a complete overhaul of the brand’s interior design philosophy or an attempt to compete with German manufacturers in terms of in-car technology.
Imparato acknowledges and respects the digital technology advancements made by Mercedes, but he believes that Alfa Romeo customers are not looking for excessively large infotainment screens or a multitude of digital assistance systems. He states, “We’re developing our technology, and you will see what we’re working on in 2025 when Alfa Romeo becomes the first to deploy the Stellantis group’s all-new electronic architecture, STLA Brain. But it won’t change how our cars speak or appeal to our customers. We must continue to play to our strengths.”
Based on customer research, Alfa Romeo has discovered that its buyers desire a captivating telescopic double-cowled instrument panel and an infotainment system that provides them with specific information about the car’s condition without overwhelming them with unnecessary data.
Imparato confirms that the future Alfa Romeo models will retain the distinct cannocchiale aesthetic and will feature larger central displays where appropriate. He also expresses interest in implementing a larger head-up display that projects a “ghost car” on the road ahead, helping drivers position their vehicles as they drive. This feature aligns with Alfa Romeo’s goal of enhancing the driving experience and keeping the driver engaged. Imparato emphasizes, “What I don’t need is to know the weather for three weeks’ time. I don’t care – I’m here to drive.”
In terms of autonomous driving technology, Alfa Romeo plans to offer separate driving modes: “I want to drive” and “I want to be driven.” Drivers will be required to select the appropriate mode at the beginning of each journey, preventing any confusion between semi-autonomous operation and full human control.
Electric Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Models Will Have Up To 1,000 HP
Alfa Romeo is committed to its electric future, although the renowned Italian brand has yet to release a model that doesn’t rely on a combustion engine. The first electric vehicle will be a subcompact crossover positioned below the Tonale, set to launch in the first half of 2024. Fans of the brand will be pleased to know that the “Quadrifoglio” name will continue in the era of zero-emission vehicles, replacing the current V6-powered performance models like the Giulia and Stelvio.
While specific details about the size and design of the first Quadrifoglio electric vehicle remain unclear, Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato has revealed some exciting information in an interview with Australian magazine CarSales. The forthcoming electric models bearing the iconic four-leaf clover emblem will offer a power output ranging from 900 to 1,000 horsepower (671 to 745 kilowatts), approximately double the power of the twin-turbo 2.9-liter engine found in the top-of-the-line Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV.
Alfa Romeo EVs to Adopt Retro-Inspired Aero Look
Alfa Romeo has provided insight into the visual identity of its upcoming all-electric lineup, with the first model expected to launch in 2024 as a compact SUV.
Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, the design director at Alfa Romeo, revealed that his team drew inspiration from the designs of the 1960s and the “Coda Tronca” or “short tail” cars that were prominent during that era.
“These square-tailed cars were groundbreaking designs for their time. The Giulia SZ and TZ from the early 1960s were the first examples,” said Mesonero-Romanos.
He further explained, “While these cars followed Dr. Kamm’s aerodynamic theories, Alfa Romeo conducted its own research during their development. Some cars had portions of their bodies cut off on the side of the autostrada to assess the impact on aerodynamic drag.”
Mesonero-Romanos added, “Our next-generation vehicles will incorporate the Coda Tronca design into our current design language. This will not only enhance aerodynamic efficiency and range but also give the cars a distinctive, classically Alfa Romeo character.”
This approach aligns with the strategy used by brands like Hyundai, which have successfully enticed customers with retro styling in models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
However, Alfa Romeo’s design director cautioned, “We must be mindful of how much inspiration we draw from the past. As designers, it is similar to being chefs, blending classic ingredients into a ‘new sauce’ that resonates with today’s generation. Nevertheless, the Coda Tronca will be a valuable ingredient for us, and you will see it in several future models.”
Alfa Romeo’s product roadmap includes multiple all-new models in addition to the initial compact EV. These include replacements for the D-segment Giulia and Stelvio in 2025, followed by a completely new E-segment crossover in 2026, which is expected to drive the company’s expansion beyond the European market.
The B-segment SUV slated for 2024, jointly developed with the Jeep Avenger, will kickstart the model renewal program. Although originally intended to be named the Brennero, Mesonero-Romanos stated that the final name, which will be Italian and beautiful, has been decided but cannot be disclosed at this time.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 2023 first drive
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio super saloon has received positive reviews since its launch in 2016. It was a much-awaited performance car from the Italian brand that could compete with the best in its class. The car’s rear-driven handling, compactness on the road, and powerful Ferrari-derived V6 engine were widely recognized.
Alfa Romeo has taken a unique approach in the performance car market by making the car simpler to make it better. The Quadrifoglio version receives the same updates as the regular Giulia, including new headlights, a new radiator grille, new digital instruments, and an updated infotainment system. Additionally, the engine power has been increased to 514bhp, and the suspension and driveline have been recalibrated to give the car a ‘mini-GTA feel’ according to Alfa performance engineering lead Domenico Bagnasco.
The ‘100 Anniversario’ version of the car celebrates the centenary of Alfa’s green cloverleaf iconography and features gold-edged badging and detailing. Only 100 units will be produced for the global market, and all are already sold in the UK.
To address the previous issues with on-track performance and handling, Alfa has made significant changes to the car’s mechanical specifications. The electronically controlled ‘eDiff’ has been replaced with a more conventional mechanical limited-slip differential. Other changes include increased anti-roll bar stiffness on both axles and firmer calibration of the electronic dampers at their firmest setting. These changes improve the rear axle’s response and consistency in limit handling with the ESC switched off.
The Giulia still maintains its appealing low driving position, well-designed cockpit and controls, and a sense of agility on the road. Despite the ‘mini-GTA’ billing, the car doesn’t feel overly aggressive. The ride and damper calibration are comfortable in the ‘natural’ driving mode, the steering is light but direct, and the engine and gearbox are generally smooth in normal traffic.
Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid With Partial Armor Joins Italy’s Police Force
The Alfa Romeo Tonale is set to become a part of Italy’s police force, the Carabinieri. Over the span of July 2021 to late 2024, the automaker will deliver 400 hybrid crossovers to the agency. These vehicles will be included in the mobile radio unit that operates throughout the country.
The Tonale hybrid is equipped with an electrified 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 163 horsepower. It is paired with Alfa Romeo’s seven-speed TCT dual-clutch automatic transmission. These crossovers will be styled with the traditional red-and-blue livery of the mobile radio unit, along with a white roof.