1989 Alfa Romeo Spider Roadster Convertible on 2040-cars

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Sergio rethinks FCA-GM merger idea, dismisses critics

After many public overtures, Fiat Chrysler Automotive CEO Sergio Marchionne has claimed his company won't be making a hostile takeover bid for General Motors. This is despite widespread speculation that FCA's desire to merge was motivated by its allegedly dire situation. As one unnamed GM exec who spoke to Automotive News earlier this year put it, "Why should [GM] bail out FCA?" "We are not choking. We are in relatively decent shape," Marchionne told journalists attending an FCA shareholder meeting in Amsterdam, AN reports. "We have been publicly rebuffed, we have been rejected and you cannot force these things. I don't want to. At the moment, we have no intention to do anything hostile." Instead of focusing on merging with GM, or any other partners for that matter, FCA will refocus on implementing its ambitious five-year investment plan, which would see it dump $52 billion into its various brands, with a particular focus on Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Jeep. So far the attempt has largely been unsuccessful, especially as it relates to the Italian brands. Earlier this week, additional reports emerged that claimed Alfa was pushing back the Giulia and an unnamed CUV while reassigning resources to updated versions of the Giulietta and MiTo hatchbacks. This is not the first time we've heard about trouble for the Giulia, of course. For Masearti, though, it was the first we'd heard of delays for Alfieri sports car, which allegedly won't appear in 2016, as promised. We can expect a proper breakdown of FCA's adjusted plans when Marchionne and Company reveal an updated product slate next month. Related Video: The video meant to be presented here is no longer available. Sorry for the inconvenience. News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Paul Sancya / AP Alfa Romeo Chrysler Fiat GM Jeep Maserati Sergio Marchionne FCA

Alfa Romeo 4C will be refreshed for the 2019 model year

Alfa Romeo Chief Technical Officer Roberto Fedeli said at a launch event for the Stelvio Quadrifoglio that an updated version of the 4C is coming next year as a 2019 model. "We are coming back to Formula 1," he said, "and we need the 4C to be our halo car," Fedeli told Autocar. But don't expect to see the refresh bring with it a manual transmission. No future high-performance models from Alfa, Maserati, or even Ferrari will be getting clutch pedals anytime soon, a decision reportedly made after Ferrari spent 10 million euros developing a manual gearbox for the California a few years back only to see exactly two customers choose the option over an automatic. We'd hazard a guess that Alfa will tone down its carbon-fiber 4C for the next generation. As fun as the little sportscar is on a race track, it's equally jarring to drive on regular roads. A revised suspension and perhaps power steering may be on the menu. Related Video:

Alfa Romeo finalizes 2024 Tonale EPA fuel economy, EV range

Alfa Romeo announced Wednesday that the 2024 Tonale plug-in-hybrid achieved 29 mpg combined in EPA testing, coming in at 77 MPGe with a total EV range of 33 miles. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is the only one offered in the 2024 Tonale and is shared with the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T, which is essentially the same car only in weekend casual.  "We are happy to announce the official EPA electric range of 33 miles and 77 MPGe for the Alfa Romeo Tonale, which will allow many of our customers to drive their daily commutes without tapping the fuel tank," said Larry Dominique, SVP, Head of Alfa Romeo North America. "The Alfa Romeo Tonale represents the beginning of our transformation to greater electrification while staying true to the performance characteristics our customers expect from the brand, including a best-in-class 285 horsepower." The electric range of 33 miles puts the 2024 Tonale smack in between the 2023 Lincoln Corsair PHEV (28 miles) and Lexus NX 450h+ (38 miles). The Lincoln is also a close match in MPGe, coming in at 78, but the Lexus handily eclipses both 84 MPGe. So if fuel EV range and fuel efficiency are all you crave, the Lexus is your go-to, even if the Alfa is thousands cheaper. The Tonale Sprint starts at $44,590 (with destination). After the $7,500 federal electric vehicle credit is factored in (which requires you to lease since the Tonale is built Italy) you’re looking at just $37,090. Both the Lexus and Lincoln start north of $50,000 before subsidies, but the Louisville-built Lincoln can benefit from tax credits whether you lease or purchase.  Related Video 2023 Dodge Hornet R/T