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Alfa Romeo Zagato-designed Giulia-derived coupe previewed

Alfa Romeo's long-awaited return to the coupe segment may be imminent. The company published an enigmatic preview image on its social media channels that shows the rear end of what's labeled the "Giulia SWB Zagato," and it pledged to release more details in the near future. While there's not much we can glean by looking at the dark teaser, we can at least say with near-certainty that the coupe won't look much like the Giulia when viewed from the back. The photo depicts a thin strip of LEDs that seemingly stretches across the entire rear end, and the basic silhouette is vaguely reminiscent of the Giulia TZ (Tubolare Zagato) and TZ2 coupes built in very limited numbers during the 1960s. Beyond that, your guess regarding what we're looking at is as good as ours. The name strongly suggests that the coupe will be Giulia-based, shorter than the sedan, and designed jointly with Zagato. Company boss Jean-Philippe Imparato has previously confirmed that the two-door model will make its debut at some point in 2023 and he clarified that it will be "very exciting, very selective, and very expensive." To us, it sounds like the coupe will land as a limited-edition model rather than as a regular-production addition to the company's range. What the coupe will be powered by is up in the air as well. Given the Giulia-derived platform, we wouldn't be surprised if power comes from a version of the 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that powers the range-topping Quadrifoglio. The six develops 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque in Alfa Romeo's BMW M3 fighter but those figures could increase in the coupe. Rear-wheel-drive should come standard. Alfa Romeo will publish additional details about the Giulia SWB Zagato in the coming weeks, and we'll see the coupe by the end of 2023. Related video: Design/Style Alfa Romeo Coupe Luxury Performance

The 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C should sound even better

We love the raw simplicity of the Alfa Romeo 4C – it is first and foremost a driver's car, and a great one at that. So while there are a number of updates for the 2016 model year, none of them mess with the 4C's inherent enthusiast-centric nature. In fact, these enhancements should only, well, enhance the overall driving experience. The thing we're most excited about is a new Akrapovic dual-mode titanium exhaust. Not only does this option relocate the exhaust tips to the center of the 4C's rump, it uses asymmetrical mufflers and a link pipe with a built-in resonator to create what we assume is an even better exhaust sound. The Akrapovic setup works with the Alfa's DNA drive select modes – in Dynamic and Race, things are loud and resonant, but in Natural and All-Weather settings, there's a quieter tone. Other 4C updates are less obvious. There's some more carbon fiber trim both inside and out, some new color combinations for the leather sport seats, and the Spider's premium audio system and lockable storage containers are now standard on the Coupe. Pricing isn't confirmed in Alfa's release, but from what we find on the company's consumer site, the Coupe starts at $55,900 and the Spider comes in at $65,900. Based on the 2015 models we tested, that means the added content has bumped up the Coupe's price by $2,000, and the Spider sees a modest $405 hike. Read all the details in the press blast below. ALFA ROMEO 4C AND 4C SPIDER ADD MORE PERSONALIZATION OPTIONS FOR 2016 New for 2016, Alfa Romeo is offering even more carbon fiber: - All-new carbon fiber halo offering elevates the 4C Spider's technical look, while hinting at its exclusive carbon-fiber monocoque chassis - All-new Carbon Fiber Trim Package further proliferates 4C and 4C Spider's use of carbon fiber on interior vents, instrument cluster surround and instrument panel and shift bezels - Bespoke Italian style: A new premium leather interior with Tobacco and Black sport seats paired with a Black leather interior with Tobacco accent stitching is now available - All-new Akrapovi?

Next-gen Mazda MX-5 Miata mule spied 'Ring testing

Fans of simple, lightweight motoring, rejoice - we now have images of the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata undergoing testing at der Nürburgring Nordschleife. Now, to be fair, this isn't some lightly camouflaged example that will give us a great peak of what the next Miata, which will also become the next Alfa Romeo Spider, will look like. This is a mule, with the new bits hidden under a current Miata's body. That doesn't mean there aren't a few scraps of valuable information here, though.
According to our flock of camera-toting spies at the Nürburgring, the next Miata is likely to grow a bit, as new models are wont to do. In particular, it will be longer and wider, and the wheelbase is likely going to be stretched, based on the shape of the wheel wells and doors. Both of those factors will add more space in the cabin.
Those are the big indications provided by these photos, but while the MX-5 might be growing, it's a safe bet based on these images that it, and the (likely pricier) Alfa, will retain the classic, long-hood, short-deck styling that so typifies rear-drive roadsters.