Alfa Romeo Spider on 2040-cars

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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?

Alfa Romeo Giulia, new SUV delayed

Damn it, Alfa Romeo. You had one job. One job. Just return to the North American market. That's it. And just when we thought that long-awaited event was actually in sight, thanks to the new, high-performance Giulia Quadrifoglio sedan, we're being forced to report what we've reported so, so many times before – Alfa's US return has (probably) been delayed. Citing supplier sources, Automotive News Europe reports that not only has the new Giulia's European launch been delayed six months, to mid 2016, but the Italian brand's first SUV also won't arrive until at least early 2017. That's six and nine months later than each vehicle was expected, respectively. US on-sale dates for both vehicles were slated for at least three to six months after hitting European dealers. If ANE's report is correct, this virtually guarantees we won't see the Giulia Quadrifoglio before autumn 2016/winter 2017, while the Giulia-based SUV's US arrival is effectively pushed back to spring or summer of 2017. The delay in the Giulia is being blamed on additional work on safety and ride characteristics, ANE's sources claimed. The Quadrifoglio was to be followed by four-cylinder variants in March, but this delay means the high-performance Giulia will be on its own until the end of 2016 in Europe, and early- to mid-2017 in the US. It's unclear if these issues are to blame for the delay in the SUV, although considering it's based in part on the Giulia, that seems like a reasonable assumption. Naturally, and we're guessing annoyingly for Fiat Chrysler executives, this latest delay is raising further questions about the company's long-term plan for its troubled Turin-based brand. ANE quoted multiple analysts who called out Sergio Marchionne's overly ambitious plans for Alfa, although Morningstar's Richard Hilgert said it best: "I would be impressed if the brand sold 200,000 [units per year]," Hilgert told ANE. "I think Marchionne set an overly-lofty target as a shock treatment to a patient in cardiac arrest. The idea being to get an immediate dramatic response, but his plan for 400,000 units in 2018 would have the patient immediately get up and run a five-kilometer race." Related Video:

Alfa Romeo Giulia leaks early

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia is set to debut June 24, but the eagle-eyed folks at CarScoops already found these two somewhat blurry shots of the upcoming sedan. While there's unfortunately no photo of the front, these images give an idea of what to expect from Alfa's future four-door challenger to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. According to CarScoops, this is the Quadrifoglio Verde performance trim, and the blurry profile images certainly appear to show that insignia on the front fender. Don't worry about the mouthful of a name, though, because the far less vowel-filled Cloverleaf moniker is reportedly being used in some markets. Beyond the badge, this crimson Giulia has a short deck at the rear and large fender flares. Vents cut into the fenders also communicate the model's sporty intentions. The rear shot shows angular taillights and dual exhausts nestled in a diffuser down below. The Giulia badge is clearly visible, and there's a contrasting black lip spoiler running along the edge of the trunk. A set of black wheels completes the performance-tuned look. For now, hard facts about the Giulia's mechanical details remain largely a mystery. The engine range reportedly includes a V6 with some relation to Ferrari that possibly pumps out around 480 horsepower, and a turbocharged four-cylinder might also be available. Some portions of the chassis are rumored to be borrowed from the Maserati Ghibli, as well. A crossover sharing the same platform may join Alfa's lineup in 2016. Related Video: