2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Ti Sport Awd on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider rightfully fawned over by Petrolicious

Following the Top Gear adage "You can't be a true petrolhead until you've owned an Alfa Romeo," is rather difficult for those of us in North America. Faced with a distinct lack of new cars and an equally disturbing abundance of vintage basketcases, the road to Alfa ownership is a difficult one for residents of the new world. Where there's a will, there's a way, though, and the benefits certainly seem worthwhile, as we see with Casey Annis and his gorgeous 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider Veloce 1600. Annis is the publisher and editor of Vintage Racecar Magazine, so he knows a thing or six about these classic Alfas. The video discusses his Alfa, which has been upgraded to Veloce specifications, as well as what the Alfa community is like as a whole. Petrolicious has the story on Annis and his Alfa in its latest video. Fans of classic Italians are not going to want to miss this one. News Source: Petrolicious via YouTube Alfa Romeo Convertible Performance Classics Videos petrolicious alfa romeo spider

Alfa Romeo Stelvio to get a new rear-drive base version

Good news for those who want an Alfa Romeo Stelvio but do not have the need for all-wheel drive: Alfa is reportedly introducing a cheaper, solely rear-drive version. It will still have plenty of power. Car & Driver is reporting that there will be a new, rear-wheel-drive base Stelvio for 2019, one that undercuts the current cheapest Q4 model by $2,000. That would mean a starting price of $41,440. However, the gap will widen slightly as the all-wheel-drive cars will see a price bump for 2019. The base model's only engine option will be the four-cylinder turbo, offering 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is the eight-speed automatic. C&D also says that the RWD versions will be kitted out more cheaply than AWD models, as a posher Ti version will always come standard with AWD. The new base models are likely to bear Q2 badging to differentiate them from the "quattro per quattro" Q4 models. And, if you're still willng to add a little something to the RWD Stelvio, there will be an available Sport package that offers 19-inch wheels and performance-oriented accessories such as aluminum pedals, painted brake calipers, paddle shifters and more. This does almost negate the price difference between the 2018 and 2019 base models, as it is said to cost $1,800.

Watch Alfa Romeo's slightly suggestive lifestyle ad for the 4C

We haven't watched a car ad with this much European panache in quite some time - and let us be clear, we're using the phrase "European panache" in its marketing sense, which is code for "women in lingerie." But it's Alfa Romeo and it's Italy and it's the 4C and what else would we ever have expected? Alfa Romeo USA has posted a two-minute spot talking up the technology and capabilities of the of 4C, with beauty shots of the car augmented by an amorous pantomime between two beautiful people wearing a whisper of clothing and some un-subtle editing; like when the phrase "pure seduction" is matched to the 4C's rear end and... some lovely lady lumps. It's totally safe for work, but that doesn't mean you want it rolling when the boss walks by. And speaking of the above phrase, we're wondering if the coupe's exterior designers signed off on "The inexplicable design of the 4C is pure seduction." Inexplicable? Check it out in the video above.