The Americans had almost forgotten Fiats’ attractive brand the Alfa Romeo but the memories were ignited with the return of the 8C Competizione after a lingering gap of 14 years. Fiat now believes that Alfa Romeo could stage a full-fledged return to the US as it has a number of models which will be globally appreciated specially in the US. The brand will return to the US in the next 24 months with offering like the 159 replacement christened Giulia which adorns two forms- a middle segment sedan and a station wagon. Americans could also see an Alfa Romeo 166 replacement based on the Chrysler 300. Another touted model is the MiTo as a number of them have already been spotted in Detroit.

Those Italians. They like to make a scene out of nothing at all. Take the successor to the Alfa Romeo 147. They could’ve called it the 147. Then Alfa wanted to call it the 148. They then changed it to the Milano – sounds good, but not if you are a worker for Alfa from the city of Milan – then you’d be outraged by the name.

You see Milan isn’t the home of Alfa anymore, but is now located in Turin. This means that the Milanese workers are up in arms over the name and Alfa is considering a change to Giulietta. Makes sense? No. (more…)

Alfa Romeo has finally started thinking about the environment and hence it will reveal the MiTo with a new lineage of engines that do its surroundings lesser harm. The MiTo will come with a 1.4-Liter MultiAir engine capable of producing 105 and 135hp. There will be a third variant, the 170 horsepower MultiAir Turbobenzinae, but this engine will be limited to the Quadrifoglio Verde, or Green Four-Leaf Clover.

All the engines commit improved fuel economy and lowered emissions while the top variant is also a bit of a speed devil. Mated to a six-speed transmission, the 170hp option hits 62mph in 7 seconds, which is reasonably fast considering the category the car belongs to. The suspension of the car is also a point worth discussing as it reduces vibrations, thanks to the combined efforts of Alfa Romeo and vehicle system developer, Magneti Marelli. The upgraded MiTo will probably invade the European market in a month’s time.

I’ve always been in love with what Alfa Romeo produces because it’s a mix of Italian fashion and amazing power. Their newest model is a special limited edition MiTo, that features an unique black paint with satin-finishings, chrome grille, a set of beautiful 17-inch wheels that allows for the red brake calipers to be seen, a rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. On the inside, expect an exquisite leather job, sport seats and faux carbon-fiber trim on the dash. As for power, the four cylinder engine has been upgraded and now outputs 170hp. If you want one then you’d better be a RIAR member and hurry. Only 46 units of the €20,000 MiTo special edition will be produced. [via RIAR]

After 14 years of absence from the US soil, Alfa Romero once again has returned to US shores wth a fleet of 85 Alfa Romero 8C Competizione landed in the country. The first of the 4.7-liter V8 engine-powered 8C was delivered to James Glickenhaus in Connecticut. The stunning and aerodynamically sleek 8C comes with a 6 speed paddle-shifted gearbox, 20-inch tires, and a carbon-fiber body. The dazzling 8C will be available in limited number as only 500 units of these will be manufactured apart from the 85 that have already been pre-ordered. Alfa Romero will produce 500 units of 8C Spider also and if you wish to own one of the two cars, then you better hurry to book your beauty! -via WCF

Those Brits are again the first to see a car before the rest of the world. I’m talking about the new Alfa Romeo MiTo (Milan-Torino) that will hit showrooms next month for display purposes. The official launch however, is on January 24. With lots of inspiration from the beautiful 8C Competizione sports car, Alfa Romeo MiTo will to deal with a lot of competition in its class and the battle will be fiercely. Equipped with a 1.4 liter 95 bhp engine and featuring  a special electronic system called DNA that adjusts the car’s performances according to weather conditions or driving style, expect to pay some £10,975 for that little guy. Pre-orders will begin on November 1st.