All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Alfa Romeo is developing a new all-electric SUV

In 2023, there were rumors about a new Alfa Romeo car with which the Italian manufacturer would enter the race with currently strong competition such as the Porche Cayenne or the Mercedes EQE SUV. A few days ago it was confirmed by the head of Alfa Romeo, Jean-Philippe Imparato, and the new SUV should reach the market in 2027.

Jean-Phlippe said that the company gives more chances to the SUV model than to the hatchback, but everything will depend on the sales of this type of vehicle in Europe, the potential of the Asian market, especially China, and the development of electrification in North America.

“The question is whether we will increase the size, and for me the answer is yes. We have to go to a bigger model. We have everything, the platform, the engines and the software. We can push the limits to the maximum, and I have some design sketches that are very good. If I premium and I’m not in the E-segment, what should I do?”

Alfa Romeo currently offers three SUV models: Junior, Tonale and Stelvio, and according to some rumors, the new SUV should be built on the STLA Large platform from Stellantis. However, what we know for sure for now is that the car will have a striking design, a centrally positioned license plate holder, and that the front grill will be taken from the Scudetto model.

Also, it should be noted that the Italian manufacturer previously announced several special limited models such as the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, and the return of some of the old models such as the GTV or roadster Duetto is also planned.

Source: Alfa Romeo

Auctions

2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is up for auction

Between 2012 and 2015, Bugatti produced only 92 examples of the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse and one of them, the 2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is up for auction.

This car is the 46th produced and was ordered by a Japanese customer who gave up before delivery, so the car ended up in England. It is finished in a combination of black and blue, with blue brake calipers, black magnesium components and stitched seats, which is part of a €375,500 optional equipment package. The current owner bought the car in 2017 and covered it with a paint protection film. In preparation for the auction, the car was serviced in April, which cost more than 30,000 euros.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in Tangerine orange leather with embroidered details on the headrest. Tangerine orange also covers the lower part of the dashboard, door panels and roof, and there is an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel as well as carbon details on the center console.

Under the bonnet is an 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine with 1,183 hp (882 kW) @ 6,400 rpm and 1,100 lb-ft (1,500 Nm) @ 3,000–5,000 rpm. That is enough for the car to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.6 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 375 km/h (233 mph). It has only 4,088 km on the odometer.

The auction will take place on June 12th and the estimated value of this Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is £2,000,000 – £2,500,000 GBP.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Gallery:

2014 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is up for auction
News

Rare 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider for sale

At the 1960 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari revealed a new car based on the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, the Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider. It is an extremely rare car which makes it a highly desirable collector’s car. One example, actually the first ever produced and one of four in the world, is owned by former German football player Michael Ballack. Now this car will be auctioned in August, and the estimated value is $16,000,000 – $18,000,000 USD.

“It is extremely difficult to come across a car as interesting to collectors as this California Spider. An icon among icons that has a unique place in Ferrari history, as it is the first 250 GT SWB California Spider ever built. It was even in the Ferrari window at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show,” said an RM Sotheby’s spokesperson.

This 250 GT SWB California Spider is powered by a competition-spec Tipo 168 engine that enables acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 233 km/h (145 mph).

The car is in excellent condition and is equipped with covered headlights and factory removable hardtop, and comes with Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified with original ‘numbers matching’ engine, gearbox, rear axle and bodywork.

Ballack was close friend with Michael Schumacher, which had an impact on the growth of his passion for motorsport and the Ferrari brand.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Gallery:

Rare 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider for sale