Tag Archives: vehicles

Alfa Romeo Giulietta will not return to the market

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta debuted in 1954 as a 2+2 coupe, followed by a four-door sedan and roadster. The second generation was launched in 1977 as a sedan, while the hatchback version was revealed in 2010. Production continued until 2020, and it is now officially the last generation of this model.

Although in 2023, former Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato announced the return of the Giulietta, this will not happen because customers are increasingly opting for SUVs. This means that the Italian company will give more space to the current only model in this segment, the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

In an interview with L’Argus, Alfa Romeo CEO Santo Ficili said: “Honestly, at this moment I don’t see a future for the Giulietta, because there is no demand for a compact sedan. Today’s Giulietta is actually the Tonale.”

Facili also added: “I owned 20 Giuliettas, they were fantastic cars, even today. However, we have to follow the demands of the market, and customers want SUVs. We have to sell cars.”

Alfa Romeo is currently developing a new flagship SUV/crossover for the American market, which should debut in 2027.

Source: L’Argus

Porsche Taycan GTS is the king of ice

The Porsche Taycan GTS set the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous ice drift in the category of electric cars, which is now 46 minutes or 17 kilometers and 503 meters.

Behind the wheel was Porsche Experience instructor Jens Richter, and the car was equipped with a professional GPS device for precise route measurement. This device records the distance traveled, as well as the driver’s activity such as steering wheel movements, accelerator pedal use and brake pedal use.

This Taycan GTS has 700 hp and 790 Nm of torque with Launch Control. It reaches 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h, and has an electric range of 552 kilometers (WLTP).

It took them several attempts to set a new record. The first attempt took place in the afternoon of January 14 on the ice track at the Porsche Arctic Center in Levi, Finland, 150 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The Porsche Experience team created a drift circle with a diameter of 59 meters, but under the great pressure created by the car, the icy track was quickly destroyed, so the attempt was stopped after around 11 kilometers.

In the second attempt, Michelin tires with millimeter studs were used, which, along with the lower ice temperature, made it possible to set a new record. It should be noted that the new record is almost 3 kilometers longer than the previous one.

“With our new Guinness World Records title on ice, the Taycan has once again proven its sideways driving qualities. And this time even with all-wheel drive. The fact that the Taycan GTS can be controlled so well even under extreme conditions speaks volumes for its excellent chassis and balanced performance,” said Jens Richter.

Source: Porsche

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Ferrari F40 upgraded by Officina Fioravanti

The Ferrari F40 is the last Ferrari automobile personally approved by Enzo Ferrari and is considered an icon of the automotive industry. However, Italian company Officine Fioravanti has unveiled the F40 Alte Prestazioni project, a modern version of the Ferrari F40.

The Italian company’s goal was to focus on safety, stability and handling, but also to preserve the precious original components, and to truly encourage owners to drive their cars.

The F40 Alte Prestazioni includes new suspension arms, hubs and bearings, Ohlins TTX 36 shock absorbers, which should help tame the harsh steering while making the F40 more comfortable and refined to drive.

The rest of the equipment includes new brakes, carbon ceramic discs with six-piston calipers at the front, a modern ABS system, a new set of 18″ and 19″ rims wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

The company is still keeping many details under wraps, so it is not known whether there have been any changes to the engine or how much the upgrade will cost.

Source: Officine Fioravanti

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