Ucarmagazine

The BMW Group and Fiat Group Automobiles (FGA) are considering the possibility of co-operation in the areas of architectures and components for their MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles. A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed by Friedrich Eichiner, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Corporate and Brand Development, and Alfredo Altavilla, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Fiat Group Automobiles and CEO of Fiat Powertrain Technologies.

“We are currently examining with the Fiat Group possibilities for the joint use of components and systems in MINI and Alfa Romeo vehicles in order to achieve economies of scale and thus cost reductions within the framework of our Strategy Number ONE”, Eichiner said in Munich.

“The proposed co-operation with BMW is a significant cornerstone of our strategy of alliances. We are delighted to work with such an esteemed and respected partner in the automotive industry with the clear objective of improving the competitive position of both parties,” Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Group and FGA, said in Turin.

The two partners have agreed not to divulge details of the possible collaboration. The results of the cooperation discussions will probably be achieved by the end of the year.

In celebration of its 2007 MotoGP world championship title win with Australian rider Casey Stoner, Ducati has teamed up with fellow Italian manufacturer, Alfa Romeo, to produce the impressive Alfa 147 Ducati Corse.

With both manufacturers steeped in racing history and pedigree, owners can expect something special. Thus the Alfa 147 Ducati Corse comes with Alfa Romeo’s 170 bhp JTDM turbodiesel, enhanced handling courtesy of Alfa Romeo’s Q2 system, a Sport button that varies the mapping of the accelerator pedal to give a notably sporting response, and some distinctive styling additions.

The Alfa 147 Ducati Corse is available in two versions, the five-door 1.9 JTDM 16V Q2 170 bhp priced at £17,995, and the three-door version priced at £17,495.

Exclusive to the Alfa 147 Ducati Corse is a unique 18” alloy wheel design with 225/40 R18 tires, red painted brake callipers, satin effect electrically adjustable and heated wing mirrors, a rear spoiler, and appropriate Ducati badging.

Customers will also be able to choose from three individual external colors – Etna Black, Ghiaccio White and Giulietta Red.

Inside the cabin, the Alfa 147 Ducati Corse boasts aluminum sports pedals, Ducati Corse sports dials with a red background, sports seats upholstered in black leather with red stitching, cruise control, dual zone automatic climate control with split temperature and distribution function, as well as a car radio with audio CD player, MP3 reader, and an auto-dip rear view mirror.

As is standard with the Alfa 147, this latest Alfa 147 Ducati model also includes ABS with EBD, VDC with brake assist, and remote audio controls on the steering wheel.

Alfa Romeo’s widely acclaimed 1.9 JTDM 16V Q2 170 bhp engine powers the limited edition Alfa 147 Ducati from 0-62 mph in just eight seconds, and to a top speed of 134 mph.

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Alfa Romeo’s eagerly anticipated sporty compact, the Alfa MiTo, will make its UK public debut at this year’s British International Motor Show in ExCeL London, from 23 July – 3 August 2008.

The first compact Alfa Romeo for more than 35 years, the sporty and agile Alfa MiTo signals the new energy and direction for the Italian sporting marque.

Blessed with styling cues from the sublime Alfa 8C Competizione, the Alfa MiTo is expected to win over style-conscious young drivers when it goes on sale here in January 2009.

Neat styling touches include the 8C-esque front end, frameless side windows, distinctive headlamps and LED tail lights, flared wheel arches, high waistline and broad C-pillar; all of which combine to give the Alfa MiTo a purposeful stance.

Safety is a priority inside the Alfa MiTo, which is equipped with seven airbags as standard equipment. High build quality is matched by superb materials and top quality fabrics, and finishing touches such as the use of glossy titanium chrome paint create a sporty and stylish driving environment.

On the road, the sharp handling Alfa MiTo will reward UK customers with an impressive blend of performance and fuel economy from all five engines offered at launch – three petrol and two diesel – coupled to six speed gearboxes (except for the 1.4 TB 120 bhp).

Entertaining and sure-footed driving dynamics are assured with Alfa Romeo’s innovative D.N.A. (Dynamic – Normal - All weather) system. D.N.A. acts on the engine, brakes, steering, suspension and gearbox to create the best set-up for different driving environments.

For increased roadholding characteristics, the Alfa MiTo range features a host of driver aids, including ABS with EBD, VDC (vehicle dynamic control), ASR, CBC (cornering brake control), DST (dynamic steering torque) and HBA with Hill Holder.

On sale early next year, with pre-ordering beginning in October, prices start at £10,975 OTR for the entry level 1.4 16V 95 bhp Turismo, and rise to £14,975 for the 1.4 TB 155 bhp Veloce.

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