type='html'>

TUESDAY, MARCH 05, 2013 |

It was no secret that the 4C would make its world debut at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show, yet Alfa Romeo still managed to spring a surprise. That’s because the compact sports coupe was actually launched in the exclusive – ahem - “Launch Edition”.

This model will be manufactured in just 1,000 numbered units: 400 are earmarked for Europe, Africa and Middle East, 500 for North America and 100 for the rest of the world. Alfa Romeo announced that the 4C “Launch Edition” will be priced at €60,000 (US$78,000) across all European markets, including VAT but excluding local taxes, and is available to order immediately (no word on U.S. pricing yet).

Buyers of the “Launch Edition” can choose between two body colors, Carrara White or Alfa Red, while the carbon aero kit, Bi-LED headlights with dark surround, dark-finished rear aluminum diffuser and 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloys in burnishing finish come as standard.

Moreover, there’s a racing exhaust system with a BMC air filter, a specially calibrated suspension kit and specific color for the brake calipers on the outside, and a leather/fabric/Alcantara seat upholstery and red stitching on the steering wheel, handbrake, seats, handles and mats.

Measuring 399 cm long, 200 cm wide and 118 high and riding on a 238 cm wheelbase, the 4C features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis that weighs only 65 kg and a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout.

Power comes from a 1.75-liter turbocharged aluminum engine that puts out 236HP (240PS) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at just 1,700 rpm, which are directed to the rear wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and a limited-slip differential.

The TCT gearbox uses a next-generation software and sports a launch control mode. The 4C accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.5 seconds and its top speed exceeds 250 km/h (155 mph). It achieves 1.1g of lateral acceleration and 1.25 g of maximum braking deceleration, the latter thanks to the four ventilated and perforated Brembo discs that sport four-piston aluminum calipers at the front.

Suspension is by superimposed wishbones at the front and MacPherson struts at the rear, while the weight distribution is 40/60 front/rear respectively.

Surprisingly, the 4C’s steering does not feature power assistance of any kind. According to Alfa Romeo, this choice has been made not only in the name of paring weight but also “to secure a superlative driving feel”.

By Andrew Tsaousis

PHOTO GALLERY

VIDEO

type='html'>

MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2013 |

The journey of the Lincoln MKZ, the sedan that FoMoCo hoped would spearhead the renaissance of its luxury unit, is not off to a great start. A delayed launch caused by an assortment of damaging factors, has put serious pressure on the dealers, which have to sweet talk to people who have made a deposit into not getting angry.

Showroom managers say that the car has sparked up considerable interest, but they simply don't have enough units to meet the demand. Buyers are calling in asking when their car is to be delivered, and aren't given a definitive answer, because it is not available.

A problem of communication between the manufacturer and the dealers has been cited as one of the reasons for the delays.

Lincoln itself cites the reasons for the failed launch as being their concern for the quality of their cars, and parts supply delays. A total of 6,000 units were shipped from the Hermosillo plant, in Mexico, since December of last year, and of those only 1,000 have been delivered to customers, while 2,000 more are stuck in dealer lots – the remaining 3,000 cars are said to be currently on their way to showrooms.

Lincoln spent millions in promoting the MKZ, with ads running during Super Bowl and Grammy awards. However, it has all-but gone to waste, as they are still struggling to commence full-scale deliveries.

Officials say that a final dose of extra advertising in the month of April should be successful in offsetting the bad taste left by the botched launch, and assure the car smooth sailing out of the dealerships.

By Andrei Nedelea

Story References: Autonews 

PHOTO GALLERY

type='html'>

TUESDAY, APRIL 09, 2013 |

The new A 45 AMG and C 63 AMG “Edition 507” are now available to order in Europe following their world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.

For the 360PS (355 HP) A 45 AMG, the Edition 507 package brings a series of individualization options, including the AMG Night package (€797.30) that comes with a privacy glass, black anodised beltline trim strip, black tailpipe trims in chromed finish, radiator fins in silver chrome, high-gloss black painted finish for front splitter, exterior mirrors, side sill panel inserts and rear apron trim.

There’s also the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package (€2,975) that includes a front splitter, side sill panel inserts and trim on rear apron in genuine carbon fibre. The A 45 AMG Edition 507 is also available with the AMG Aerodynamics package (€1,785), consisting of an AMG rear aerofoil, additional flics in front apron and a larger front splitter.

Finally, AMG’s smallest model can also be ordered with the AMG Exclusive package (€1,309), that brings heated front sports seats upholstered in black leather with red contrasting topstitching, dashboard and door center panels in Artico man-made leather with red contrasting topstitching.

The new A 45 AMG will arrive in dealerships in June 2013 and will also be available as an “Edition 1” model. While the standard A 45 AMG is priced from €49,682.50 ($64,766) in Germany, the “Edition 1” starts from €56,977.20 ($74,298).

Moving on to the C 63 AMG, the “Edition 507” - available for the Saloon, Estate and Coupé -, brings not only additional customizing options, but also a power boost of 50 PS (49 HP), increasing the 6.3-liter V8 engine’s output to 507 PS (500 HP) and 610 Nm (450 lb-ft) of torque. This upgrade includes technology from the SLS AMG – namely the forged pistons, connecting rods and lightweight crankshaft.

The power boost is naturally translated into better performance, with the C 63 AMG Edition 507 being two-tenths of a second faster than the base model. 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is done in 4.2 seconds (for the Saloon or Coupé) and in 4.3 seconds (for the Estate). Top speed of all body styles is 280 km/h (174 mph), with the AMG Driver’s package offered as standard and a voucher for a driver-training course at the AMG Driving Academy. The C 63 AMG Edition 507 is fitted as standard with an AMG high-performance composite brake system with red callipers.

Sales of the C63 AMG Edition 507 begin in June, with prices starting from €83,835.50 ($109,290) for the Saloon (€85,085 for the Coupé and €86,394 for the Estate).

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY