Alfa romeo giulietta 2012

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The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a far better car than the 147. That may be no great revelation - the 147 has been knocking around for a full decade now, and has long been usurped by younger, lither rivals - so here's a bigger one: the Giulietta might just be the best car that Alfa has built in its 100 years of existence.


What it is: An Italian five-door hatchback about the size of a VW Golf.

Why it matters: The Giulietta is expected to be one of the first models in Alfa’s much-delayed return to America. The platform is likely  to be shared with one or more Chrysler products, which means that U.S.-market versions eventually may be built in North America.

Platform: This all-new transverse-engine, front-drive Fiat platform is creatively code-named “Compact.” It will be the basis for a number of Alfas and some Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge products. The chassis consists of a strut front suspension and a multilink rear.

Powertrain: A 1.4-liter turbo four should make 170 horsepower, and a 1.8-liter turbo four should produce 235 horses.

Competition: Audi A3, BMW 1-series, Mazdaspeed 3, Subaru WRX, Volkswagen GTI.

What might go wrong: Alfa Romeos—and Italian cars in general—still don’t enjoy a sterling reputation for quality.

Estimated arrival and price: On sale in Europe this summer, with the American version arriving in 2012, the Giulietta opens at about $23,000. Alfas will be sold through Chrysler dealers.

Ford Mustang 2010

What it is ,The latest affiliate in Ford’s pony-car story. In this affiliate the accepted Mustang that borrows heavily from the 1965–67 adaptation gets restyled to attending like the 1970 Mustang—how original. A mid-’70s Mustang II can’t be far behind. An all-new autogenous declared to be far richer and added adorable will aswell debut.

Powertrain, The 4.0-liter V-6 admiral abject versions, with a new direct-injection, turbocharged Ecoboost 3.5-liter V-6 advancing in 2010. By 2011 the Mustang should get Ford’s new, added able modular 5.0-liter, SOHC V-8, acceptable for about 350 horsepower.

Noteworthy technology, Get real—this is a Mustang. Be beholden you can still get a V-8 and rear-wheel drive for beneath than $30,000. On the accepted Mustang the Ford guys anticipation accepting color-changing apparatus lights was cutting-edge technology.

Competition, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger.

What ability go wrong, The amount of gas.

Estimated accession and cost, The new Mustang is set to admission at the Los Angeles auto appearance this fall. Production and sales should activate next spring. Prices will alpha in the low-$20,000 ambit for a basal V-6 adaptation and acceleration able-bodied over $30,000 for a loaded-up GT.