Lancia is the Main Sponsor of “AltaRomAltaModa”

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Lancia is the Main Sponsor of the fourteenth “AltaRomAltaModa” event, scheduled January 31^st to February 3^rd , which will transform the capital into an inspiring “catwalk” where fashion shows, displays and work sessions on prêt-a-porter, accessories and jewelry will take their turn. The organization will have at its disposal a fleet of fifteen Lancia Deltas, admirably representing excellent style and elegance true to the best “Made in Italy” tradition.

This Roman event offers a rich and original calendar which combines “conventional” High Fashion events, such as fashion shows, with “performances”, in other words novel experiments which place clothes at the centre of an event merging art with stage show. And alongside the big names in international fashion, a prominent position is given to young designers who specifically represent Alta Roma’s commitment to the promotion and rise of young fashion talent.

“AltaRomAltaModa” also promotes contemporary artistic style and the preservation of all the technical skills and workmanship that have made Italian Style famous throughout the world, just as attention to detail and craftsmanship have always distinguished Lancia cars.

A captivating event of international stature, an opportunity not to be missed by Lancia to confirm its particular interest in the fashion world.

Novitec Alfa Romeo Spider Photos

New Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

The new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S sets yet another milestone in terms of sportiness in the high performance luxury saloon segment of the automotive market. Conceived and developed as “a real driving machine in the guise of a luxury saloon ”, the Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s sportiness in the Quattroporte range.

The technical changes to the new Quattroporte Sport GT S in respect to the Quattroporte S concern four areas:
• the mapping of the V8 4.7 litre engine, with power increased to 323kW;
• the gearshift management software, with new features designed to increase driving enjoyment;
• the front and rear suspension system featuring single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height;
• the sports exhaust controlled by pneumatic valves for a deep, throaty and captivating sound.

The sportier and more aggressive look is also evident due to the interior and exterior stylistic choices:
• the new black grille with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo with red accents, typical of the sportier versions of Maserati models;
• the new headlights, in metallic titanium finish;
• the side and rear “shadow line”, which includes black finishing around the doors, body-coloured door handles and black twin oval exhaust pipes,
• the new M-design seats with perforated Alcantara® and leather upholstery;
• the standard trim in Titantex, a “titanium coloured” composite material.

Alfa Romeo sponsors the SBK Superbike World Championship® and Ducati Racing

Image via WikipediaThis year and for the next three years, Alfa Romeo will once again be involved in all 14 SBK Superbike World Championship competitions: 10 in Europe, 1 in Australia, 1 in Qatar, 1 in South Africa and 1 in the USA. Attracting growing audiences both at race circuits, where spectators numbered over 1 million in 2008, and at home (with more than 2 billion viewers), the events are particularly in harmony with Alfa Romeo’s hallmark sporting spirit. The SBK Championship is broadcast by 95 TV channels, offering a total of almost 3,500 hours of coverage in the course of the racing season.

In each race, the 32 SBK World Championship riders will be escorted by the Alfa Romeo Safety Cars, four bright red 1.4-liter turbocharged spark ignition MiTo superminis: perfect for catching the public eye. The initiative will enjoy tremendous visibility, with an audience including fans at the tracks, the entire sales network and customers.

Alfa Romeo will also be a leading player in the two-wheeler world together with Ducati Racing, fielding such top riders on the Moto GP circuit as 2006 world champion Nicky Hayden and 2007 world champion Casey Stoner. On the Superbike circuit, Alfa will be sponsoring riders Michel Fabrizio and Noriyuki Haga

In addition, Alfa Romeo will be a prime trackside attraction during warm-ups and before every race in the whole constellation of competitions surrounding the SBK Superbike World Championship: the Superstock 600 European Championship, the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup and the Supersport World Championship.

Alfa Romeo’s continuing sponsorship of the SBK Superbike World Championship and Ducati Racing is enthusiastically backed by the brand’s new managing director Sergio Cravero, who has long promoted these opportunities for communication and for enhancing the make’s image: opportunities that can also provide a springboard for new products like the limited-edition Alfa Romeo 147 Ducati Racing brought out last year.

Alfa Romeo’s intensive work together with the SBK Superbike World Championship® and Ducati Racing will continue through to the end of 2011.

Joint Press Release - Fiat Group, Chrysler LLC and Cerberus Capital Management L.P. announce plans for a global strategic alliance

Fiat S.p.A., Chrysler LLC (Chrysler) and Cerberus Capital Management L.P., the private investment majority owner of Chrysler LLC, announced today they have signed a non-binding term sheet to establish a global strategic alliance.

The alliance, to be a key element of Chrysler’s viability plan, would provide Chrysler with access to competitive, fuel-efficient vehicle platforms, powertrain, and components to be produced at Chrysler manufacturing sites. Fiat would also provide distribution capabilities in key growth markets, as well as substantial cost savings opportunities. In addition, Fiat would provide management services supporting Chrysler’s submission of a viability plan to the U.S. Treasury as required. Fiat has been very successful in executing its own restructuring over the past several years. The alliance would also allow Fiat Group and Chrysler to take advantage of each other's distribution networks and to optimize fully their respective manufacturing footprint and global supplier base.

The proposed alliance would be consistent with the terms and conditions of the U.S. Treasury financing to Chrysler. Per the U.S. Treasury loan agreement, each constituent will be asked to contribute to Chrysler’s restructuring effort including: lenders, employees, the UAW, dealers, suppliers and Chrysler Financial. Such steps would greatly contribute to Chrysler’s long term viability plan. Completion of the alliance is subject to due diligence and regulatory approvals, including the U.S. Treasury.

As a consideration for Fiat Group’s contribution to the alliance of strategic assets, to include: product and platform sharing, including city and compact segment vehicles, to expand Chrysler’s current product portfolio; technology sharing, including fuel efficient and environmentally friendly powertrain technologies; and access to additional markets, including distribution for Chrysler vehicles in markets outside of North America, Fiat would receive an initial 35 percent equity interest in Chrysler. The alliance does not contemplate that Fiat would make a cash investment in Chrysler or commit to funding Chrysler in the future.

“This initiative represents a key milestone in the rapidly changing landscape of the automotive sector and confirms Fiat and Chrysler commitment and determination to continue to play a significant role in this global process. The agreement will offer both companies opportunities to gain access to most relevant automotive markets with innovative and environmentally friendly product offering, a field in which Fiat is a recognized world leader while benefiting from additional cost synergies. The deal follows a number of targeted alliances and partnerships signed by the Fiat Group with leading carmakers and automotive suppliers over the last five years aimed at supporting the growth and volume aspirations of the partners involved,” the CEO of Fiat Group, Sergio Marchionne said.

"A Chrysler/Fiat partnership is a great fit as it creates the potential for a powerful, new global competitor, offering Chrysler a number of strategic benefits, including access to products that compliment our current portfolio; a distribution network outside North America; and cost savings in design, engineering, manufacturing, purchasing and sales and marketing," said Bob Nardelli, Chairman and CEO of Chrysler LLC. "This transaction will enable Chrysler to offer a broader competitive line-up of vehicles for our dealers and customers that meet emissions and fuel efficiency standards, while adhering to conditions of the Government Loan. The partnership would also provide a return on investment for the American taxpayer by securing the long-term viability of Chrysler brands in the marketplace, sustaining future product and technology development for our country and building renewed consumer confidence, while preserving American jobs."

"This is great news for the UAW Chrysler team and we look forward to supporting and working with them to ensure Chrysler's long term viability,” said Ron Gettelfinger, President United Auto Workers (UAW).

“We're on board with this important strategic initiative as it will help preserve the long-term viability of our great company, its brands and of course UAW-Chrysler jobs,” said General Holiefield, Vice President, United Auto Workers (UAW).

Statement from the Chief Executive of Fiat, Sergio Marchionne

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The reorganisation announced today represents an important step for Fiat Group Automobiles which will equip it to face future market challenges in the most efficient and immediate manner.

The changes we are experiencing in the automotive sector require that we adapt our organisational structure rapidly.

Mr. Cravero’s appointment as head of Alfa Romeo forms part of a specific Group strategy of developing personnel with the highest potential and involving them in the decision-making process. Mr. Cravero is a professional with considerable experience in both the engineering and commercial areas. I am convinced that he is the best possible choice for Alfa Romeo.

In parallel with Mr. Cravero’s appointment, we are establishing four new functions, which will have transversal responsibilities within the company while maintaining separate responsibility for each individual brand in order to protect and develop the specific identity and recognition of each brand in the market.

This new structure will enable us to achieve greater synergies and improved integration of those activities which are common to the various brands.

The reorganisation will also provide Fiat Group Automobiles with a much leaner and more flexible structure, increasing its ability to take advantage of new business opportunities and further reducing response times.

Alfa Romeo and Ducati Corse once more together on European Circuits

At the event “Wrooom 2009 - Formula 1 & MotoGP Press Ski Meeting”, which will be run in Madonna di Campiglio (Trento) on January 12-18, Alfa Romeo confirms the partnership between the Brand and Ducati Course.
Set up in 2002, the partnership between Alfa Romeo and Ducati Corse represents a winning bond between two world-renowned brands that embody the ultimate expression of Italian style and mechanical experience. Two great names that have written some of the most memorable pages in the history of racing and the motor industry and that stand among the most beloved by motoring enthusiasts of two and four wheels. This year, the sponsorship camping foresees that some of the Alfa Romeo cars will be made available to Ducati Top Management.
The Alfa Romeo MiTo, ‘the sportiest mini’ that packs sensual style, agility and technical excellence made for driving satisfaction into a length of just 4 metres, will also be the official car of the Superbike World Championship 2009 – the sporting event won last year by the Australian driver Troy Bayliss.

Sergio Cravero appointed to head Alfa Romeo

Image via WikipediaSergio Cravero has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Alfa Romeo Automobiles, where he served as head of marketing prior to today’s appointment. Mr. Cravero, 48, was born in Turin and holds a degree in mechanical engineering. He joined Fiat Group Automobiles in 1986 and has held various positions of growing responsibility in the technical, commercial and marketing areas.

Following this new appointment, responsibility for individual brands is as follows:

· Fiat: Lorenzo Sistino,

· Lancia: Olivier François,

· Alfa Romeo: Sergio Cravero,

· Fiat Professional: Lorenzo Sistino.

· Abarth: Harald Wester, who will continue in his role as Chief Technical Officer for Fiat Group and Chief Executive Officer of Maserati.

In addition, to enhance the effectiveness of Fiat Group Automobiles and further strengthen synergies within the company, four new transversal functions are being created.

The new functions are:

· Sales, assigned to Lorenzo Sistino, who will be responsible for coordinating commercial activities for the Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo brands. This new function will have responsibility for all markets.

· Brand Marketing Communication, assigned to Olivier François, who will be responsible for coordinating above-the-line and below-the-line communication activities for all brands.

· Product Portfolio Planning & Automotive Institutional Relations, assigned to Daniele Chiari, who will be responsible for planning for passenger vehicles and powertrain and for managing institutional relations for the Sector.

· Product Concept, assigned to Sergio Cravero, who will be responsible for coordinating product development of individual models and determining product initiatives for the Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo brands.

Sergio Cravero, 48, was born in Turin. He graduated in mechanical engineering at Turin Politecnico and has a Masters in Business Administration from Milan Politecnico.

He joined Fiat Group Automobiles in 1986, in the Commercial division, where he worked as Product Manager and then Zone Manager for the Fiat brand. In 1991, he moved to the Product division where he was responsible for development of the Barchetta spider and, subsequently, for all Fiat and Lancia brand B segment models. In 1999, he returned to the Commercial area as Brand Manager for Alfa Romeo, where he was involved in development of the 147, awarded “2001 Car of the Year”. In 2002, he took over responsibility for the E development platform for the Fiat and Lancia brands. Since 2005, he has been head of marketing for Alfa Romeo.

Ferrari F60 2009 F1 car

Ferrari F60 presentation

2008 Ferrari Yearbook

"The Official Ferrari Magazine", the new magazine from the Prancing Horse, presents its special edition dedicated to the 2008 season. As of this year the traditional Ferrari yearbook changes its looks and is included in the magazine's special edition - a collaboration between Ferrari and Condé Nast. On 280 pages Ferrari tells all about the events over the last year, with breathtaking photos and exclusive texts - from Formula One to Corse Clienti, from the new GT's production to the Company's evolution: to remember unforgettable moments of the 2008 season, like the win of the 16th Constructors' World Title and the launch of the new models Ferrari California and Scuderia Spider 16M.

The magazine starts with an article dedicated to the new Ferrari California's test drive with Jason Barlow and Derek Hill; followed by a special tribute to World Champion Phil Hill.

Furthermore the magazine presents all the other parts of the world of Ferrari: such as the Magic India Tour of the two 612 Scaglietti, the Corse Clienti events and an overview of the Ferrari work's high-tech transformation at Maranello.

"The Official Ferrari Magazine's" special edition is a collector's item and a wonderful gift for the fans of the Prancing Horse.

Lamborghini presents highly individualized super sports cars at the Detroit Auto Show

Alongside the new Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, Lamborghini will present two exclusive, highly individualized super sports cars at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. With a unique, matt-luster paint finish in matt blue and all available special equipment options, this Murciélago LP 640 and Gallardo LP 560-4 demonstrate the virtually limitless possibilities and expert craftsmanship presented through the Ad Personam individualization program by the specialists in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

"Ad Personam offers every Lamborghini customer the opportunity to acquire a completely exclusive vehicle from a unique brand – one that is perfectly in tune with their own lifestyle,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “A super sports car from Lamborghini is always a fundamental expression of the buyer’s personality. And that is why the highest levels of exclusivity are possible, right through to absolute one-of-a-kind Lamborghini vehicles.”

“Think the impossible” is the motto of the Lamborghini individualization program. Ad Personam offers a host of possibilities to bring a highly individual style to the exterior and the interior of a Lamborghini – all the way through to a Lamborghini like no other.

A unique color for a unique design

Both super sports cars presented in Detroit are such highly individualized examples– painted in matt blue, an all-new, powerful blue tone with a matt-luster finish. Dressed like this, the Murciélago and the Gallardo are elegant and refined, yet extremely powerful and dynamic. This is a unique color that fits perfectly to the unique design of a Lamborghini.

The super sports car brand from Sant’Agata Bolognese is the only auto maker to have mastered the difficult and complex craftsmanship required to work with the matt-luster paint finish. Alongside the new matt blue three more colors are permanently available in the Ad Personam program: Nero Nemesis is a matt-luster black, while the matt white is called Bianco Canopus; and Marrone Apus refers to the particularly elegant matt brown finish. In addition, Lamborghini Ad Personam offers its customers complete freedom to choose any color imaginable.

Luxuriously sporty or classically powerful

In their interiors, too, the highly individualized super sports cars presented in Detroit provide a clear example of the possibilities offered by the Ad Personam program. The base color applied to the upholstery of both vehicles is black, with color contrast supplied by fine diamond stitching in the blue of the exterior paintwork. This is applied to the seats, door trim, headliner and the steering wheel. The leather upholstery lends a luxuriously sporty look and feel to the Gallardo LP 560-4.

Furthermore, the Gallardo LP560-4 shows the finest in Nappa leather in color Nero Perseus which clads not only the seats, cockpit and door trim, but also the pillars and headliners. Further accents are provided courtesy of individual elements crafted in carbon fiber. The Callisto wheels are painted in high-gloss black, providing a contrast to the matt blue paint finish.

The Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640 is one of the most fascinating super sports cars of all time, and underscores this in Detroit with a purist interior finished in Alcantara ® with diamond stitching. Not only are the sports seats upholstered in Alcantara ®, but also the entire interior, including doors and headliner. The cockpit surround is finished in carbon fiber. The steering wheel features stitched suede and carbon fiber inlays. The high-gloss black of the Murciélago’s wheels – in Hermera design – also delivers the perfect contrast to the matt blue exterior paintwork.

An inexhaustible range

Ad Personam offers an inexhaustible range possibilities for bringing a completely unique style to the interior and exterior of every Lamborghini. The color and trim designers from Sant’Agata Bolognese have also created exceptionally exclusive equipment offerings for the entire product range. The extended leather finish, for example, enables the allure of the first-class natural product to be raised even further. Only the very finest quality leathers are used. The seats alone offer infinite possibilities through a vast range of color options for leather and Alcantara ®, two-tone contrasts, material mixes, stitching and piping in contrasting colors, as well as the diamond-stitched pattern of the seat squabs, known as Q-citura.

The exceptionally hi-tech carbon fiber material provides a hint of the racetrack, with elements such as the control panel for the air conditioning and the hand brake boasting a carbon fiber finish. Further finishing touches for personalizing the exterior include an extended range of wheel options and brake calipers in yellow and silver.

Within applicable vehicles, Lamborghini can comply with virtually any customer’s desire in vehicle individualization. The boundaries are set, however, by Lamborghini’s own quality demands, which apply to all modifications carried out. When a new Lamborghini exactly meets personal expectations in terms of colors, materials and trim, then aesthetic perfection has been achieved.

Novitec 500 Photos

Hamann Black Miracle (Ferrari F430) Photos

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Photos