Tag: Alfa Romeo

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Cars

Alfa Romeo MiTo vs Racing Bike in Silverstone

Alfa Romeo MiTo, my all time favourite car. I know many people say, it is Alfa Romeo and etc etc etc. But truth is not like that, thanks to Fiat engineering and innovative technology, MiTo is the combination of art and engineering. Literally, the perfect! Who said this? Leonardo DaVinci!
Recently, Alfa Romeo UK decided to create a viral video for the Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde SBK Limited Edition. This MiTo is powered by 1.4-lt Quadrifoglio engine with 180 HP of power and Brembo brakes with the optional carbon fibre pack! Let’s go back to topic, MiTo SBK viral video is based on MiTo and racing bike.
This may sound a bit usual but the reality is, bike overtakes the MiTo while the car was on two wheels in a corner and on a wet surface in Silverstone Circuit. Don’t worry nothing gone wrong, if something was gone you would have heard on TV.
Pictures’ Copyrights
Alfa Romeo
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Cars

Alfa Romeo 4C is Coming!

Alfa Romeo 4C is the new sport cars from the Italian manufacturer. 4C is expected to feature 1.8-lt turbo petrol engine with 230 HP with double clutch automatic gearbox and top speed of 250 km/h. 
But nothing is official except this photo.
Picture’s Copyright
Alfa Romeo
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Cars

Goodwood Festival of Speed: Alfa Romeo MiTo

Alfa Romeo MiTo! Here is my favourite car. Alfa Romeo launched the TwinAir engine model during the Goodwood Festival of Speed event. MiTo TwinAir model is powered a 0,875-lt petrol engine that produces 85 PS of power and produces only 98 g/km CO2. This means, in UK you don’t need to pay road tax and no congestion charge for London.
And there was a live DJ in Alfa Romeo stand :)

  

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Cars

New Audi A3

New Audi A3, I totally forgot to upload the photos. When the Audi revealed the previous A3 in 2003, A3 was the best-looking car on market. The front look and interior was totally set a new benchmark for the market. I can still clearly remember, how people were rushing into A3 in 2003 and in following years.
And now, new Audi A3 is revealed but it didn’t create the same sensation like the previous A3. Its exterior and interior is better but it is not ground breaking. Actually, Audi did not wish to reveal a radical design change to scare customers and stick on the existing concept. Therefore, new Audi A3 will not be like the previous model. I am not criticizing, this happened with Ford Focus as well. When a company sets a benchmark so high, it is really hard to improve or increase it again with the new product. It looks really well-made and nice but, I still go for Alfa Romeo Giulietta!
Engine options are; petrols are 1.2-lt 105 PS, 2-lt 211 PS and diesels are 1.6-lt 105 PS, 2-lt 180 PS. Don’t worry, new engines will be available soon!

Pictures’ Copyrights
Audi
Categories
Cars

New Kia cee’d vs World!

New Kia cee’d, many of you will say this “come on, Kia !?!” Yes, I am writing about new Kia cee’d. Because, in last five years Kia had changed itself totally from the scratch! I am very serious about this, starting from their design philosophy to their head office interior design. Everything in Kia has changed! Therefore, Kia cee’d is worth to write :)
Honestly, I never thought that, one day I write these following sentences. New Kia cee’d has the best front-exterior design on its segment, it is so well designed I can compare with Alfa Romeo Giulietta without any regret. Actually, Kia has a way better-looking interior design than the rest of its competitors. Such as; Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Alfa Romeo Giulietta.
Kia cee’d improvements are not limited the design, Kia cee’d also offers new engines and transmissions. New 1.4-lt (98 PS) and 1.6-lt (133) petrol engines, 1.4-lt (89 PS) and 1.6-lt (126 PS) diesel engines. In addition, there is a new double clutch automatic gearbox option. Also, there is an option of 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat in Kia cee’d. The option list goes forever, actually Kia cee’d seems to turn into a German car with this list! Don’t worry new Kia cee’d has an independent rear suspension that will improve the handling and the comfort!
I can clearly say new Kia Cee’d will be a strong competitor in a short time of period!
Kia cee’d range – performance and economy
Model
Power
bhp
Torque
Nm
0-60
sec
Max speed
mph
Combined
mpg
‘1’ 1.4 6-speed manual
98
137
12.4
113
47.1
‘1’ 1.4 CRDi 6-speed manual
89
220
13.0
106
68.9
‘1’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG
126
260
11.5
122
76.3
‘2’ 1.4 6-speed manual
98
137
12.4
113
46.3
‘2’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed manual ISG
133
164
9.8
118
52.3
‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG
126
260
11.5
122
74.3
‘2’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed auto
126
260
11.3
116
51.4
‘3’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed manual ISG
133
164
9.8
118
52.3
‘3’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed DCT
133
164
10.4
121
46.3
‘3’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG
126
260
11.5
122
74.3
‘4’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed manual ISG
133
164
TBC
TBC
TBC
‘4’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed DCT
133
164
10.4
121
46.3
‘4’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG
126
260
TBC
TBC
TBC
‘4 Tech’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed manual ISG
133
164
9.8
118
TBC
‘4 Tech’ 1.6 GDI 6-speed DCT
133
164
10.4
121
46.3
‘4 Tech’ 1.6 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG
126
260
TBC
TBC
TBC

Pictures’ Copyrights
Kia
Categories
Cars

Sexy Fiat 500 Abarth Advertisement

I don’t know how this happened but I missed to post this advertisement of Fiat 500 Abarth during the Super Bowl. As I mentioned before, Fiat 500 is available in US and they also introduced the Abarth version. Abarth is involved with performance tuning for Fiat vehicles and they have been doing this for quite long time. Last time they tuned the 500, the engine was so big they had to cut the engine bonnet to close it proper. Basically, the engine was partially outside! Hopefully, this time everything is packed under the bonnet.
This advertisement is probably the best Fiat 500 advertisement. I really love the engagement of an attractive Italian woman with a performance focused 500. Usually, performance version is more focused on muscular notions and many brands never place a female character. However, Fiat tried to emphasise the attractiveness and elegance of the 500 Abarth through this way.
Before I finish, this advertisement has some similar bits with last year’s Alfa Romeo MiTo online advertisement. Alfa Romeo UK, released an interactive online advertisement for the MiTo and scenario was based on a sexy Italian woman. And I found some similar bits with MiTo’s advertisement such as her mood change. In MiTo’s advertisement, her mood was changing so rapidly and you had to control her. In 500 Abarth’s advertisement it happens in the same way.

Videos’ Copyrights
Fiat, Alfa Romeo

Categories
Cars

Interview with Frank Stephenson

My trip to McLaren Technology HQ and interview Frank Stephenson (Design Director of McLaren).

Firstly I would like to start with Frank. He is the design director of McLaren and worked in Ford, BMW, Mini, Ferrari, Maserati, Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo and McLaren. You can find more information on interview. I had a great time with Frank in McLaren; he toured me around the building and showed every single place. The McLaren is really huge and I cannot define how it looks wonderful! After today, I can clearly say, Frank is a great designer and also a very nice person; and passionate with this work. When you listen to him, you understand the meaning of being a designer. And explain the designing a car with very simple words. I cannot ignore his passion to motorcycle. Honestly, after I had chat with him my perception towards motorcycle are changed. I never approach to them from the perspective Frank described me. You can find more about him in interview where you can find below.

Let’s go back to McLaren headquarters in Woking, UK. Woking is a very nice, small city, silent, relaxing and lots of green. Inside the green, there is the McLaren HQ. The structure of the building totally part of the nature, there is an artificial lake, precisely placed tree. While I was there, the view from the window was like a canvas. The building and nature so well integrated with each other and you would never think that McLaren is producing cars here, but they do.

I want to talk about the building a little bit more. It is a total perfection, everything is perfectly designed, measurement are precise. The air is in same temperature in each room, there is no thermal shock here. You don’t feel the cold weather from outside. And they achieved to isolate the smell in the food court from the rest of the building. By maintaining different air pressures.

The front part of the building is covered with glass and there are some curves. When it was first made, the wind was vibrating the glass. And McLaren F1 engineers designed a metal structure to eliminate this vibration through F1 technology.

And the corridors, when you first get inside you have the feeling that, I am in a James bond movie. Everywhere is perfect white, no dust or dirt at all. You go from tunnels, take lift with circular glass doors. There is nothing can annoy you with the building. Don’t think that, it is just limited with the management part.

I visited the manufacturing site of MP4-12C, where they produce the car. Manufacturing plant is usually involves with dirt, oil, bad odour. However, it looks cleaner than hospitals. I am extremely serious! The manufacturing site is so clean, and you started to question your personal cleanliness.

The paint shop? It is supposed to be dirty but it is cleaner than my five start hotels! Each car is painted by hand with people who are expert on their job. Perfection does not finish here, McLaren does not paint the parts of the cars separately. In order to sustain the same level of paint, all parts are painted together.

Later on, the rain test. I was expecting to see some water but no! They test each car with rain test and no single drop at all. And last, the high speed test inside a glass room. It is also supposed to smell exhaust gas but again there is no smell at all.

I saw manufacturing plants but I have never seen something like this on earth. And possibly cannot see in future as well. Even the manufacturing team wear Hugo Boss dresses from head to toe! They don’t have that ugly dresses like in other companies.

The MP4-12C, I witness to each stage of this car manufacturing. From naked chassis to ready for delivery. The manufacturing is so perfect, there is nothing wrong with the car. It is built like a luxury sedan. Parts are matching with no gap, the door is opened by sliding your fingers. The rear air brake works with hydraulic and acts as a proper air brake like in an airplane. One other example, navigation screen placed vertical to keep the car narrow!

The best part is the front head lights, at night you see the McLaren’s logo illuminated with LEDs and fins of sharks below it.

Lastly, McLaren is going to reveal more models! I don’t want to give more details. But I assure that, Veyron will not be alone anymore.

From what I see today, if you are planning to buy an exclusive sports cars. There is only one choice, McLaren MP4-12C. From design studio to customer delivery preparation, everything is perfect!

Is that all from McLaren, of course not ;) I want to keep some secret…

For more photo: Facebook Gallery

And here is my interview with Frank Stephenson

Categories
Cars

Car of the Day # 26 Alfa Romeo Spider Matte

Some people don’t like it, some people love it! That’s that matte paint. I liked it with the Alfa Romeo Spider.
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Cars

Alfa Romeo MiTo: Louise Dear

People who read my blog frequently know that Alfa Romeo MiTo is one my favourite car. Besides its technological features, it offers an exquisite design that cannot be found on its competitors. MiTo is a vehicle, which combine a perfect design harmony with its front and rear. Usually, when you notice a beautifully shaped front in a car, it may not end up with a beautifully shaped rear! Regardless of the price tag, I have noticed this with many vehicles. However, Alfa Romeo achieved to make a small car with state-of-art design and did not price with lots of numbers. Basically, MiTo is the best looking car for its price! You cannot buy something better looking than a MiTo.
That’s enough with the MiTo! Today, I went to Mailbox shopping centre at Birmingham. This is not something unusual, so why I do mention it! From 28 July to 31 July, Mailbox holds an event with Alfa Romeo and Castle Art Gallery. This might sound a bit interesting, Alfa Romeo and an art gallery!
Alfa Romeo recently revealed a new engine option for MiTo. It is called 1.3 JTDM-2, I know it is not the best branded product, and sounds like a tail number of a plane. But this diesel engine is amazing, despite its small size, it manages to generate 85 horse power and massive 200 nm of torque. For people, who have no idea about torque; 200 nm from a 1.3 lt diesel engine is something really unexpected! And despite its unusual power output, it only pops out only 95g/km CO2 and this eliminates the London Congestion charge. This means, you can go around the London without paying anything all day, honestly there is no point to do this but if you will buy this car you might try it one day! And additional information for emerging markets, this car has a very small engine and this means very low tax!!!
Okay, I am back to art event. Alfa Romeo decided to celebrate this new engine with a respectful artist, Louise Dear. Louise’s “Because I Can” work was printed and covered on this new MiTo model and it will be shown around the UK.
Louise has a different way of painting, in terms automotive she is closer to Audi! She paints her works on aluminium, like Audi uses aluminium to manufacture cars. When I first heard this, I was a bit surprised. An artist uses a technological material as a painting surface. Honestly, this is more spectacular than the MiTo’s 1.3 lt diesel engine. Aluminium gives a unique look to her paints, the curves and edges of aluminium generate a very aesthetic view. I am not an art expert but from my point of view, aluminium changes the way her paints look.
One of the best parts of Because I Can work, there are some hidden Alfa Romeo logos. When you look at the paint, you don’t notice them at the first time but when you look at second time, you notice that bits of Alfa Romeo logos placed very careful inside the composition. Placing car logos into an art work is as hard as producing high amount of torque from a small diesel engine!
Unfortunately, I cannot talk anymore! If you want to see this exquisite work, please visit these places and see the MiTo and Louise’s work.

My suggestion for Alfa Romeo; offer this paint work as a limited edition. The material printed to cover the MiTo is robust enough to resist adverse weather conditions. And it will be a very unique limited edition Alfa Romeo that will be remembered in future. Just limited to 100!

Mailbox (Birmingham)
Preview Evening 28 July, 6-9pm
Exhibition runs until 31 July

Norwich
Exhibition runs 4 August – 7 August

Cardiff
Preview evening 11 August, 6-9pm
Exhibition runs until 14 August

http://www.louisedear.com/

http://www.castlegalleries.com/alfaromeo/

The rest of photos are available on Facebook Pages
https://www.facebook.com/media/albums/?id=197690936912568

Published at: http://uygarr.blogspot.com https://carsandlife.net

Categories
Cars

We want to see more series from Italian Passion :) (Alfa Rome)

Alfa Romeo’s Can You Handle Italian Passion campaign made record viewers in my blog! I can easily say one thing, Alfa Romeo should reveal this campaign to global market :) In my opinion, this is one of the most creative automotive campaign for long time and it will be remembered. Alfa Romeo MiTo’s character transferred to story very well. I think the people in PR team know the car very well! This campaign expresses the MiTo’s both feminine and masculine design concept. Woman has clemency which represents the feminine side and anger which represent masculine side. Unless, these kinds of similarity cannot be made easily.
I have an idea for Alfa Romeo UK and Alfa Romeo Spa (Italy). This campaign should be followed by series of different experience with the same Italian lady on different places. For instance, you can meet her in Eurostar while travelling to Paris and you might have a nice conversation while eating your meals or you might end up with a well done beef on your face! Or, you can notice the same lady in a department store in Istanbul and try to make conversation and try to avoid the high heels to end up in your back! There are lots of stories which can be generated around this concept and it will definitely increase the brand awareness of MiTO and increase the competitive advantage.
Why? Because, it will receive a huge attention and people spend more and more time with this interactive campaign and at the same time, they will get use to Alfa Romeo MiTo more and more, actually they will create an emotional bond with the vehicle. The sexual character of the campaign directly effects our primitive behaviour and we will start feeling emotions to MiTo, in other words MiTo will be in our sub-conscious part ;) Anyway, enough with too much details.
I know that Alfa Romeo UK and Fiat Spa will read this post and I do hope that they will increase the budget and make this campaign global. Lastly, the series should end up somewhere nobody would ever think of ;) If you wish to know my end, just contact with me :) (Kidding!)
Pictures’ Copyrights
Alfa Romeo