Alfa Giulia GTAm – best Alfa Romeo ever

Alfa Romeo have made 70 models in their 100 year history. 2010 just happens to be the centenary year of the famous Italian marque, so what better time to work out which car Alfa fans (that’s Alfisti to you and I) think is the best Alfa made to date. As the article title suggests the Giulia GTAm won the poll, with a narrow margin over the 8C Competizione. Voting was conducted via the Alfa Centenary website.

The Alfa Giulia GTAm, which was voted as the best Alfa veer by 20.4 per cent of the overall tally, is based on the 1750 GT Veloce production model. It managed to win the 1970 European Touring Car Championship with driver Toine Hezemans at the wheel.

Coming in a close second with 19.8 percent of the votes was the 8c Competizione supercar, the fastest and most capable Alfa Romeo to date. But that's what you'd expect from a $180,000 (£123,000) supercar.

“The Giulia GTAm was a great Alfa and a deserved winner. It’s really interesting to see how people voted in the poll. We all have our favorites which is testament to the fantastic cars Alfa Romeo has produced over the past century.” For those of you interested, the latest GTAm is on sale in dealerships across the UK.






Press release

Although Alfa Romeo has to date created more than 70 models in its rich 100 year history, it all came down to a battle between just two iconic Alfas in a poll of fans’ favourites, initiated to celebrate the Italian marque’s centenary year.

And it was the Alfa Giulia GTAm that came top of the poll, beating the 8C Competizione supercar to the chequered flag with less than one percent more of the vote.

The Alfa Giulia GTAm, which gained 20.4 per cent of the overall tally, derived from the standard 1750 GT Veloce production model, and secured its place in the Alfa Romeo elite by winning the 1970 European Touring Car Championship in the hands of Dutchman Toine Hezemans. The votes for this poll were collected from admirers and owners – known as Alfisti - who submitted photos of their Alfas to the alfacentenary.co.uk website to create a unique piece of mosaic artwork.

The GTAm and Alfa’s current supercar, the 8C Competizione, led the way against a shortlist of classics including the 2900 B Le Mans, Alfasud and the 156 GTA.

A worthy runner-up with 19.8 per cent, the 8C Competizione - worth more than £123,000 - debuted as a concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003 and went on to be produced in 2008 as a limited edition model of just 500 examples and selling out almost immediately. The car’s name derives from Alfa’s world famous 8 cylinder (8C) engine and the marque’s racing pedigree.

The Alfa Spider Duetto, widely regarded as a design classic, finished in third place with 16.01 per cent of the vote. This car was first launched in 1966 and famously starred in the legendary film The Graduate in 1967, alongside Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft.

Alfa Romeo UK Brand Communications manager, Damien Dally, says: “The Giulia GTAm was a great Alfa and a deserved winner. It’s really interesting to see how people voted in the poll. We all have our favourites which is testament to the fantastic cars Alfa Romeo has produced over the past century.”

The latest five-door Alfa Giulietta model, which takes styling cues from the iconic 8C Competizione, is now on sale in dealerships across the UK. For further information visit www.alfaromeo.co.uk

2011 Nissan Murano

All versions of the 2011 Muranos will feature the VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6, which is rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque.  The well-regarded engine is mated to an Xtronic CVT, and depending upon model is offered in either front-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration.

2011 Nissan Murano's exterior is an altered front end that has already debuted in other parts of the world and is finally making its way to the U.S. Nissan is going for what it calls a "modern art" feel and look. The front fascia features a new grille, more pronounced lines on the lower bumper cover, and redesigned foglight housings. The Murano's signature chromed vertical grille bars are reduced in number and the net effect is a more defined nose that might earn a second look from the local valet.

There is also a new SV trim level slotting above the base S configuration, making the Murano’s trim hierarchy S, SV, SL, and LE. The SV model includes touches like power lumbar on the driver’s seat, a backup camera with seven-inch LCD screen, and iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. An auto-dimming mirror, heated steering wheel, and nine-speaker Bose sound system join the SL model’s standard-equipment list; the Murano LE scores new interior wood accents.

Nissan has added equipment to the various trim levels, including new audio and entertainment gear. Notably, SV and SL models pick up Bluetooth and iPod connectivity as standard equipment. The SL also gets Bose audio as standard.




Press Release

2011 Nissan Murano Features Redesigned Exterior, Refined Interior and New SV Trim Level

– Early Look Provided Prior to New Murano's Mid-October Availability –

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today released information and photography of the new, refined 2011 Nissan Murano, which is set to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in mid-October. The second generation Nissan Murano, introduced just two years ago, now offers a refreshed grille and bumper design, new taillights, a new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design and a number of interior and content refinements – all intended to keep Murano's visually distinctive styling fresh and exciting.

Also for 2011, two new models have been added to the lineup, SV FWD and SV AWD, for a total of eight models, providing Murano buyers with the widest range ever of equipment and features to match their exact needs and budgets. Other changes include the addition of one new exterior color, Graphite Blue, and a new wood grain hue on Murano LE models.

"With its contemporary exterior design, 'mobile suite' interior, advanced technology and refined, premium driving feel, Murano stands out as a modern crossover SUV like no other," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "With the enhancements for 2011, there are even more reasons for consumers to put Murano on the top of their shopping lists."

All 2011 Muranos feature a standard VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 rated at 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque on regular unleaded gasoline, and an advanced Xtronic CVT™ that provides a sporty and smooth driving experience. Murano is available in front-wheel drive or with an Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system, and all Muranos come with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) standard. Murano is built on Nissan's proven "D" platform, which provides a solid foundation and lightweight suspension components, dual flow path shock absorbers and a twin-orifice speed-sensitive power steering system.

The most striking visual element of the 2011 Murano is once again its dramatic body, which imparts a "modern art" feel while still maintaining its distinctive "Murano-ness." The front end features a bold grille with new, revised design and wide front headlights, a wide hood that sweeps into the bodylines, powerful wheel arches and an aggressive stance with available 20-inch wheels. Murano's rear end features a unique rear glass shape, integrated rear roof spoiler, large redesigned rear LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers.

Murano is also offered with an available dual panel power sliding glass moonroof with 2nd row skylight, adding to its open, airy interior feeling. Inside, Murano offers high levels of warmth and luxury – with available wood and aluminum accents, a 60/40 fold-flat rear seat with power return, heated front and rear seats, power liftgate and RearView Monitor.

Interior enhancements for 2011 include a new white meter color, new center stack colors and added equipment to various trim levels – driver's seat with power lumbar support (SV), RearView Monitor (SV), 7.0-inch color monitor (SV), auto dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver (SL) and heated steering wheel (SL). New audio and entertainment features range from the addition of standard iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System to SV models to a Bose® audio system with nine speakers plus dual subwoofers for SL models. Other available technology includes an advanced touch screen Nissan Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box™ hard drive.

The 2011 Murano is offered in eight well-equipped models: S FWD, S AWD, SV FWD, SV AWD, SL FWD, SL AWD, LE FWD and LE AWD.

About Nissan in North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com.