Forza 4: 2009 Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent

Now that's what I call a beautiful view!

The concept version of the Brera, as seen on the 2002 Geneva Motor Show was a rear-wheel drive machine with a 4-litre V8 mounted longitudinally under the hood but for the production model, launched in 2006, it was available in either a front-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive layout along with the choice of two engines; a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine or a 3.2L V6 engine, both come with direct injection. The 3.2 JTS Q4 is the top-of-the-line model for the Brera, developing 256HP of power and all-wheel-drive, making this the choice for car enthusiasts.

The Brera's design was penned by Italdesign Giugiaro, the man behind the looks of historic Alfas such as the Giulia Sprint of the 60's and the Alfetta GT from the 70's. The Brera's design was applied on the 156 in 2003 and the Alfa 159, making it the brand's signature look back then.

2009 sees the arrival of a special Italia Independent model in association with Italia Independent, an Italian design company. Limited to 900 units and named after Alfa Romeo's partner in the venture, the Italia Independent edition of the Brera was offered with opaque-finish "titanium" paintwork, 18" "turbine" style alloy wheels and an aluminium fuel-filler cap.

Production ended in 2010 but remaining stocks continued until it sold out in 2011.

James May drove this one while Jeremy Clarkson's on the Audi TT Mk2 and Richard Hammond in the Mazda RX-8 on the Series 9 Episode 2 of Top Gear where the boys compare the Audi TT, Mazda RX-8 and Alfa Romeo Brera in Scotland.

Forza 4: 2007 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Thriller? Not quite...

The 8C name was derived from the legendary engine which had made Alfa Romeo famous for their racing pedigree from the 1920's, that was designed by the famous Vittorio Jano.

It was the very first FR Alfa Romeo coupe ever made since the SZ and the front view of the 8C incorporates the brand's new signature look that adorned current Alfa models such as the MiTo. This car is limited up to 500 units (which sold out very quickly) and it was built at the same factory as its stablemate, the Maserati GranTurismo.

It weighs about 1575kg and its weight distribution towards the rear at 49 to 51, thanks to its steel frame with carbon. Most aspects of the power unit is shared with Maserati but Alfa Romeo tweaked its performance and sound. The 4.7L V8 engine generates 444HP of power and it's matched with a trans-axle Q select 6-speed semi automatic.

This car set a lap time at the Top Gear Test Track in 01:38.2 in very wet conditions as seen in Series 11 Episode 4 of Top Gear.

It was featured in Jeremy Clarkson's 2008 DVD titled Thriller alongside the Maserati GranTurismo and the Aston Martin DBS. Jeremy Clarkson said that this car is HORRID.

Welcome Back: 2008 Alfa Romeo MiTo

Alfa Romeo used to have so many models but as of now, Alfa Romeo now only has two models; the MiTo and the Giulietta. Can't believe it's been reduced to a two-model brand but Alfa's future seems to be bright indeed...or is it? Besides, Alfa's future's looking bleak due to the economy right now. In the meantime, how about taking a spin on the MiTo, the baby Alfa?

Cheap and cheerful Alfa

The Alfa Romeo MiTo served as the compact of the Alfa Romeo lineup while it shares the same platform as the Fiat Punto.

The MiTo naming was meant to be a combination of cities Milan and Turin because it was designed in Milan and built in Turin but it can also be derived from the word "mito" meaning "myth" or "legend".

It was the first to come with the new Alfa DNA system which allows the owner to switch between three different modes; Dynamic, Normal, and All-Weather. The Alfa DNA system changes the behavior of the MiTo's engine, brakes, steering, suspension, and gearbox.

When it was first launched in 2008, this car won numerous awards and accolades such as Quattroruote "New Car of the Year", Quattroruote "My favorite cars" in small cars category, Repubblica.it "Most beautiful car of 2008", Survey of automotive press (February ‘09) Poland "Auto lider 2008", "Motor" and "Auto Moto" (February ‘09) Poland "Top cars of 2008", and  "Motor" e "Auto Moto" (February ‘09) Poland "Most beautiful car of 2008".

Richard Hammond drove the Alfa MiTo while Jeremy Clarkson's in a Skoda Roomster and James May's in a Toyota iQ on the Small Cars Challenge from Top Gear Season 13 Episode 3.

It reminded me of all the hard work I've done...

Trying to give this car back to life...

This looks like the one I have in my old GT2 video game, back when my sort of antique was a PSOne. Although I have to be honest that this is the Alfa Romeo 155, the one that is famous for being a touring car years ago. You'd never know that all that glory came to this car is what made the Alfa 155 special even though it was just a replacement of the Alfa 75.

While the V6 TI racer was been in some museum, the old 155 sedan was left to rot until Forza Motorsport 4 rediscovered this car via the ALMS Car Pack and now, I decided to give this car one final mission.

Back at the fast lane

I'd never realize that I got the chance to drive this car again. This takes me all back to my childhood memories. The Tahiti, the sunset, Rome, Seattle, the ovals, everything. That takes me all back. Anyway, the car...

The 155 served as the replacement to the Alfa Romeo 75 and despite it has more dimensions than the 75, the 75's rear wheel drive system has been ditched in favor of front wheel drive system because of cost cutting issues. That seems to be odd but this FF layout, according to Alfa fans, spoiled the sporting pedigree of the Alfa Romeo brand.

This car tries to show its racing pedigree

There it is again, a normal family saloon car!

That seems to be odd but aside from the FF layout, Alfa Romeo did offered a Q4 variant, which comes with the 4WD layout derived from the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale, the one that won six WRC races in the trot. Under the hood lies a turbocharged 2.0L engine that produces 137 kW (190 PS) of power and 291 N·m of torque. It can go 0-60 in 7 seconds and top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).

When I handle the 155 Q4, the grip makes it feel like I'm driving a Lancia Delta Integrale in so many ways and it's just so easy to drive so you don't need to worry about messing around with the steering because the 155's handling understands what you're saying. What I'm looking now is a Delta Integrale in Alfa Romeo's notchback clothing and I was very impressed with it. There is always a reminder that you can't be a true petrolhead without driving an Alfa Romeo and we all kinda stick to it, even in Forza Motorsport 4.

Just like old days....

Despite tarnished reputation, the 155 joined numerous touring car challenges to further enhanced its reputation via the the Supertouring-homologated GTA and the V6 TI for the DTM. Between 1992 and 1994, the 155 managed to take the Italian Superturismo championship, the German DTM championship (both with Nicola Larini at the wheel), the Spanish Touring Car Championship (with Adrián Campos), and the British Touring Car Championship (with Gabriele Tarquini). The most iconic was the 155 V6 TI because it has a record of 38 wins (plus 3 other non championship races). The victories were obtained by seven different drivers: 17 (+1) Nicola Larini, 13 (+1) Alessandro Nannini, 2 Stefano Modena, 2 (+1) Christian Danner, 2 Michael Bartels, 1 Kris Nissen and 1 Gabriele Tarquini.

That sounds convincing but I want to give the normal 155 the honor it has to be deserved just like the 155 V6 TI racer. I want to give this to The Stig...

...and across the line!

There we are, the Alfa Romeo 155 has the recognition it deserved and my car did it in...1:33.029, not bad for a car that gained a 38 win record to enhance its image that was tarnished because of its FF layout that was disliked by most fans because they still prefer the 75 over its FR layout. The unsung hero finally got the recognition it deserved...

Honorable mentioned by Top Gear

V8 Road Runners

A beautiful scenery

Swiss background is very lovely

Gran Turismo meets GranTurismo, very lovely...

Now this is quite a thrill...

GranTurismo tackling through the driving heaven

...because what we have here on Gran Turismo 5 is a front-engine rear-wheel drive GT car. A 4.7-litre, 183 mph V8 roadrunner. This car is wonderful and overall, this is a Maserati GranTurismo S, which if you're 700 to 13 or 14 years old means a lot.

Maserati taking a day-off in Japan

Maserati was founded in 1914 and it won several races when Enzo Ferrari wasn't even born yet. In 1957, courtesy of racing driver J.M. Fangio, a legendary Maserati 250F won the world championship. To men with beards and adenoids, a Maserati with a big steering wheel and cross pipe tyres is Debbie does Dallas. You would think that with such heritage mixed with a cocktail of technology comes with a big surprise when you're driving a Maserati and spicing up your thriller sense but sadly, it doesn't.

I was expecting that this Maserati GranTurismo S will amaze me with its perfect mix of luxury and sportiness but to me, it's a bit boring for me. It doesn't give me such thrillers every time my foot is on the gas pedal. Sure it has a fixed-setting steel dampers or the optional Sky Hook adaptive suspension feature but they're not enough to please me. Not enough to make me smile. It feels like I'm sitting a massaging chair and reading a good book for a spare time. Mmmmm.....

Trident smoking is hazardous to my mind...

In terms of Pininfarina design, the Maserati GranTurismo isn't quite a sightseeing stuff for me. The front is too big and the rims are too gaudy. It maybe a 4.7-litre 183 mph V8 roadrunner that rides comfortably as a long distance cruiser but for thrills, that doesn't work...

I'm sure The Stig left the keys to this car somewhere...

How about this? It's the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, their first attempt to create a supercar. Sure it may have the same 4.7L V8 I'd expect from the Maserati GranTurismo S but it's a bit detuned. It produces 331 kW (450 PS; 444 hp) of power, 480 N·m (350 lb·ft) of torque, and it has a top speed of 292 km/h (181 mph). It has a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox mounted at the back, double-wishbone suspension, bigger brakes, carbon fiber body and this car is truly a thoroughbred.

Alfa Romeo made a V8 supercar?

There is a simple Top Gear dialog that you can't be a true petrolhead without an Alfa Romeo but this 8C, a limited-to-500-units special edition supercar, is the best Alfa Romeo petrolheads could ever have.

In the days of black-and-white television, Alfa Romeo is one of the world's greatest racing team and as a matter of fact, Enzo Ferrari began his racing career there. In the 1950's, Alfa Romeo won many races in years and their racing pedigree has been preserved for years. Surely the Maserati has records of motorsport history but for Alfa, this is how they all began.

From the looks of it, it's horrid

Because it was made in the same factory as the Maserati, it doesn't pack too much thrill to me and...Jeremy Clarkson's right because THE 8C IS HORRID! Horrid when it comes to its exterior design because it looks like Ju-On The Grudge meets Sadako from The Ring if you know what I mean. Also horrid was the gearbox and then the suspension that Alfa claims that they made it so firm but when potholes came...ouch. It feels like you're going to get some serious osteoporosis here.

Horrid, isn't it?

It feels wayward, uncomfortable, and it feels like an American muscle car. It even sounds like one. It doesn't feel that fast every time when your foot is on the pedal. Imagine that, Eiger in Switzerland, ribbon of asphalt, driving heaven, all ruined by this...Alfa Romeo 8C. Even it is rather disappointed, the Alfa Romeo 8C is a wonderful car, it's one of the best looking supercars I have ever seen and that's all it is.

Modena Exotica

These two are not the biggest thrill

The Maserati GranTurismo S may be more comfortable and the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione may be better looking but for me, I'm afraid these two doesn't work and for me...I could do better than those...

I AM GIULIETTA. I'M AT FORZA MOTORSPORT 4

Alfa Romeo Giulietta in Japan

Here's a completely true story happened to me. You see, back in the summer, I pre-ordered Forza Motorsport 4 at Gamestop's Westfield Southcenter branch because most people who pre-ordered Forza 4 at all Gamestop branches will receive a Alfa Romeo Giulietta as a pre-order bonus they can use it on the game. On the date Forza Motorsport 4 arrived, I came back to Gamestop Westfield Southcenter to pick it up. I was going to try the Giulietta but then, hours later, the receipt where the code for the Giulietta is written is gone. My chance to try out the award-winning Alfa Giulietta had been wiped out. Now, wherever I see a Giulietta on my sight, I felt completely traumatized after a loss of my receipt but until now, when the Launch Bonus DLC made to be available for the public, I felt completely relieved and I finally got the chance to try out the Alfa Romeo Giulietta on Forza Motorsport 4. Guess I owe them a thank you letter for them.

Anyway, about the Giulietta, it was revealed at the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show and it was on sale in Italy since May 2010. There was a commercial for the Giulietta starring Uma Thurman and that line, which turns out to be one of Shakespeare's quotes, really suits both the actress and the car itself. However, this here is the hardcore Quadrifoglio Verde variant of the award winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback. This variant comes with the 1750 TBi engine that produces 232HP of power and 340Nm of torque. This helps the Giulietta QV to go from naught to 60 in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 150mph.

The Giulietta is Alfa Romeo's most emotional hatchback ever made and it garnered most awards and accolades.

Hammond's Cheap Alfa RELOADED

This is the enhanced version of the Spider
Richard Hammond should be getting instead!!!!

An Alfa Romeo Series 3 Spider appeared on a certain Top Gear episode and this was Richard Hammond's cheap Alfa. We poke fun at him when his cheap Alfa suffered from a broken water pump, and he was left behind when being towed by James May's Alfa wasn't became a good idea.

 

To add consideration for Hamster's Alfa, it was included at Forza Motorsport 4 via the December IGN DLC pack but this is not the normal Series 3 Spider. This here is the 1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Quadrifoglio Verde. This is Hammond's cheap Alfa, reloaded.

Take note, the seats were made from
Jeremy Clarkson's jacket!!

With such tweaks such as side skirts, mirrors, front and rear spoilers, hard rubber trunk spoilers, and 15-inch rims, I'm sure Richard Hammond would be happy to know about..THIS IS WHAT HAMMO'S SUPPOSED TO GET BEFORE THE ALFA ROMEO CHALLENGE!!! Anyway, because it was included at Forza Motorsport 4 via the December IGN DLC pack, players are going to get Alfa-ritis, what Top Gear said, when they get their hands on the Alfa Spider. Oh, just don't get involved in the overtaking massacre and driving it on "Track Days" races, this wasn't such a good idea. You won't overtake even the fastest with this one and yes, you will suffer more like Richard Hammond.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta -New-

Alfa Romeo marks the return of the legendary Giulietta name (produced in the 1950's and ended in the 60's, resurrected in the '70s, but terminated again in the 80's) and this time, it is not a sedan, a coupe, or a convertible like how their grandparents remembered. The new Giulietta is now a 5-door hatchback, dedicated to terminate other competitive hatchbacks such as the Opel Astra, Volkswagen Golf, and the Renault Megane.

2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Replacing the decade-old Alfa 147 was a hard thing to do for the new Giulietta, but resurrecting a "more than 5-decade-old name" was essentially a manly act to follow for Alfa Romeo. Previously known as the Milano from the spy shots, the new Giulietta is a light shining in the light for hatchback lovers from across the European continent. With the exterior posing Alfa Romeo's new design language found at the 8C super sports car, and the MiTo compact, the Giulietta was the hatchback made as a "reward of the goddess.” When a customer peeks at the new Giulietta's side, it confuses them by thinking it is a 3-door hatchback, but honestly, this is a 5-door hatchback. It is because of the secret rear doors (seen on the GM Daewoo Matiz Creative and the upcoming Nissan Juke crossover) equipped as a surprise.

2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

The Giulietta's interior is packed with the race-inspired cockpit that gives drivers an edge-of-the-seat fun that feels like they are racing the streets in the racecar, which in reality, they were seating on a normal production car.

2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta interior

There are several engines to choose from to give the Giulietta some chances to brink into the roads, ranging from the entry-level 1.4 TB, 1.6L MultiJet diesel, 2.0L MultiJet diesel, 1.4 TB MultiAir, and the high-end 1750 TBi (available only at the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde). With these engines available as of press time, you can rest assured that finding which engine suitable for the Giuletta is a tough-but-easy act to follow.

With Vehicle Dynamics Control, Dynamic Steering Torque, electronic differential, and the Alfa DNA selector added, the Giulietta is built for safety and performance enhancing purposes. Once more, it strives to obtain a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP, meaning only the safest Italian ride is definitely the smartest.

My thoughts about the Giulietta:
Alfa Romeo, if you were back in our Philippine fleet, one of us can try your seductive power of the Giulietta. If I meant to say this phrase, maybe Filipinos like us to wish that Alfa Romeo will return to our shores with a new distributor so we can try this awesome hatchback on the streets of EDSA. Despite all this, the legendary Giuletta name makes a comeback in hatchback form, and most rivals will be unhappy to see the new Giulietta in action. Will the Giulietta become the next big thing for Alfa Romeo?