[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by Paul-Bracq-BMW

Last 2 interior photos are from the "non QV" versions. Here are more pics of them... Not too shabby for base models I'd say...

The base models even have seriously large paddle shifters (a la Ferrari) that look to be made of aluminium too...

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

Alfa has had great cars for years and yet the 3er is still around.

Its great that BMW has some serious competition because that is what will drive BMW to build better cars. While BMW sales are in a bit of a slump at the moment, I don't think any brand is going to displace the 3er anytime soon.

I have to disagree with you on this: The 3-series in facing very stiff competition now from the C class (especially here in Australia), the Jag X type and new A4 from Audi. With the arrival of the Giulia, the consumer will have an even bigger choice... Brand loyalty nowadays is not what it used to be...

[The Wind Breezes]

Originally Posted by metrickid

What you are referring to as "real carbon fibre" is still CFRP.

LMFAO...what a chump. That's EXACTLY what real carbon fiber is, resin reinforced by carbon fabric.

Also, BMW is doing nothing new with their carbon except mass producing it as unidirectional cloth has been around for as long as carbon fiber. The strength goes along the direction of the fibers so you'll need multiple layers with crossed up orientations to get good strength and rigidity anyhow. The nice looking carbon fiber weaves you're accustomed to seeing are usually just used for the top layer. They're just not adding that layer on the structural composites in cars likes the i3.

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Auto Express review of the 2.2 JTD. Looks to have a sweet chassis...

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Paul-Bracq-BMW

I have to disagree with you on this: The 3-series in facing very stiff competition now from the C class (especially here in Australia), the Jag X type and new A4 from Audi. With the arrival of the Giulia, the consumer will have an even bigger choice... Brand loyalty nowadays is not what it used to be...

You could be right. Time will tell. Historically, it hasn't been an issue. BMW will continue to innovate and build great sports sedans. While some of the 1% or less that frequent this board are pissed about feel and steering and cheap interiors, and whatever, the other 99% of BMW owners will still be buying BMWs as long as they continue building great cars. Alfa, MB, Audi, Lexus, Jag, and others are producing really nice products. There is no way BMW is going to sit back and let their market share get taken without a fight. That competition is good for us, the car buyers.

There have been many BMW contenders over the years and there will be more in the future. My bet is BMW will still be around in years to come as a leader in the sports sedan and luxury sedan market.

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Review of the QV by Autocar...

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

You could be right. Time will tell. Historically, it hasn't been an issue. BMW will continue to innovate and build great sports sedans. While some of the 1% or less that frequent this board are pissed about feel and steering and cheap interiors, and whatever, the other 99% of BMW owners will still be buying BMWs as long as they continue building great cars. Alfa, MB, Audi, Lexus, Jag, and others are producing really nice products. There is no way BMW is going to sit back and let their market share get taken without a fight. That competition is good for us, the car buyers.

There have been many BMW contenders over the years and there will be more in the future. My bet is BMW will still be around in years to come as a leader in the sports sedan and luxury sedan market.

Competition always makes better cars !

[SenorFunkyPants]

Are Alpha really going to market this car in the UK as an auto only?
A market that buys nearly all manuals except high performance cars where the DCT rules.
I certainly can't see sales of the M3/4 being greatly troubled by this car as an auto.

[mjn77]

So, a diesel 178bhp engine or a 503bhp engine.......nothing in between?

[Alfisti]

Yeah everyone saying balance, balance, balance and more balance.

[BuzzE46]

she has a nice ass but that nose and front does remind me of a quirky unpleasant Pontiac feeling. letss ee how reliability is. but I bet it will be an impressive machine and less people will have them so it will show its essence. props to alfa..... but I still want my F80

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Here's the review from Car Magazine...

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by mjn77

So, a diesel 178bhp engine or a 503bhp engine.......nothing in between?

From the US brochure, there will be a 2.0 petrol turbo version with 276HP and 295 lb-ft. 0-60mph in 5.5 secs. It will probably come to other markets such as the UK and Australia as well...

[Never_Enough]

Jag-ish front & Lexus-ish rear IMO. With that said, I like it based on exterior looks. I feel too much $ for not enough performance, though. Let's see how fast they depreciate.

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Pricing seems to be very competitive too... For the French models, they are to be below the comparable models from Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Jaguar. The Alfa also has better standard equipment than the others...

Prices in the US will be lower than below because of lower taxes compared to Europe...

Giulia 2.2 turbo diesel, 136hp: 30,900 euros
Audi A4 2.0 tdi, 122hp: 32,750 euros
BMW 316d, 116hp, 31,950 euros
Mercdes C200d, 35,700 euros

Giulia 2.2 Turbo diesel 150hp: 32,900 euros
Giulia 2.2 turbo diesel 180hp: 39,100 euros (mid (Super) spec, no base version)
Audi A4, 2.0 tdi, 150hp: 34,770 euros
Audi A4 2.0 tdi, 190hp: 37,800 euros
BMW 318d, 150hp: 34,500 euros
BMW 320d, 190hp: 37,900 euros
Mercedes C220d, 170hp: 38,550 euros
Jaguar 2.0d, 163hp: 37,000 euros

Giulia QV 2.9 V6 biturbo, 501hp: 79,000 euros
Audi S5 (no S4 yet), V6 biturbo, 333hp, 71,450 euros
BMW M3: 3.0 il6 biturbo, 431hp: 84,400 euros
Mercedes C63 AMG, 4.0 V8 biturbo, 476hp, 89,650 euros

To give you an idea of the standard equipment in France...
Alfa DNA
AlfaTM Connect System 6.5 '' (radio, MP3, aux-in, Bluetooth)
Start & Stop
anti-collision alert system (FCW) with Pedestrian Detection
Emergency braking system
Crossing warning line
rear Parking sensors
dual-zone automatic air conditioning
Speed ​​regulator
electric parking brake
Rain and light sensors
alloy wheels 16 "
fog lights
LED taillights
Black cloth seats
Leather steering wheel

[fcman]

Originally Posted by FC4

Cool. Just like all those "iPhone killers" which came out over the years, it will soon be forgotten about...

Hate to tell you, but I wouldn't check the price of your AAPL shares if I was you.

[FC4]

Originally Posted by fcman

Hate to tell you, but I wouldn't check the price of your AAPL shares if I was you.

No need to. Business school and working on the buy-side at a bulge bracket taught me never to trade individual stocks. I'm sure Apple is doing perfectly fine against the indices over the last few years.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by fcman

Hate to tell you, but I wouldn't check the price of your AAPL shares if I was you.

Brain hurts.

[PatrikG]

I think the interior is quite spot on, love the steering wheel.

[ShocknAwe]

Love the car and can't wait to drive one. Hope it's reliable. Hah.

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Fairly long video review...

Interesting things with the manual:
- No need to lift the accelerator to upshifts
- Automatic rev match on downshifts, but will recognise if the driver heel&toe and will not activate then


[u2b]

[/u2b]

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Another video review... Always sounds better in Italian ;-)

[u2b]

[/u2b]