Alfa Romeo Milano: BMW 1-Series Rival Caught on Video

Alfa Romeo's MiTo sport hatch will soon get a big brother in the form of the 147's replacement that abandons the firm's numerical system in favor of the more 'sensual' Milano name. Spied here on film at Nurburgring, the Milano is still under heavy disguise but it is evident that the hatchback's styling will be influenced by the smaller MiTo which in turn was inspired by the 8c Competizione.

Based on Fiat's new C-Evo platform, the Milano will be offered with an extensive range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines producing up to more than 200 horsepower. The five-door model will compete in the premium hatchback market along with the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series.

The Milano's official presentation, which has been constantly delayed due to various reasons including the economic slowdown, is now expected to take place either at the Frankfurt show in September or, most likely, at next year's Geneva Salon. For more details and spy shots of the Milano, click here to read our previous post.

Via: Worldcarfans

Spy Shots: Ferrari Testing California with HGTE Sport Package at the Nurburgring?

Our spies have caught a mysterious Ferrari California performing test runs on the Nurburgring race track. According to our photographers, there were two Ferrari test drivers on hand that changed positions behind the steering wheel every so often and that the California featured the usual electronic equipment you find on test cars. Since the California has already been launched, there are two plausible explanations.

The first thing that leaps into mind is that Ferrari may be tweaking the California for future updates while another explanation is that the Italian automaker is readying a Handling GT Evoluzione sport package for their entry-level coupe cabriolet supercar, similar to the one offered on the 599 GTB Fiorano. Let's not forget that Ferrari's marketing team loves special edition models and packages.

Before we say anything else, let us not that besides the special antenna on the rooftop and the masked patch on the left-hand side of the front bumper, the California test car did not feature any other distinct features.

If Ferrari is indeed working on a HGTE sport package for the California, expect to see a modified suspension setup along with a lower ride height, special tires and a recalibrated seven-speed twin-clutch transmission. If the HGTE sport package for the 599 Fiorano is anything to go by, then minor styling enchantments inside and out as well as new alloy wheels and a sportier exhaust system should also be in the mix.