Datsun 510: Against All Odds

This very cool vintage film has been brought to our attention. In 1971 Datsun was locked in battle in the Trans American Challenge series with cars built by legend Peter Brock of BRE and piloted by John Morton and Mike Downs to win the 10 race series. This film shot by Datsun and the Sports Car Club of America has rarely been seen in recent years. and chronicles the 1971 season.

This is a great bit of racing history to watch Datsun duke it out against Alfa Romeo, BMW, Fiat and Volvo. It's just a tad under a half hour long and makes for something good to watch during your lunch break. Enjoy!

Coming 2010. Fiat 500!

An anonymous source speaking to Automotive News has said that with the recent announcements on partnering with Chrysler. That Fiat will begin importing the Fiat 500, along with the new Alfa Rome 940 as early as next year. And as an added bonus setting up production in the United States shortly there after in 2011.

I drove a 500 while on vacation in Italy and fell in love with. Hopefulyl we'll get the Abarth tuned versions too.

Source: Automotive News via Autoblog.

2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

It'd be hard to ask for more than what the spectacular Alfa 8C Competizione already offers, but Alfa Romeo intends to do just that. So after announcing the initial run of 500 coupes, Alfa will begin production of 500 roadsters. But in case that weren't enough, reports have been circulating of two new 8Cs to follow. On the one hand we have the 8C's successor, which Alfa's PR people hope will be based on the Ferrari California. On the other we have the more focused GTA version of the current coupe.

While earlier reports suggested that the new second-generation Ferrari-based 8C could arrive in time for Alfa Romeo's 100 year anniversary in 2010, sources now suggest that it will be the 8C GTA that will arrive for the big celebration. Applying the magic formula of less weight and more power, the GTA is tipped to shed some 150 kg (330 lbs), while power from the 4.7-liter V8 is anticipated to climb from its current 450hp to a nice round 500. (If you remember writing your SATs, think GTA is to 8C as Scuderia is to F430 and you're a shoe-in for your top choice.) Only 100 examples are reportedly on the table, and you can bet they'll sell out faster than a "waste management consultant" with priors.

The Italians are coming! Alfa Romeo building U.S. Assembly Plant

This is about as official as you can get. Alfa Romeo will give it another go at the North American market. it has been nearly 20 years since Alfa pulled out due to poor sales and poor reliability ratings. Though all of that has changed. Alfa has been building some rather splendid automobiles in Europe for many years now. Though their quality can be questionable at times.

With the decline in the U.S. Dollar, Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed that Alfa will open a factory in the United States. This will be imperative to Alfa turning a profit in the U.S. Which will only happen after the first three to four years, once they are here.

In 1909 Fiat inaugurated a plant in Poughkeepsie, New York which it closed 1919.

Source: Automotive News.