Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Tuesday April 16th 2024. Notably in car news today: Alfa Romeo makes a shock decision to rename the Milano SUV, and Citroen reveals the combustion versions of its new-gen C3.
In a bizarre twist, theAlfa Romeo Milano announced last week has been officially renamed the Junior following political pressure from the Italian government and threats to ban the short-lived Milano name under the nation’s laws.
Similar to the situation in which the term ‘Champagne’ can only be used for sparkling wine originating from the Champagne region of France, Alfa Romeo got into a spot of trouble as it did not plan to build its Milano – the brand’s historical hometown – in Italy. Instead, the small SUV is to be produced in Poland.
The Italian automaker released a formal press release, stating that “the name change was not an issue” and thanked the Italian government “for the free publicity brought on by this debate”.
Alfa Romeo’s chief executive officer Jean-Phillippe Imparato stated that “We are perfectly aware that this moment will remain engraved in the history of the brand” and that “the choice of the name Junior is completely natural”.
Despite the rapid change of name, the name ‘Milano’ can still be seen on the Alfa Romeo Australian website. Chasing Cars first reported on the Alfa Romeo Milano four months ago, though its country of manufacture had yet to be revealed at the time.
Citroen unveils petrol and mild-hybrid variants for all-new C3
The 2024 Citroen C3 also comes with petrol power
Citroen has revealed the remainder of its all-new fourth-generationC3 lineup, joining the previously revealed electrice-C3 which was revealed last year.
The newly revealed petrol and mild-hybrid variants look virtually identical to their electric sibling for the small vehicle which continues its transformation from a traditional small car to a fully-fledged crossover – the new model is 100mm taller than the previous generation, with groundclearance up from 135mm to 197mm.
In addition to the electric eC3, the regular C3 will be available with either a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 75kW and mated to a manual transmission, or a hybrid that adds 48-voltmild hybrid and and an additional 21kW thanks to the addition of an electric motor, mated with a dual-clutchautomatic transmission.
Australian plans for the new C3 are yet to be confirmed, with additional new features including new suspension progressive hydraulic cushions and the elimination of a traditional instrument cluster for a new-style head-up display to streamline driver information.
BYD reportedly only making USD$1250 profit per car, greater focus on market share
BYD is making less profit, aiming for higher market share
Chinese global automaker BYD is reportedly only making a net profit of roughly USD$1250 per car as it works to instead increase its market share in an ongoing battle with Tesla.
According to recent reports from Car News China, Tesla made over USD$8250 profit per car sold in comparison to BYD’s efforts.
BYD has found success in keeping its cars competitive by continuing to drop the prices of its vehicles across several global markets. At the beginning of 2024, the Chinese automaker celebrated three million new car sales in 2023, a 61.9 percent increase from its 2022 results.
In February 2024, the price of several BYD models, some not sold in Australia such as the Han sedan and the Tang hybrid SUV, were lowered by up to 14 percent.
BYD will continue its new-model push in the Australian market, with a hybrid ute and larger electric SUV confirmed for 2024.
Maserati debuts luxury electric convertible called GranCabrio Folgore
The 2024 Maserati GranCabrio Folgore is coming!
Maserati has revealed its upcoming electric convertible, the GranCabrio Folgore, a model the brand states is the first luxury electric drop-top of its kind.
As the drop-top version of the Granturismo model announced last year, the convertible version is set to feature a 83kWh usable battery pack and produce as much as 560kW/1350Nm thanks to an all-electric all-wheel drive system. Driving range is a claimed 455km (WLTP).
Although exact platform specs are unknown, it’s likely that the Granturismo and Grancabrio Folgore models will be based off Stellantis’ STLA Large platform.
Maserati has recently pledged to have a fully-electric lineup as soon as 2028, and will include the electric version of the Grecale SUV, and the next Maserati MC20 supercarwhich will also be emissions-free. It’s set to debut next year.
2024 Toyota GR86 reviewed
Tom Baker enjoyed his time with Toyota’s affordable sports car
Chasing Cars editor Tom Baker’s review of the 2024 Toyota GR86 GTS was published, including his detailed thoughts on its role as an affordable sports car for the masses.
Baker found that the GR86 had several good points, including crisp steering, brilliantly-tuned track mode and strong potential for day-to-day livability.
In terms of the not-so-good points, Baker addressed in his latest review that jiggly ride quality, a basic interior and lack of adjustable seat lumbar as some of the negatives for Toyota’s sports car.
In concluding, Baker saw the potential in the GR86 to be a very livable daily drive in an new era that has seen the boom of heavier, less characterful cars coming into our market.
