Spy Photos: MINI Clubman

Official launch in July. Its public debut is planned for the Frankfurt show in September.

Alfa Romeo 159 Turismo Internazionale

Only a small number of Alfa Romeos have ever carried the famous two-letter designation, TI. Now it’s the turn of the Alfa 159 saloon and Sportwagon to carry the famous TI initials. Short for Turismo Internazionale, the TI badge now appears on several versions. The range-enhancing Alfa 159 TI line-up benefits from a unique body kit, lowered sports suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, red Brembo brake callipers all-round, plus chrome effect door mirrors and exhaust.
Inside these TI models, electrically adjustable and heated leather front sports seats top the list of interior changes, along with new sports dials, aluminium sports pedals, kick plates and trim inserts. A leather-clad sports steering wheel and gear knob are also included in the sporty specification list.
Drivers can choose from three powerful yet flexible engines. There are two petrol units: a 2.2 JTS and 3.2 JTS V6; and one diesel option: a 2.4 JTDM plus a choice of manual or QTRONIC gearboxes. In addition, Alfa Romeo’s Q4 4WD system, standard equipment on the 3.2 JTS V6, can also be specified on the diesel version.
And, by offering only three body colours – Alfa Red, Stromboli Grey and Carbonio black – Alfa Romeo is planning to keep the Alfa 159 TI models distinctive and exclusive.
Prices are also suitably attractive, with all this extra equipment costing just £750 more than the top spec Lusso models.

Source: Alfa Romeo

Maserati Granturismo UK Premiere

Over the past two days, a breathtaking spectacle at London’s Royal Horticultural Halls was put on to greet the arrival of Maserati’s latest creation: the GranTurismo. Supermodel and Maserati racing driver Jodie Kidd, clad in a stunning red dress by Salvatore Ferragamo, started the opening night in spectacular fashion: as the lights dimmed, the model, with the use of a key, signalled for the vehicle to be unveiled. The silk sheet that had been draped over the sinuous lines of the Pininfarina designed vehicle was promptly raised and the GranTurismo was free to dazzle the guests.
Managing Director of Maserati GB, Andrea Antonnicola, then presented the new Maserati GranTurismo, while Jodie Kidd posed alongside it as the photographers' flash bulbs lit up the scene.
“I am extremely proud of hosting this UK Premiere of the Maserati GranTurismo – said Antonnicola - a car which has been enthusiastically received worldwide, after its debut at the Geneva Show earlier this year. The GranTurismo continues a tradition of great Maserati grand touring cars, which stretches back to 1946. However, the new GranTurismo is as much of a synthesis of avant-garde design and technical innovation, as it is a product of this rich heritage. And above all it’s a car that confirms the strength of the Maserati brand in 2007.”
The event saw more than 800 guests attend, over two evenings, including Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, who arrived at the Royal Horticultural Halls in a Maserati Quattroporte, Vice-president of CNH Global, Eduardo Teodorani Fabbri, financier Arpad Busson, art gallery owner Tim Jeffries and Snatch and Casino Royale actor Ade.
An Executive GT version of the Quattroporte Automatic was also on display, and it was flanked by a 1953 Maserati A6GCS, one of four in the world, also designed by Pininfarina.
The Maserati GranTurismo will go on sale towards the end of the year with a starting price of £78,500 (on the road).
Source: Maserati