Like cabrios, the "sport coupé" car segment has traditionally never been associated with diesel cars. But diesels have evolved - a lot - and modern sparkplug-less powertrains almost match gasoline cars in terms of sound-proofing and comfort while keeping fuel consumption down. The only issue is that these models listed after the jump, and correct me if I'm wrong, are only available for Europeans, where taxes on fuels and purchase schemes based on engine displacement and CO₂ emission levels favor diesel.

Check after the jump for a list that shows a significant diesel sport coupé for many car models. The list also includes four-door coupes and sport hatchbacks, which are marketed as coupes in Europe. All these models will get you cruising on the Autobahn at a high speed on a classy - and diesel - ride.

The rumors say that, if the Alfa Romeo MiTo makes it to America in 2010, there should be several different configurations available. Besides an estate and a three door, there could very well be a convertible quite similar to the snappy rendition shown above. Based on the Fiat Grande Punto platform, the drop-top would give the Mini convertible some competition for buyer's euros dollars. Early word is all four motor options, including a diesel, will be turbo-charged and capable of churning out 90 to a 155 galloping horses. No word on what kind of mileage figures to expect yet but we think it's safe to assume that it will meet and probably exceed those of it's BMW-built Mini competitor.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Fiat hasn't sold cars in the U.S. market in more than two decades, but they could be coming back within two years. At least the tiny 500 could be on its way. Fiat was already known to be looking for a location for a North American assembly plant to produce Alfa Romeos for our market. Alfas are scheduled to be on sale here around the end of 2009 and a plant is scheduled to be online by 2010. The same plant could also end up producing the 500. Speaking at a conference in Europe last week, Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne declared that he felt the 500 could prove popular in the U.S. market and could be sold as a stand-alone brand in much the same way that MINI stands apart from parent BMW. Marchionne wants to finish rolling out the rest of the 500 lineup before launching it in the US. Next year a convertible will join the current 3-door hatch and a longer wheelbase model à la the MINI Clubman will follow a year later. If the 500 is built here, the upcoming Alfa Romeo Mi.To could also join the party, making for a fascinating lineup of small cars.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Alfa Romeo Kamal concept

Car-obsessed Americans will get another chance at the historic Alfa Romeo brand soon enough, as the company is planning on a resurgence for the U.S. market. As is the current trend among automakers, along with the beautiful range of automobiles that the Italian marque will be bringing to our shores, it plans on offering a crossover as well. Expect something in line with BMW's current utility vehicle offerings. What's more interesting to us at AutoblogGreen, though, is a possible hybrid system snagged from Fiat, which owns Alfa. Even if the full hybrid drivetrain is left off the docket, at the very least, a mild hybrid system in the form of stop/start will almost assuredly be available.

As an aside, take a good look at the Kamal concept from 2003. Looks a bit like the Subaru Tribeca before its last redesign, wouldn't you say?

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Autoblog]

At Geneva Motor Show earlier this month Alfa Romeo introduced their new mini-car, the Mi.To. Now they've released a cool video showing that just because a car is small and economical, it doesn't mean that fun has to be left behind. Back in my former life before I started writing full-time, I was a controls engineer developing software for ABS, traction and stability control systems. That required spending many winter weeks and months in snowy northern climes like Sault Ste. Marie and Arvidsjaur, Sweden. This particular video takes me back to those days of blasting around on frozen lakes in Sweden. The smaller cars, like Opel Astras, were usually the preferred vehicles for their toss-ability. It looks like the even smaller Mi.To again proves you don't need big power to have fun. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube via World Car Fans]

Wait. Hadn't Alfa Romeo chosen Furiosa as the name for it's new Junior? Nope. It seems that they changed their mind. Alfa Romeo has launched a new microsite to promote its smallest model which is now named Mi.To. Besides mito being the Italian word for myth, the site says that they chose the name because Alfa Romeo is a brand which has a lot to do with the cities of Milano, where Alfa Romeo was born, and Torino, Fiat's city. Molto intelligente, isn't it?

The Mi.To is based on the Fiat Grande Punto (yes, the same used for the Opel Corsa), and will include some of the same powertrains as can be found there, including the new 1.6 Multijet diesel engines with jaw-dropping mileage figures. It will be put on sale during the second half of this year. Alfa expects to shave off some potential Mini buyers by saying me, too.

There's a video for you after the jump.



[Source: Autoblog en español]

Click for high-res images of the Mi.To

If there is one thing most Italian cars have, it's style. The latest small car from Alfa Romeo is no exception. Thankfully, it appears that as more of us start to make the migration to smaller cars in the next few years, we can at least have a cool looking ride while doing it. The Alfa Romeo Mi.To is targeted to the same market as premium compacts like the MINI and the Audi A1 that's coming in a year or so. The name is actually a contraction of Milano and Torino, the design and manufacturing centers of Northern Italy. The design of the Mi.To is evocative of the magnificent 8C Competizione with a range of four cylinder turbocharged gas and diesel engines ranging from 90-155hp. Hopefully this hot little hatch will be part of the Alfa Romeo lineup that returns to the U.S. market in 2010. With small cars this gorgeous, who needs big old SUVs?


[Source: Alfa Romeo]