MTS has introduced two new exhaust systems for Fiat and Alfa Romeo, exclusively to the aftermarket, as it continues to bring ‘in demand’ products to its UK customers. The exhaust systems, for the Fiat Grande Punto 1.9 MJT (2009-) and Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB (2010-), are available on a next day delivery service from the company’s warehouse in Doncaster.
Milltek Sport has wasted no time in drawing up a range of performance exhaust offerings for the Quadrifoglio.
Those seeking to utterly transform the character of their Quadrifoglio would be well advised to plump for Milltek’s cat-back option, though even this can be specified in either resonated or non-resonated forms.
With the Stelvio, Alfa Romeo has taken its initial step into the growing SUV market. This important new addition to the Italian manufacturer’s portfolio is expected to arrive in the UK this October, and Goodyear is the first tyre maker to announce that its products have been selected as an original equipment fitment.
The RFT (Run-Flat Technology) versions of two Bridgestone tyre models have been selected as original equipment fitments on the new Alfa Romeo Giulia. Bridgestone Europe reports that the Guilia will be available with the Potenza S001 in an all-round size 225/50 R17 94W fitment or in size 225/40 R19 89Y for the front wheels and 255/35 R19 92Y for the rear. The run-flat Turanza EL450 all-season tyre will be available in two dimensions, 225/50R17 94V and 225/45R18 91W. All tyres will be marked with the letters ‘AR’ on the sidewall to denote they are original equipment products.
Goodyear’s Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 and the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance are being fitted as original equipment on the new Alfa Romeo Giulia.
The new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 Ultra High Performance summer tyre will be fitted with an all-round fitment (225/45 R18 91 Y) or with a mixed set up, (225/45 R18 91 Y at the front and 255/40 R18 95Y at the rear) according to market specifics. Both sizes will be equipped with Goodyear’s RunOnFlat technology.
This year’s National Franchised Dealers Association Summer 2016 survey, published today, had 1,746 respondents from a total participating dealer network of 4,090, which equates to a response rate of 43 per cent. This is the highest return ever, surpassing last winter’s high of 39 per cent. There were 28 franchise networks in the survey which represent a range of dealer sizes and ownership type from across the UK.
The new Giulia Quadrifoglio is, as evo magazine puts it, the car that “could potentially re-launch” Alfa Romeo. The saloon can sprint from 62mph in just 3.9 seconds and its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 sends a healthy 503bhp to the rear wheels. This power comes in contact with the road through Pirelli tyres – the P Zero Corsa has been selected as the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s original equipment fitment.
Pirelli is celebrating 2000 homologations of its premium products. In the first half of 2015 alone, the Italian firm added 200 new homologations to its line-up, including those some of the most high profile vehicles at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. These include the new Bentley Bentayga; the Mercedes GLC, BMW X1, BMW 7 Series and Jaguar F-Pace.
Brake Engineering has unveiled a number of new references for its brake caliper and disc ranges, underlining its commitment to range development for the benefit of parts distributors and installers in the independent automotive aftermarket.
Pirelli has launched two fitments for the recently launched Alfa Romeo 4C. The new 4C lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 8:04 on the P Zero Trofeo tyres – a new Alfa Romeo record – which were developed in less than a year of intense work between Pirelli and Alfa Romeo engineers. The car has the option of fitting 17” on the front and 18” on the back, or 18” on the front and 19” on the back.
Michelin has introduced a new size in its TB5 range of road legal race tyres aimed at young classics. The 17/58-14 or 185/60VR14 is suitable for Peugeot 205GTi, VW Golf GTi, Toyota Corolla Gti, Alfa Romeo Alfasud Ti and Ford Escort XR3i. Vintage Tyres, which distributes the Michelin classic line-up, says the new TB5 fitment “will offer the ultimate in performance for both track and road on these cars.”
Franchised vehicle dealers believe there has been an overall improvement in the day to day relationship with their manufacturer. Sales incentive programmes and improved profitability boosted partnerships, according to the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) Dealer Attitude Survey Winter 2012/2013 results.
Beaulieu based classic tyre specialist Vintage Tyre Supplies has recently expanded its Waymaster range of budget cross-ply tyres by adding 500/525-16, 575/600-16 and a 450-17 sizes. The new tyres are p riced at £62.50, £72.50 and £62.50 (+ vat) respectively. Their addition brings the range up to 28 tyres and covers cars and motorcycles from the early 1920’s to the later post war years.
With Autodata reporting that over 30 per cent of vehicles on the road have front or rear wheel alignment problems leading to premature tyre wear and replacement, its not a surprise the company believes its new Wheel Alignment manual will assist garage profitability.
