The Toyota GT 86/Subaru BRZ: The RWD coupe Alfa should be building

By now the hype regarding the new RWD bargain exotic co-developed between Toyota and Subaru is all over the internet. In particular, the most recent Chris Harris video (below) makes it clear that this car will really be something special for all those who love RWD sports cars with soul.

Watching Harris powerslide the GT 86 through the corners of Jarama grinning ear to ear, I couldn't help but ask myself why the hell Alfa isn't making a car like this anymore. Sure there is the 8C, but it's a limited edition toy for the few, not a volume fun machine for the many, as the GTV6 and Giulia Sprint/GTV were.  Instead, Alfa is planning the inexplicable mid-engined 4C to be their entry-level sports car. And I just have to ask why they can't just go back to a winning formula of making great-sounding, great handling RWD cars that look sensational, at prices that compete with Infiniti rather than Aston Martin.  As an Alfista, I feel this new Japanese offering is the closest thing to what an Alfa is supposed to be like, but it lacks two crucial components: The sound and the looks.  My quick 15 minute photoshop job up top is not meant as a suggestion of what the car should look like, (it's still pretty ugly) but rather how much I long to see the Alfa Grille on anything approaching an affordable front-engine, RWD sports coupe again. I do hope the production 4C will exceed my expectations, but until then, I will keep dreaming of the day when Alfa finally gets back to the cuore sportivo.

Video of the Week: Alfa GTA onboard at Laguna Seca

It's probably unhealthy the amount of hours I spend thinking about doing this...

The Alfa next door

In today's era of the "Garage Mahal," where over-restored cars sit on spotless marble floors, surrounded by sleek cabinets of gleaming un-used tools, it's refreshing to visit a garage that hearkens back to the day when a car was just a car, and a garage was just an unfinished space to keep it out of the elements and store your lawn chairs. In this humble context, we can appreciate the automobile as machinery for use, not just a status object. There's nothing like standing over the engine of a rare, unmolested Alfa TZ1 with a glass of beer in your hand, and your breath condensing in the crisp, uninsulated air. Magical.

Click photo to enlarge

Video of the week: Alfa 156 at the Nordschleife

I never get tired of watching Nurburgring hotlap videos.  I know I'm not alone. You're welcome.

Alfa Romeo 156 Trackday Nordschleife from Robert on Vimeo.

Transport me back...to Le Mans 1953

The transporter is filled with gorgeous Alfa 6C 3000 CM Coupes.

Here's a fantastic little video shot in an ex-Fangio roadster version. The car is being driven out of the Alfa Museo Storico grounds at the start and right out onto the public roads. The driver uncorks it at 1:32 and the magnificent sound is really something to hear!

This video was taken in the same car, but on Alfa's Balocco test circuit.

Hat tip to Off Camber on the photo