Alfa Romeo has launched its latest models, the New Giulia, New Stelvio, and Tonale, in the Middle East. The Tonale is the latest all-new model to get launched by the Italian brand, with the same being offered in two trims in the GCC region – Ti and Veloce. Customers will have the opportunity to pre-book their Tonale from June 15, 2023, with the car scheduled to arrive in-market from July. The new Giulia and Stelvio models come equipped with the “3+3” light setup and Next-Generation Family Technology boasting the latest in infotainment software and intuitive controls from the Alfa Romeo brand. Jo Moursi, Head of Italian Brands, Middle East Stellantis, said, “The launch of Alfa Romeo’s Giulia, Stelvio, and Tonale in the GCC marks a significant milestone for automotive enthusiasts in the region. The GCC is a crucial market for Alfa Romeo, where automotive excellence is valued, Italian brands are cherished, and the passion for motorsports runs deep. Alfa Romeo’s rich motorsport heritage, including Formula 1, resonates powerfully with drivers in the region.”

Following the release of the Gran Turismo movie trailer, which is based on his gamer-to-racer true story of Jann Mardenborough, the racing driver managed by Motors Formula Team announced his partnership with HELM Motorsports for the upcoming Supertaikyu 24 Hours of Fuji set to be held on May 25-28, 2023. Mardenborough, who won the Nissan GT Academy in 2011, has already raced several times at Fuji in various racing series, including the Japanese F3, Super Formula and GT300/500. He will team up with HELM Motorsports, the defending champions of last year’s Supertaikyu 24 Hours of Fuji, with this partnership expected to be a strong contender for the top spot. Ludovic PEZE, founder of Motors Formula Team, expressed his excitement about Mardenborough’s new partnership: “We are thrilled to see Jann team up with HELM Motorsports for the Supertaikyu 24 Hours of Fuji. We have decided to work with Jann because he is a pure racer, and we believe that his partnership with HELM Motorsports will be a winning combination thanks to his huge experience in GT3 and Japanese races.”

The Spectre, Rolls Royce’s first-ever EV, was unveiled in Doha. “We’ve commemorated the official debut of Spectre, the first-ever ultra-luxury electric super coupé, at the newly inaugurated Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha showroom, signifying the beginning of a new era in the history of our great marque. This consolidates Rolls-Royce’s position as a true house of luxury,” said César Habib, Regional Director Middle East & Africa, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The brand claims first customer cars will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2023. 

The fifth Motor Valley Fest, an open-air event scheduled in Modena between Thursday, 11 and Sunday, 14 May, witnessed historic carmaker Maserati make an attendance to celebrate its legendary 572-hp 90° Twin Turbo V8 engine as it marches on to become a part of history later this year. The brand deploys this V8 engine in the performance-centric Trofeo trim level of various Maserati models, including the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte but has announced to cease production of the same in late 2023.  To showcase the passing of the baton from the legendary V8 to an electric successor, the entire Maserati Folgore range was exhibited for the first time: GranTurismo Folgore One Off Luce and Grecale Folgore, joined by the futuristic Gen3 Maserati Tipo Folgore, the single-seater competing in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship this year. The brand further claimed its entire range will feature an electric iteration for each model by 2025, with Maserati becoming an all-electric brand by 2030.

French carmaker Peugeot reported all fifteen pre-ordered units of its all-new 408 “Alawel” first limited edition vehicles were sold in less than 90 minutes in the United Arab Emirates this past week. These units were a part of an exclusive online launch right before the official unveiling of the all-new Peugeot 408 in the Middle East. The French carmaker claims the new 408 is a first-of-its-kind, courtesy of its fastback silhouette, which lends it the tag of a Fastback Utility Vehicle. The new 408 boasts a long wheelbase of 2.79m, which translates to spacious rear bench seating with abundant legroom. Even the boot is generously sized at 536 litres. The all-new PEUGEOT 408 will be available in all markets by June, with prices starting from AED124,900.