Everything that is making news in the world of cars and motors.

WITH Alfa, it is always “head or heart”. Your heart succumbs to the beauty and the passion, while your head is demanding to know if you’ve lost all reason.

Alfa Romeo’s monstrous Stelvio Quadrifoglio has set the new benchmark for a production SUV at Germany’s legendary Nürburgring, lapping the epic 20.832km Nordschleife in a record 7 minutes 51.7 seconds, a full eight seconds faster than the previous production SUV record.

Following in the footsteps of the impressive Giulia saloon and badly in need of another success, Alfa Romeo has revealed pricing and specification details for its first ever SUV, the all-new Alfa Romeo Stelvio, with prices starting from €47,295. It will be available in four trim levels.

Fiat Chrysler, lacking a potential deal to combine with another carmaker anytime soon, will push ahead with separating from its components business, chief executive Sergio Marchionne said.

China’s Great Wall Motors has confirmed its interest in bidding for all or part of Jeep maker Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles.

A judge has granted legal aid to an Aer Lingus worker accused of helping illegal immigrants enter the country.

I HAVE two new friends. Two Italian friends. Their names are Francesco and Pasquale and they are very nice lads indeed. 

The Veloce version of the exciting new Alfa Romeo Giulia is now available to order in the Republic of Ireland, priced from €53,895 excluding works. Alfa says this new model balances the dynamics and comfort of the Giulia range to offer affordable performance and luxury.

The Stelvio, which shares many components with the Giulia, is Alfa Romeo’s first venture into the SUV market. Jon Reay finds out what it’s like.

Alfa Romeo will launch performance hybrid models across its range - but only when battery technology gets lighter and cheaper.

THE Alfa Romeo Giulietta is one of the prettiest hatchbacks on the road today, but is it any good? We put it to the test to find out.

Illegal cigarettes, either counterfeit or contraband, are as easily available in rural areas of Cork as they are in the city.

Matt Griffin drives for the iconic Italian car company Ferrari at LeMans but would be just as happy driving his Peugeot up Molls Gap.

The biennial event that updates Irish farmers on silage and grass machinery

It is probably the single most important car in the history of the storied Italian marque and without doubt the gorgeous new Alfa Romeo Giulia will play a significant part in defining the brand as it faces an uncertain future.

This weekend at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este near Lake Como, the famous coachbuilder Zagato will show off its latest creation.

John Porter tells the Irish Examiner about his 1930 Riley Nine Brooklands and about his love of cars and tinkering with them.

A robber who raided two shops in five minutes in order to get cash to bring his girlfriend out for Valentine’s night has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

It’s billed as the most prestigious car show in the world, the event car makers choose for their world debuts, premium product launches, and high-profile concepts.

THIS year has been good for the motor industry, and next year will be better.

The Nissan Qashqai has been voted ‘Continental Irish car of the year, 2015’, by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association (IMWA).

By David Rocks and Tommaso Ebhardt

While rivals roll out new models and concept cars, Fiat has little to show at the Paris auto show besides another variant of its retro-styled 500 compact car, in what is starting to look like a worrying trend for its namesake brand.

WOULD you like to own a ‘supercar’ for just €70,000? I’ve got just the thing for you: the Alfa Romeo 4C. Pound for pound, it will deliver the shattering performance and uncontrollable testosterone that a supercar should.

His dream passenger? Pamela Anderson in a summer dress.

ANYONE who has any hint of petrol flowing through their veins will have a soft spot for the Alfa Romeo brand.

A HUGE crowd turned out last week for the official announcement by Fiat Group Automobiles Ireland of the appointment of Dan Seaman Motors as sales and after sales partner in the south of Ireland.

FEW cars stir the blood of your average petrolhead than those from Alfa Romeo and that is most certainly the case when it comes to the company’s latest piece of design genius — the Alfa 4C.

The trial of four men accused of being members of a gang has heard how two men brought cash in a plastic shopping bag to pay for a second-hand car.

Ristorante Rossini, 33/34 Princes Street, Cork, 021-4275818, rossini.ie

There was chaos yesterday when a runaway bus careered through a small Donegal town ploughing into a number of cars.

JUST a few words of advice from his father when he was a teenager have shaped Declan O’Callaghan’s life, giving him the confidence and self-belief to fulfil his ambitions.

TWO gardaí were hospitalised yesterday when their patrol car was reportedly rammed during a high-speed pursuit on the outskirts of Limerick.

A Catholic police officer remained in a critical but stable condition in hospital tonight after being injured by a booby trap bomb in the North which was blamed on dissident republicans

THE captain of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Gaelic football team was fighting for his life last night after he was critically injured by a booby trap bomb.

I LIKE to think I’m not old enough to play golf but my youngest brother has been fascinated and obsessed with it from an early age, so that excuse won’t wash.

CONTROVERSIAL AFL players’ agent Ricky Nixon has lost his driver’s licence for 10 months and been fined $1,250 after pleading guilty to crashing his car into a tram in March.

Fiat has confirmed it is in talks to buy most of General Motors’ European operations, taking another step towards creating a global carmaking powerhouse.

Gardaí in Co Mayo are appealing to the public for information about a man who has been missing since yesterday.

A stuntman working on the new James Bond movie 'Quantum of Solace' has been left with serious head injuries, after yet another onset car accident.

ACC BANK were yesterday unveiled as sponsors of Cork Week, Ireland’s largest International Sailing Regatta at Royal Cork Yacht Club Crosshaven (July 12-18).

World Touring Car champion Andy Priaulx moved 12 points clear in the standings and dedicated his victory at Brands Hatch to Colin McRae.

Andy Priaulx’s defence of the World Touring Car Championship got off to a good start after he qualified in third place for the opening round in Brazil.