This August, Alfa Romeo will celebrate its centennial at Pebble Beach, where it is a featured marque at the Concours d'Elegance. Rumor has it that the Italians will cap off the festivities by unveiling the 4C, a compact, lightweight sports car concept. Says one insider from parent company Fiat's headquarters: "The 8C has been a very successful halo car. What we need next is a more affordable follow-up model that spreads the message over a wider customer base."inline_mediumwraptextright28091446/features/news/1004_alfa_romeos_centennial_anniversary1004_02_z+alfa_romeo_4c+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

I was part expecting and part hoping that the Transit Connect with rear windows and five seats would become a cult family vehicle for a small subset of the American population. Having driven the cargo version, I should have known better. The wagon variant is slightly more livable than the hauler with marginally reduced wind noise and far better visibility. But the rough ride, mediocre mechanicals, and Spartan interior mean it will only appeal to a handful of buyers outside of fleets.inline_mediumwraptextright27083642/reviews/editors_notebook/1003_2010_ford_transit_connect_xlt_wagon1003_04_z+2010_ford_transit_connect_xLT_wagon+profile.jpgTrue