Filed under: Alfa Romeo
Be patient. In the inherently fast-paced automotive industry, it’s quite a thing to ask. But that’s exactly what Alfa Romeo has demanded of the eager legions of its fans in the United States. The Italian automaker may retain a sizable base of enthusiasts in America, but while rumors of its impending return to the market have been mounting for some time — with no clear end in sight — Alfa remains committed to coming back in full force. And when it does, it won’t be for the sake of its loyal fans alone, but with every intention of attacking the entirety of the world’s largest new-car market in full force.
Three major questions linger over Alfa Romeo’s return to the US: namely, when, what and where. The “when” was anticipated to be next year, but with plans continuously being pushed back, sources indicate the new target is 2010, firmly. As for “what”, initial reports suggested Alfa’s return would be heralded by the Brera, 159 and 8C Competizione. While the latter is still in the cards - with a healthy portion of the 8C’s production still reserved for American consumption - the Brera and 159 are to be replaced by then, and the all-new MiTo and upcoming 149 would also form attractive offerings for American buyers. Plans for a crossover and a rear-drive luxury flagship (underpinned possibly by BMW or by Jaguar) are also under consideration.
Finally, if you thought the “where” was a no-brainer, the question is broken down into both sales and production. Initially, Maserati was tipped to offer its sales network to its sister-company upon landing Stateside, however its 85 locations would not be enough for the type of volume Alfa Romeo would need. Fiat’s giant agricultural equipment subsidiary Case New Holland, based in Chicago, which could offer support for parts distribution, however sales would not be suitable. Fiat’s new partnership with BMW, meanwhile, could hold the answer, with Alfas being sold in MINI dealerships across North America. As for production, Alfa has long been tipped to be leaning towards dedicated manufacturing in North America to take advantage of NAFTA benefits and the weak American dollar, and while discussions are still ongoing - possibly buying excess capacity from Detroit - the final arrangement remains unclear. While we watch out for the answers to these questions, the one thing that remains crystal clear is Alfa Romeo’s intention of taking the North American market by storm.
[Source: Auto Observer]
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Filed under: Motorsports, Time Warp, Euro, Lamborghini, Maserati, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, FIAT, Lifestyle
Click image above for high-res gallery from Concorso Italiano 2008
The festivities continue around the Monterey Peninsula. We’ve already shown you pics from Gordon McCall’s party and from the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, but today’s coverage picks up an Italian accent. The Concorso Italiano is one of the largest annual gatherings of all things Italian, be it music, cuisine, fashion, tourism, and of course cars. Previously held at the nearby Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course in Monterey Bay, this year’s gathering took place at the Marina municipal airstrip. Just like the past 20-something years, this year’s Concorso brought out some stunning examples of Italy’s finest, cars designed with passione and intended to be driven con brio. And just like in previous years, a few non-Italian cars that bring that same driving thrill were invited in for the party.
While the tarmac didn’t offer the same soft picnic grove as the golf course, the organizers tried their best to make up for it with plenty of shady tents to visit filled with vendors, food and fun. Concorso has always been more laid back than some of the other judged events during the week, and even with the slightly more rigid airport setting there was still a feeling that you were at more of a car club meet than a genuine concours. Check out the gallery by clicking one of the images here and you’ll hopefully see what we mean. The usual Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, and Alfas were joined by a bunch of Lancias, DeTomasos, Fiats, and a smattering of “others” that included German, Japanese, American, and British cars. Our favorite stop was the supercar lineup that featured two MC12s, two Veyrons, an Enzo and an F50. We even spotted Valentino Balboni, Adam Corolla and Jay Leno while we were there. Click away and enjoy.
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Filed under: Spy Photos, Euro, Hatchbacks, Alfa Romeo, Rendered Speculation
As Alfa Romeo prepares to launch its next all-new model, dubbed the 149, test mules have been spotted, details have come into focus and speculations have been rendered.
The five-door hatchback will join the MiTo in replacing the aging 147. Sources suggest that the 149 moniker could be dropped before the car is unveiled next year, only a few telling months after the Volkswagen Golf VI is due for its debut. Borrowing styling cues from the 8C Competizione and MiTo, the Alfa 149 is expected it to include a new three-arm rear suspension and Alfa’s trick Q2 differential, with the eventual availability of Q4 all-wheel-drive remaining a question mark. Diesel and gasoline engines are anticipated to range between 120 and 250 horsepower, and the 149 is tipped to be complying with the upcoming six-star EuroNCAP safety rating, and more tellingly, new U.S. crash requirements as well.
Some still maintain that the Alfa hatch will be based on the same platform that underpins the Fiat Bravo and Lancia Delta, although Alfa representatives have asserted that the 149 will spearhead its own unique platform. Either way, the platform could underpin the replacement for the 159 sedan and wagon, as well as the replacements for the Brera and Spider, while Alfa executives continue to deliberate over the possibility of a crossover model as well.
[Sources: Autocar and Projetto 940]
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