Alfa Romeo Confirms Return to North American Market

[genjy]

Alfa Romeo Confirms Return to North American Market
Re-Launch Speared by New Sedan, Wagon and Sports Cars

Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press

After taking a considerable decade and a half pause from the North American market (excluding Mexico), it has been confirmed that Alfa Romeo will be returning to North America. Earlier last week, Fiat Auto CEO Sergio Marchionne announced that the company was "readying itself for an imminent return" during the firm’s first-quarter financial result report, and while no date has been set in stone, the big arrival is expected to take place sometime during early 2007.

Although the brand’s exact date of arrival is not known, and there’s no official information about which vehicles will initially be available, insiders and industry analysts have painted a pretty accurate picture of what will be heading our way. Certain to be included will be the 159 sedan, a critically-acclaimed BMW 3-Series-sized four-door that’s set to target the compact luxury segment. The range will most likely feature the Twin Spark inline-four series engines, as well as the Holden-designed, but Alfa-modified V6 engines. A 159 wagon will follow, and both cars will be offered with a unique all -wheel drive system featuring Torsen’s new ’C’ variable differential.

[MORE AT SOURCE]

Full article and source: http://news.en.autos.sympatico.msn.c...umentid=493042

[mgescuro]

The Alfa 159 is AWD, right?? or is it just FWD??

This is just in time for the new Saab product launches of the 9-3 and 9-5.
Bring it on!

[mystikranger]

Great news! We need more choice in the premium segment.
Very unique designs.

[mystikranger]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

The Alfa 159 is AWD, right?? or is it just FWD??

This is just in time for the new Saab product launches of the 9-3 and 9-5.
Bring it on!

Base is FWD, well atleast in Europe.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by mystikranger

Base is FWD, well atleast in Europe.

Yeah.. .it's on an upgraded Epsilon.

[GM_Fanatic]

ohhhhh I could definitely go for an Alfa 159. I got pictures of one when I was in Ukraine. http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/s...t=33551&page=2

[vdoh182]

The DI 3.2 liter V-6 has 260 hp and comes with awd that can shift a majoirty of the torque to the rear, the base gas engine is a 2.2 liter modified ecotec with 185 hp, and there is a 2.4 liter diesel with 200hp. Jeremey clarkson reviewed one and basically said it was better than the 3 series and a4, and we wil be seeing a refreshed one by then with any quirks ironed out.
u can skip to the 2nd page the first is rambling about pulp fiction.
http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/art...1920_1,00.html

[Boiler]

I'm not sure if those designs would be accepted by the average buyer. The designs are extremely bold and gaudy.. Personally, i'd rather have a Saab. Aren't they terribly over-priced as well??

[vdoh182]

According to the article i read the 159, which is basically what they will all be just different variations, is usually cheaper than the 3 series but better equipt. The v-6 do get expensive tho.

[momo67]

Well Halle-bleepin'-lou-ya! it's about time they came back. I loved the 156 and the 159 is supposed to be bigger and better. I assume they'll bring the new GTV and Spider over too. The cars look great, but unfortunately there's still the old reliability issue. Or lack thereof.

[kenman923]

It will be interesting to see the Alfa in the US again.

[jwrebholz]

Alfas were never known for reliability in the US--part of the reason they left. They are gorgeous cars--and quite bold, as Italian cars tend to be--but how they're built is a big question mark. If they have improved their build quality we're in for a real treat (and premium marques are in for some stiff competition)

[1BadPig]

I love the Alfa design... for that matter, almost any Italian design. It's their quality what I worry about. Too many bad memories from old Fiat 2000 Spider.

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by jwrebholz

Alfas were never known for reliability in the US--part of the reason they left. They are gorgeous cars--and quite bold, as Italian cars tend to be--but how they're built is a big question mark. If they have improved their build quality we're in for a real treat (and premium marques are in for some stiff competition)

According to everything that I've read, they really turned the corner in quality with the last 156 and the current 147. The 166 still has some gremlins, but they've improved it over the vehicles lifespan. AFAIK (and others like Bravada or Kowalski could tell you better), all Italian cars have gotten much more reliable than they used to be. Just like GM, Fiat (and Italian cars) have suffered from a "perception problem" --- people constantly remember the negative stuff even after the problems were fixed due to articles, etc. Just like GM's issues --- despite some very good progress in quality, reliability, etc. GM seems to continually catch $hit for issues that have long been corrected. Oh, well, such is life. But if the perception issues can be overcome, Alfa should do well in the States.

NOW BRING LANCIA BACK TOO!!!

[LAMRONH]

Alfa--or is it Alpha?--MG, Renault...what's next, Simca?
STUDEBAKER-PACKARD, CORD TO RETURN TO US MARKET!!