Latest News
New Alfa 166 to be US-built
Monday, September 28, 2009
Alfa Romeo will likely manufacture a rear-wheel drive replacement for its defunct 166 executive saloon exclusively in North America, where most will be sold.
The plant, probably Chrysler’s Canadian Brampton 300C site, will also supply Europe with the car.
The new big Alfa, originally codenamed project 169, will share a brand new, Chrysler-developed platform planned for the next-generation 300C and Dodge Charger saloons, although the Alfa version will feature bespoke suspension and powertrains.
The development is a direct result of Fiat’s control of the Chrysler Group, the two companies now integrating their product development, manufacturing, purchasing and distribution processes.
Alfa is to collaborate closely with Dodge in future, this being the most sporting brand in the Chrysler portfolio. Fiat will be announcing its product plans for the Chrysler Group in more detail in mid-November.
The Chrysler/Dodge rear-drive platform could also provide the basis of a new Alfa Spider and Brera - in shortened form it provides the basis of the Challenger - although there is no confirmation of this, and the architecture may prove too large to suit European buyers.
But Alfa is believed to be exploring the return of the Spider, and possibly its mainstream coupe siblings, to a rear-wheel drive format.
Chrysler will in turn be taking three platforms from Fiat known as ‘A” (500, Panda), ‘B’ (Grande Punto) and ‘C’, the last being new and the basis for the 147-replacing Milano which debuts early next year.
The ‘C’ platform will be stretched to provide architecture for the new Giulia, which replaces the 159. In theory, the Giulia and Milano could also be manufactured in the US once Chrysler and Dodge are producing their own models on these platforms.
Richard Bremner
Twitter - follow autocar.co.uk
See all the latest Alfa Romeo 166 reviews, news and video
Your say
Comments: 7 Join the discussion
