Alfa Romeo will be completely reinvented with a blitz of new models and a complete rethink of its business in time for its 100th anniversary in 2010 — and a new rear-wheel-drive flagship saloon car is part of the plan.The model rush will begin with the new Mini-rivalling Junior this year, followed by major reworkings of the 159, Brera and Spider. In early 2009 Alfa will launch a replacement for the 147, based on a more sophisticated version of the Fiat Bravo chassis.But crowning the reinvention in 2010 will be a rear-wheel-drive flagship model as previewed in our exclusive image, which could be based on a Jaguar chassis.
Overhauled from factory to showroom floor
The extent of the nut-and-bolt rethink of the classic Italian marque is demonstrated by the decision to suspend production at its main Pomigliano d’Arco plant for two months from January, in a last-ditch attempt to boost quality. If the plant doesn’t improve its record it could lose the contract for the next-gen Alfa 147 and suffer a gradual wind-down over the next few years.Alfa has also appointed Fiat Group marketing chief Luca De Meo as its new CEO, replacing Antonio Baravalle, who had held the post for seven years.Frank Stephenson, designer of the first BMW Mini and previously design chief at Maserati and Ferrari, has been made the new Alfa styling chief.Last but not least, Alfa is also shaking up its dealer network across Europe in a determined attempt to end its reputation for poor after-sales service.
Alfa’s US expansion plans
The Alfa Romeo badge is destined to return to the United States next year, initially on the nose of the limited-edition 8C sports car, which will be sold through Maserati dealers.The next car due in the US market could be the entry-level Junior model, according to Fiat Auto CEO Sergio Marchionne.In an interview in an industry newspaper, he promised an “out-of-the-box” approach to re-introducing Alfa to the US. “Alfa needs something special,” he said, adding that the company was looking closely at the methods used by BMW to relaunch the Mini in the US.Autocar understands that this plan could hinge around building the Punto-based Junior at a suitably equipped factory in South America, and then importing the vehicle into North America. The move could ensure that the Junior delivers a profit margin, despite entry-level status.
New Alfa 169: based on a Jaguar?
But perhaps the biggest surprise is the shock news that Alfa’s upcoming flagship could be based on a Jaguar chassis.Marchionne has admitted that Fiat Auto attempted to buy Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford early in 2007. He also revealed that Fiat Auto was “attracted to British car makers for a number of reasons, including Land Rover’s US dealer network and Jaguar’s platforms and powertrains,” which it could then have used to make “top Alfa Romeo models with front-mounted, longitudinal engines and rear-wheel drive”.He added: “We remain open to talks with the future owner of Jaguar and Land Rover about possible co-operation.” Industry analysts say that if Fiat’s Indian partner, Tata, wins the race to buy Jaguar and Land Rover, this unusual tie-up could still become reality.The first beneficiary of a deal with Jaguar would be Alfa’s new 169 flagship, which is now due to be launched in 2010, marking Alfa’s centenary.Marchionne says the company has finalised the styling for the car, which he describes as “stunning”. He also says Alfa Romeo knows how to create a “great” rear-drive platform for the large car, one that is likely to be related to the Maserati family chassis.However, Alfa bosses are in negotiations with a number of rival car makers in an attempt to source a less expensive rear-drive chassis off the shelf. Marchionne expects a decision to be made by the end of this month.Auto analysts regard Alfa as still struggling, with sales of the ageing 147 unlikely to top 60,000 this year and the new 159 topping out at around 85,000. Company bosses have already targeted annual sales of 300,000 for Alfa by 2010, just about double today’s total.
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Re: Alfa 169 switches to rear-drive
Can't quite agree 'bout the front wheel drive handling, although the big lump of V6 in my 166 does strech the chassis, but yellow Koni's have sorted that. Regarding a RWD 169 - here's hoping, in 10 - 15 year's time when they've dropped into my price range.
Re: Alfa 169 switches to rear-drive
I think it is good news that the 166 replacement will be RWD as it has more or less been proven that any car larger than the Mondeo class suffers dynamically with a FWD platform.
But should Alfa's smaller models be RWD? I don't think it matters as i don't think many punters would care. FWD cars are as capable as their RWD counterparts from Mondeo size downwards, and this has been exemplified by the fab chassis of Fords. Many will say that part of the Jag X-Type's failure was it drivetrain, but i think its poor sales had more to do with the old-world style of the car than its lack of RWD. Do people who buy a Merc A-Class care that it's driven by the front wheels or the 1-Series buy the rear?! If other manufacturers can do wonders with FWD chassis, why can't the FIAT Group? True, RWD offers slighlty purer handling and steering but it is not the solution to Alfa's dynamic failings.
However, an car with Alfa's style based on the XF's platform sounds delicious. What i found odd though is why Ford never based the in-house rival Volvo S80 on the Jag's platform as the Swede handles and rides like a soft cushion.
Re: Alfa 169 switches to rear-drive
Alfa have quite a successful reputation for "Alfaising" other peoples parts (try GM's V6 engine), so hopefully this will be no different.
At last though, a rear drive main stream car. If this goes well, I hope the rest of the range follows suit. Imagine a small rear drive Alfa!