Alfa Romeo Planning Four Car US Launch in 2014
Delayed time and again, Alfa Romeo will now reportedly re-launch in America in 2014 with a full line of products rather than a slow trickle of models over time.
Set to arrive nearly simultaneously are two sports cars, as well as a sedan and a compact crossover. That CUV will be based on the same platform as the upcoming replacement for the Jeep Compass and Patriot with coupe-like styling and power coming from Chrysler engines. Plans to build a larger Alfa SUV based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee have reportedly been scrapped.
In the sedan category the new Giulia will be based off a version of the platform currently being used for the Dodge Dart and for the upcoming Chrysler 200. Aimed at the Audi A4, an entry-level engine will make roughly 170-hp from a turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder while a Pentastar V6 will be available as well.
In the exciting sports car segment the entry-level machine will be based off the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Spider (or Duetto as it could be called), will get a unique engine from its Japanese counterpart, likely the turbochargeed 1.8-liter found in the Giulia.
And finally the flagship sports car of the Alfa brand will be the 4C. Likely to be offered as both a coupe and a convertible this two-seater should make a healthy dose more power ( perhaps as much as 300 hp from a turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder) and is rumored to deliver serious performance through light weight with plenty of carbon fiber and aluminum.
The exact timing of each vehicle launch has not yet been announced and considering Alfa’s continued delays in returning to America, even the launch year is questionable.
GALLERY: Alfa Romeo 4C Concept
[Source: Car and Driver]
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With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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