CONFIRMED - Alfa returns to U.S. at end of 2009 with three-model lineup
Autoweek is confirming that Alfa Romeo's long awaited return to the U.S. won't happen until the end of 2009 so that it will coincide with the company's 100-year anniversary. Preparation for reinsertion into the U.S. marketplace appears to be going well, as the proposed three-car lineup comprised of the 159 sedan, Brera coupe and Spider were all developed with the North American market in mind. Engineers are now tweaking the models to meet U.S. safety and emissions regulations, but we can expect to see new versions of each when they arrive at the end of the decade.
The lineup will feature at least two engines – a 2.2-liter four-cylinder and a 3.2-liter V6, the latter coupled with all-wheel drive. By that time it will be clear if Americans have embraced new automotive diesel technology, which could encourage Alfa to offer its 2.4-liter five-cylinder diesel engine, as well.
Alfa Romeo's dealer network will piggy back on top of Maserati dealerships across the country. Initially there will be 50 dealers concentrated around densely populated cities.
We find waiting easier knowing that the company's return to the U.S. is confirmed and work has already started. Now we just need to wait some more.
[Source: Autoweek
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
TheOne442 2:13PM (7/13/2006)
Yes! I will put my order in!
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PJ 2:23PM (7/13/2006)
These are stunningly beautiful cars. I'm sure that, at least initially, they'll sell on looks alone. Can we also have the 159 wagon, *please*?
I imagine the biggest response we'll see to this article will be about Alfa's reliability issues. It'd be foolish to judge the 159 based on your uncle's '76 Alfasud, but most current U.K. publications say that Alfa is still below-average for reliability and customer satisfaction.
In mainland Europe, Alfa offers free maintenance for the first three years. If they're smart, they'll offer a similar package in the U.S. to minimize doubts.
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Jason 2:27PM (7/13/2006)
I predict that 2009 will see a revenue spike in the rust-proofing industry, if buyers of a certain returning brand are smart.
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Dr. Woo 2:28PM (7/13/2006)
Hopefully being enveloped by the Maserati dealer network will allow for a similarly fantastic buying / servicing experience.
If the Brera is still as gorgeous as it is now by that time, I may trade in the GTI...
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SoloTwo 2:31PM (7/13/2006)
Well I hope someone starts a Maser dealer up here in Wisconsin, otherwise I'll have to make a commute to Chicago too buy one...but you gotta do what you gotta do.
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New Yorker 2:32PM (7/13/2006)
I concur, reliability could be an issue…servicing as well. Are we talkin’ Saab stigma reliability?
Anybody have any idea who they are after with these beauties? Audi-type prices?
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Turbolook 2:41PM (7/13/2006)
Too bad it's still 3 years away. Those cars are fantastic looking and quality is now on par with BMW/Mercedes...Not quite the level of a Lexus but hey..I'll take a Spider or a Brera any day compared to a boring Lex'. I only wish Alfa would have kept the "original" V6 instead of the new GM V6. The new engine doesn't sing like the Italian used to (my first car was a GTV6)...
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Eric L. 2:47PM (7/13/2006)
This is great but I hope they keep prices competitive because despite the stunning styling, none of the Alfas drive as well as BMWs yet.
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verdegrrl 2:48PM (7/13/2006)
Yeah yeah yeah, having heard this news many times before, I'll believe it when I see it.
If there is one shortcoming with Alfas, it's the dealers, not the actual reliability. Hopefully by piggy-backing on Maser dealers, this won't be so much the issue. Of course I'm not sure how they are going to structure the staff at those dealers, since margins will be smaller than they are for Maserati and commissions will be smaller.
I don't see a lot of present North American Alfa owners buying the new cars, as the brand has fallen into the camp of owners who are so-cheap-they-squeak for some years. And that's fine, time for fresh blood. Plenty of people out there still remember the brand.
I've got 5 pre-pullout Alfas at home, and another overseas. Just can't bear to have my hopes dashed once more - so I'm not getting them up too much. Here's my review of a late model Spider:
http://forums.audiworld.com/a6/msgs/450270.phtml
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Cole Branel 2:51PM (7/13/2006)
That's good news for the Americans, I personally think Alfa's are great looking cars.
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P to the C 2:54PM (7/13/2006)
How many years now has Alfa been confirmed to be returning to the US market? I'll believe it when I see it.
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judd 3:04PM (7/13/2006)
I've always wanted one of these cars since I was ummm really young. Looks like the closest Maserati dealer to me is San Francisco. I'm ready when they are.
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Mark 3:07PM (7/13/2006)
For all those taking a "I believe it when I see it" attitude, remember there has been talk that Alfa Romeo was returning to the US, it has all been via General Motors, via their now gone partnership with Fiat Auto S.p.A. This is the first time that Alfa Romeo officials have officially confirmed it, and the plans for a dealer network. I know it is easy to take that mentality, but this time it is for real, just like US sales of the smart became reality two weeks ago.
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verdegrrl 3:08PM (7/13/2006)
A few things I've gleaned:
PJ - my inlaws have some newer Alfas. More reliable than their BMWs. It all boils down to finding a good service center and being proactive about issues that may arise. In that respect Alfas are not like Japanese cars. If you ignore stuff, it snowballs very quickly.
Jason - you're dating yourself, since Alfas haven't had much of a rust problem since the late '80s when they stopped using Russian steel which was part of a government deal.
Eric/New Yorker - in Europe Alfas are priced slightly under Audi. Not sure if that will translate here, but it's a guess that they know they need to establish themselves.
Eric - Alfas may not be able to match a BMW in performance numbers, but they have charisma; which based on my recent drive of a 330 is lacking in the Beemer. I've often told people looking at Alfas that an Alfa is like a crazy lovable friend with whom you share some memorable life events. A German car is like an accomplished servant that holds you at arm's length. Depends what you want from your car - and if Alfa can find enough people looking for that loopy pal;-)
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Adam Singer 3:13PM (7/13/2006)
Amazing news! I will start saving my shekels now in hopes of getting a Brera.
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CanuckGreg 3:19PM (7/13/2006)
The cars are gorgeous, no doubt, but I'm not sure that will be enough. The cars will have to be class-leading, or close, and by all accounts I've read they aren't. The handling of the new 159-based cars is apparently not as good as the 156, there are still reliability issues, and the lack of RWD is a major stumbling block for a brand trying to take on BMW. To me, the new Alfa = a slightly sexier Saab.
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akatsuki 3:24PM (7/13/2006)
They are designed for the American market. What does this usually mean? Wide flat seats for the overweight, softened suspensions, larger vehicles, more weight for crash protection, changed steering ratios... I am not holding my breath for anything great until they are already out.
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Craig Morey 3:25PM (7/13/2006)
What no Alfa 8C in the line up? - Aw, Alfa, throw us a bone... http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=alfa%208c&w=all&m=tags
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Brent 3:34PM (7/13/2006)
How much do their cars run for?
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Vicki Smith 3:47PM (7/13/2006)
Yes! I am so over begging rental car agency's in Italy to hold an Alfa for me. The modern Alfa's are delightful to drive as well as beautiful. Too bad they don't like the 147, it's a great blend of form and function I find perfect. Last trip I rented a GT. It's a little hard to see out the back window but the fit, finish and styling had Italians everywhere we went complementing us on our choice of car.
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