Apparently Alfa Romeo plans to make a splash in the upscale end of the U.S. market before introducing its mainstream models to the U.S. As Alfa Romeo's plans to return to the U.S. become more defined, AutoWeek reported Monday that the delectable 8c Competizione coupe will debut in U.S. Maserati dealerships in late 2008, followed by the 8c Spider in 2009.
The limited edition 8c will be based on a shortened Maserati Coupe platform and be powered by the Maserati 4.2-liter V8, which should simplify service and support by the Maserati dealer network.
The U.S. will get fully half of the 8c production run, currently planned for 500 coupes and 500 spider models.
Alfa's 159, Brera and Spider models will slipstream into the U.S. market behind the 8c halo model, with launches tentatively scheduled for the 2010-2011 timeframe.
[Source: AutoWeek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
taipeileviathan @ Jul 24th 2006 2:45PM
oh. my. god.
that's like saying on your first date with monica belluci you WILL be getting hot sex all night long.
yumm...
Gardiner Westbound @ Jul 24th 2006 2:58PM
Gorgeous! For those who can afford one, let's hope they're not unrepairable and biodegradable like Alfas were the last time they brought them in.
Tim UF @ Jul 24th 2006 3:10PM
wow. just... wow. gotta love the balls out approach to the US market, bring in the halo car first to garner public interest, nice.
Fragmaster170 @ Jul 24th 2006 3:10PM
My '85 GTV6 has over 100,000 miles, no rust and runs just fine.
Mark @ Jul 24th 2006 3:23PM
Also of note is that Automotive News is reporting that Alfa Romeo will be stretching the 159 by ten inches for the US market to give it more rear seat legroom.
Schira @ Jul 24th 2006 3:36PM
Wow ... imagine driving it on the Detroit roads with that ground clearance!
Tim UF @ Jul 24th 2006 3:43PM
a 10inch stretch seems like an awful lot for just leg room...
Cesare @ Jul 24th 2006 3:48PM
Just a beautiful car, perfect blending lines...no clashing (are you listening Bangle?!?!). Very elegant design, very classic Alfa. They should not have a problem moving these.
gottacook @ Jul 24th 2006 4:02PM
It's obvious - the added length will be for U.S.-spec bumpers. Too bad...
JoeArlo @ Jul 24th 2006 4:21PM
Any idea on what pricing would be for a vehicle like this? If I have to ask . . . probably means I should start saving now.
Tim C @ Jul 24th 2006 5:10PM
When my mother needed to replace her Toyota estate I had some input and she ended up with an Alfa 156 Sportwagon. She loves it, it's been reliable and there's no sign of rust. If the 159's lines are spoilt by nasty US-spec bumpers then surely it wouldn't be impossible to ship some Euro-spec bumper skins over? Hope you get the full range and not just the V6's though. The twin-spark engines are that bit lighter giving a better balance and sharper handling.
bobdobbs @ Jul 24th 2006 6:49PM
Bad idea. This is a beautiful car, but Alfa has a stable full of beautiful cars and each of these they sell is a money loser for them. They need to conserve their cash so they can invest it in the dealer/service network. That's where people are concerned.
And if you think a halo car moves cheaper units, ask a Chevy dealer how many Corvette tire-kickers drive away in a Cobalt.
PJ @ Jul 24th 2006 7:32PM
Yeah, but... with looks like that, Alfa could name its price, at least on the 8C.
$450,000? Certainly, Ms. Hilton, just sign the dotted line...
John Bryans Fontaine @ Jul 24th 2006 11:49PM
I have been a Ferrari fan since the 246 Dino, but the 8c Competizione looks even better than the 599 Fiorano. And between the 8c Competizione, 8c Spider, Brera and the Brera Spider, not to mention the proposed Trofeo Sport Coupe, Alfa Romeo could be in a position to offer the most exciting car line in the USA. Or anywhere else.
Ford should hire some of their designers!
gbh @ Jul 25th 2006 12:56AM
Visual orgasm.
Joe @ Jul 25th 2006 4:24AM
Since moving to Europe from N.J. twelve years ago I have become an Alfa fan-atic. I never had any problems with my 145, 147, 156 or my current GT, I love the Alfa designs for simple, classic, sexy and anti-Bangle elegance, but I do have real problems with the 8c Competizione: I'm fairly sure I won't be able to afford one! But at least I can get to see some, if I hang around on street corners in Cap Ferrat or Monaco.
Road Tester @ Jul 25th 2006 4:43AM
Introducing this car first, to the extend the line-up with the remaining models, is a smart move. Even if Alfa loses money on every car sold, the press coverage this model is gonna get, will give Alfa the start it needs to get a hold in the US.
Mills @ Jul 25th 2006 7:28AM
I saw one of these in the flesh last week and I've got to say they look pretty sweet. Interior was a little cheap though, looked like they pulled it straight from the Brera (preprod though so they might improve it)
Ethan84ae @ Jul 25th 2006 8:02AM
Wow- its the new Panoz! Bring the Berra (not Yogi) to the states for under 30 grand and there would be something to talk about. Actually I do like this car, but would probably spend my money (if I had it) on a 997 first.
mickster @ Jul 25th 2006 9:33AM
DROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
OMG! WHAT AN AMAZING DESIGN!!!!
I am speechless...