Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo readies Ferrari-powered RS4, M3 eater
A $200,000 supercar, a return to America, and now this: the Alfa Romeo 159 GTA is expected to scrap the planned twin-turbo Holden-built V6 and go straight for the V8 from the F430. With the Ferrari V8, Alfa has a chance at getting an invitation to the C63, M3, and RS4 party. There would be plenty of room to detune the V8 in the GTA and still challenge the M3 and RS4, but the C63 has recently been reported to bow with 500 hp.
Like the M3 and the C63, it will come in sedan and wagon variants. Alfa's have been known for sportiness, but they're new to competing with this kind of muscle. We're sure they can bring the style and the power, and we'll find out around next year's Geneva Motor Show if they can bring the handling as well.
[Source: Drive Australia]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
testa di cazzo 11:31AM (6/26/2007)
that should read "like the RS4 and the C63, it will come in sedan and wagon variants". the M3 doesn't come in a wagon variant
Reply
Adam 11:45AM (6/26/2007)
So will this thing be FWD? If so, it has an uphill fight in the handling department. Still, it would almost be worth it for the Ferrari engine note alone.
Reply
epp_b 1:12PM (6/26/2007)
Are you kidding? Not even Alfa Romeo is that dumb. A Ferrari V8 would snap the axles before torque steer actually occurred.
jgp 10:31PM (6/26/2007)
The article mentioned that it will be AWD.
SSBR 11:54AM (6/26/2007)
Their is a reason why this company disappeared from the US market. Just look at it. Its so ugly. And isn't this the same car we've been seeing for the past 20 years. Alfa Romeo still has not evolved. Ok, so here you have a really hiddious car, but it has a F430 engine in it. Fine. The next question is, how much? No more then 60k, and this thing has a fighting chance.
http://www.rolesor.com
Reply
zeroSignal 12:05PM (6/26/2007)
SBBR, not only are you most likely blind, or at least in some way visually impaired, but you are also a few beers short of a sixpack..
testa di cazzo 12:18PM (6/26/2007)
you know what, italians may do a LOT of things poorly when it comes to making cars (quality control, reliability, engineering, etc.), but design is the one place where they are truly great. even Fiat's little turd cinquecento is a good looking car!
Adam 12:40PM (6/26/2007)
So is it real AWD drive of Haldex/FWD based AWD? If it is the latter, my point on handleing remains. If not, then, I think that this would be one kick ass ride.
epp_b 1:13PM (6/26/2007)
It's Ray Charles reporting on style, everyone!
Jonathan 3:29PM (6/26/2007)
You're kidding right? I'm just back from a year living in Europe, and having seen the 159 in the flesh, I can attest that it is one of the most beautiful cars currently in production.
gus 12:05PM (6/26/2007)
Adam -The 159 V6 Q4 is AWD already, the GTA should be AWD also.
SSBR
-Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. BTW, the 159 has won numerous
design awards. :) That's one of the most beautiful car on the road
today, maybe you should check your "eyes".
Reply
Adam 12:41PM (6/26/2007)
it should say "or" instead of "if" between the two types of AWD.
Reply
gus 12:57PM (6/26/2007)
It will be a Torsen C based system - just like the Audi RS4.
Q4 employs three differentials, with a self-locking Torsen C unit at the centre of the system which divides drive torque by a ratio of 57% to the rear wheels and 43% to the front.
http://www.carpages.co.uk/alfa_romeo/alfa-romeo-159-sportwagon-handling-part-2-06-06-06.asp
MikeW 1:15PM (6/26/2007)
The Alfa Romeo four wheel drive (Q4) uses a torsen3 (C) center differential 40/60 nominal, going to 20/80 on front overrun to 60/40 on rear overrun.
So how do they plan on fitting a transverse 90 degree V8, maybe they aren't. They will make it rear drive, it could happen.
Reply
British_Rover 2:19PM (6/26/2007)
Not sure if you think the F430 engine is transverse mounted in the F430 or if you think they will transverse mount the F430 engine in the Alfa. Just to be clear the F430 does not have a transverse engine, I have driven one, but it is mounted longitudinally under glass.
http://images.automotive.com/cob/factory_automotive/images/features/auto_shows/2005_LAAS/2005_Ferrari_F430__engine.jpg
I would expect that would do something like the Renault Clio and mount the engine in the back. Maybe stretch the back in some in the process. I doubt it would retain AWD either but maybe so. I would probably buy it to get that amazing F430 engine for $100,000 to $150,000 less money even without AWD.
MikeW 3:03PM (6/26/2007)
Alfa has tranverse 60 degree V6s. A wider Vee angle would likely not fit (that troublesome firewall and radiator)
If Alfa wanted to make it longitudinal, and push it as far back as possible, there would be enough room, width-wise, for the engine.
there was that Ford Focus with the cobra engine, and rear drive (and crap weight distribution)