Fiat group preparing new sports cars for Abarth, Lancia, Alfa
Any day in which we bring you news of a new Italian sports car is a good day by any account. Today we bring you news of three new sports cars under development under the Fiat group umbrella, which we needn't point out controls most of the Italian automotive industry, including Fiat, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and Ferrari.
First up to bat is the unique sports car which, as we reported back in March, Fiat is developing for its recently revived Abarth performance brand. Reports now suggest that the Abarth roadster would take an Elise-style approach, and could even borrow underpinnings from Lotus. Power could come from the turbo four in the Punto and 500 Abarth, mounted amidships, but unburdened by a lightweight two-seater chassis.
While we wait for more news on that front, there are parallel reports of a new Lancia coupe-cabrio on the horizon. (This in addition to the rumored Aurelia flagship, anticipated for unveiling in Geneva next March.) Previewed by the Fulvia concept from Frankfurt 2003 (pictured above), the Lancia convertible could also spawn an Alfa Romeo variant. The stage is set, and we'll be keeping a sharp eye out for more news as it emerges.
[Source: 4Car]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rypt 7:59PM (6/23/2008)
I never understood why manufacturers need 100 different brands, surely they are just competing with themselves then?
I know choice is good, but why not have all the cars under the Fiat brand (Ferrari excluded).
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DS 8:23PM (6/23/2008)
for the same reason why some people prefer lexus over toyota or infiniti over nissan
elprogramer 9:00PM (6/23/2008)
^They're vain and stupid?
rypt 6:07AM (6/24/2008)
Well, I personally prefer to have my cars to be badged as Toyota rather than Lexus, as Nissan rather than Infinity and as Honda rather than Acura. The ONLY exception to this is Ferrari vs Fiat and Lambo vs Audi vs VW possibly.
elprogramer 9:03PM (6/23/2008)
Also, that car looks like the ugly lovechild of a Cadillac and a Lexus.
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Rick 10:52PM (6/23/2008)
There is a God! The return of affordable Italian sports car with a soul! Please Abarth, get back into World Rallying and remind the 'kids' who made the rules.
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Fritz 2:03AM (6/24/2008)
Hopefully it follows more the Montecarlo/Scorpion/037 path opposed to the Flavia/Fulvia, especially if Alfa shares it. Assuming they wish to be taken seriously. All evidence to the contrary...
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Colin Smith 5:48AM (6/24/2008)
I don't see both a mid-engined chassis and a front engined one somehow. These things would never sell in the numbers necessary to make real profits, so I'd expect a common floorpan at least.
So much rumour.