Spied & Rendered: Alfa Romeo 149
by Noah Joseph on Aug 15th 2008 at 7:58AM 
As Alfa Romeo prepares to launch its next all-new model, dubbed the 149, test mules have been spotted, details have come into focus and speculations have been rendered.
The five-door hatchback will join the MiTo in replacing the aging 147. Sources suggest that the 149 moniker could be dropped before the car is unveiled next year, only a few telling months after the Volkswagen Golf VI is due for its debut. Borrowing styling cues from the 8C Competizione and MiTo, the Alfa 149 is expected it to include a new three-arm rear suspension and Alfa's trick Q2 differential, with the eventual availability of Q4 all-wheel-drive remaining a question mark. Diesel and gasoline engines are anticipated to range between 120 and 250 horsepower, and the 149 is tipped to be complying with the upcoming six-star EuroNCAP safety rating, and more tellingly, new U.S. crash requirements as well.
Some still maintain that the Alfa hatch will be based on the same platform that underpins the Fiat Bravo and Lancia Delta, although Alfa representatives have asserted that the 149 will spearhead its own unique platform. Either way, the platform could underpin the replacement for the 159 sedan and wagon, as well as the replacements for the Brera and Spider, while Alfa executives continue to deliberate over the possibility of a crossover model as well.
[Sources: Autocar and Projetto 940]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jgp 8:30AM (8/15/2008)
Alfa is sex.
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Ligor 10:54AM (8/15/2008)
+1
FSM 7:03PM (8/15/2008)
Dammit that was my line you stole. Why can't we get these. Their design engineers are incredible, I wonder if they would beat VW in reliability tests.
inteller 8:51AM (8/15/2008)
that just looks like a slammed and chopped EX35.....nothing original here.
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Ian 8:53AM (8/15/2008)
Do want! That is a sexy looking hatchback. And I do love me some hatchbacks.
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Alex 9:02AM (8/15/2008)
well, i'm sold. I remember stories from my Uncle about owning an Alfa Romeo. First car he really loved. I can't wait for them to come State side.
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Chaz 9:16AM (8/15/2008)
I like. Takes care of the Mi.To's proportional complications well.
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Kumail 9:38AM (8/15/2008)
149 > MiTo, unless they give it the owl-look.
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Epyx 9:57AM (8/15/2008)
Very svelt, I like it.
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geo.stewart 10:02AM (8/15/2008)
check on the link for the front view.
nice
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akatsuki 10:33AM (8/15/2008)
If they come out with a GTI competitor, I'll buy one.
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Js 11:13AM (8/15/2008)
I'm not one for hatchbacks... but I have always loved Alfas. This car looks absolutely gorgeous, and despite it being a hatch, it is definitely something I will keep my eyes open for when it comes to car buying time.
I think Alfa could enjoy great success with their designs here in America.
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haudit 12:59PM (8/15/2008)
Nice looking car, but not quite as beautifully restrained or elegantly proportioned as either the 147 or 159/Brera.
As to which platform it's using, the information I've been able to dig up from a few online sources, its going to be based on the centre section of the Fiat Bravo's floorpan, with it's own specific front and rear bulkheads and unique multilink and wishbone suspension replacing the Bravo's rather more workaday MacPherson struts and twist beam.
They're pulling pretty much the same trick that turned the 1988 Fiat Tipo platform into the platform for the Spider, GTV, 147 and 156 - retaining the core element from a mundane car and swapping out all the ancilliaries for something just a touch more premium and high tech.
Will 12:16PM (8/15/2008)
I'll take mine with AWD, diesel, and in red please.
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Zane 1:25PM (8/15/2008)
I'll have a black on black with the TT 230hp engine.
Matt 3:49PM (8/15/2008)
The rendering on this post is beautiful - well proportioned with voluptuous curves. The spy photos, on the other hand, show something else, something less sensual and emotional. Where are the shapely hips and the undulating character line?
The rendered car would be awesome. What appears they are building, not so much.
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Chase 3:35AM (10/07/2008)
All of the sheet metal is from the Bravo II. The Alfa-grille is practically taped on. In other words, fortunately its not representative of the Alfa. :)
Quan 3:56PM (8/15/2008)
Looks way better than the strangely proportioned MiTo.
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Charles 1:52AM (8/16/2008)
Dude, this car is hot! Sign me up for one yesterday with a 6 speed stick and a diesel! This would easily be one of the hottest hatchbacks in the U.S. Please bring it here now and make it look exactly like the renderings including the blacked-out roof!!
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