Speculation Rendered Closer: Alfa Romeo 149/Giulia
European customers have been eagerly anticipating the replacement for the aging Alfa Romeo 147. Tentatively referred to as the 149, the new five-door hatchback, tipped to receive a new nameplate outside the three-digit numeric designation, will be positioned slightly above the three-door MiTo hatch. As with the new MiTo, styling is expected to borrow the themes laid out by the 8C Competizione, which should translate better to the increased dimensions of the 149/Giulia over the more cartoonish looks of its smaller sibling.
Expect a range of gasoline and diesel engines, which could be topped by a 265-horsepower GTA version. Sources now suggest the 149 will be unveiled in a bit over a year from now at the Frankfurt show for market roll-out anticipated in late summer 2009, and will spearhead the new "C-Evo" platform based on the underpinnings from the Fiat Bravo and Lancia Delta.
[Source: OmniAuto.it]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
black 8:13AM (9/17/2008)
So how long until Alfa actually comes back to the US? Is it still in their cards?
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gtrace 10:14AM (9/17/2008)
is it me or is alfa kinda dissolving the unique identity of the 8C Competizione by taking its styling cues and making every car look like a lesser derivitive. I mean i think they all look good (MiTo, this 149 rendering) just saying that it makes the 8C less unique and takes away from its look. Im sure if you see one in person it would still jump at you...but you get my point
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Mike 10:31AM (9/17/2008)
I agree with you ... but I'm still kind of glad that they're doing it. I could never afford an 8C -- this thing, maybe. But if I had the cash to buy an 8C and had done so, I would be a little bit miffed.
Ligor 11:41AM (9/17/2008)
I think they made hte right decision on getting all their lesser cars the styling cue from what I think is the hottest car to have even been designed in the history of the automobile, the 8C compatizone - it's not like the 8C com. is going to make much money for them, and these hot looking hatches adn coming sedans will assure Alfa will become profitable and the brand of design lust.
i think we'll soon see some Alfa ques on coming 2012 cars fomr all manufactrers
Mobius_1 8:18AM (9/17/2008)
Looks a bit cutesy... I much prefer the Brera/Spider
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Kumar 9:12AM (9/17/2008)
So you're going to be Julia Giulia? That's funny.
How is that funny!?
...uh, it's not..
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Mike 9:41AM (9/17/2008)
That looks really good -- better than the MiTo. The 147 looked really attractive pre-facelift and this looks even better, so it's a worthwhile and overdue update.
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Bluestreak 10:04AM (9/17/2008)
I love 5-doors and the front clip on that one is very attractive. Rear looks a bit too VW for me, though. I could do without the triangular pieces that point to the center-- the round elements alone would be classy.
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Mattias 10:23AM (9/17/2008)
Rear looks a bit too much VW? Guess who styled both the Golf VI and the 149s ancestor, the 147?
MikeMidd 10:08AM (9/17/2008)
Sexy hatchback...
But, it's still a hatchback. Americans just won't pay premium prices for a hatch, it's in our blood.
I'm really looking forward to seeing what they do with the 159. That will be the car with real U.S. potential - a sporty sedan to take on the C Class/3 Series/A4/etc.
And they've got to find a way to get a hot looking small convertible. Alfa is convertibles to a lot of Americans, a new Spider with that front end, some real curves, will be key to re-establishing the brand here.
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ronzo 12:01PM (9/17/2008)
ronzo likey
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Shiftright 2:19PM (9/17/2008)
This will be a welcome and distinctive addition to the C segment. The 8C cues work much better on the proportions than on the Mito, although the Mito has its own unique character appropriate to its segment. Don't hold your breath for this one coming here. Americans are just too conservative and set in their ways for a premium hatchback.
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