Alfa Romeo's new Spider to receive Aussie heart transplant?

Alfa Romeo's next Spider, slated for a world debut in Geneva will speak with an Australian accent.

The 3.2-liter V6 set to power the svelte Italian will have its roots in the mill Holden builds for its VZ Commodore. Traditionalists may have reason to fear for the loss of aural chutzpah or visceral punch, but at the moment, Alfa assures that its JTS tuning and lean-burn running specific to the Italian will preserve the Spider's character.

While they're at it, let's hope they didn't forget Alfa's historically stunning engine rooms-- these days, most manufacturers neuter their powerplants of any sex appeal by hiding their reciprocating bits beneath characterless plastic shrouds. For its part, Alfa has traditionally taken the aesthetic high road, imbuing their engines' visuals with a sense of occasion and red-blooded passion. Losing sight of this heritage would be a shame.. and besides, "Throw a few calamari on the barbie!" just doesn't have the same ring to it.

[Source: CarsGuide.com.au]