Alfa in US in '07?
02-22-2005, 08:44 AM
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Alfa in US in '07?
From thecarconnection.com:
Could U.S. Be Next for Alfa?
What could be next, according to other reports, could be a return of Alfa Romeo to the U.S. market. Marchionne may be planning to bring Alfa back to the States as early as 2007, Automotive News reports. The re-entry could be helped along with the teaming of Alfa and Maserati, reports add, since the brands are expected to share platforms and Maserati has a small dealer presence in the U.S. A new "premium" platform could spawn Alfa products as well as a new Maser Spyder and Kubang crossover vehicle. Also, in the GM agreement Alfa Romeo will receive Northstar V-8 engines and will get help in federalizing its products to U.S. standards.
Could U.S. Be Next for Alfa?
What could be next, according to other reports, could be a return of Alfa Romeo to the U.S. market. Marchionne may be planning to bring Alfa back to the States as early as 2007, Automotive News reports. The re-entry could be helped along with the teaming of Alfa and Maserati, reports add, since the brands are expected to share platforms and Maserati has a small dealer presence in the U.S. A new "premium" platform could spawn Alfa products as well as a new Maser Spyder and Kubang crossover vehicle. Also, in the GM agreement Alfa Romeo will receive Northstar V-8 engines and will get help in federalizing its products to U.S. standards.
02-22-2005, 09:45 AM
#5
Don't get me wrong. I love ketchup. But if I buy an Alfa, it's for the....
... Italian styling and the engine.
The Northstar is a good engine that has seen a lot of racing development. I do wonder, however, why GM still turned to the pushrod 5.7L for the CTS-V.
The Northstar is a good engine that has seen a lot of racing development. I do wonder, however, why GM still turned to the pushrod 5.7L for the CTS-V.
02-22-2005, 09:50 AM
#6
Some old news
The new 157(or 158 or Giullietta) will have GM (Opel) engine block, but again Alfa-Romeo cylinder heads.
They are also developing a system called Uniair, that
will actuate the valves with electrohydlavlic method and
not a camshaft.
___________________________
Alfa Romeo is to replace the recently revised 156 in early 2005, a launch which will coincide with the reintroduction of the brand into the American market, say insiders. The new car - which may well be called 158, say some sources, instead of 157, to mark a significant step forward - will be built on the so-called Premium platform developed in collaboration with Saab in Sweden. Styling will be by Giugiaro, and it will retain a clear resemblance to the current 156, with features such as the 'hidden' rear door handles remaining. However, it will be larger all round than the 156, with deeper bumpers as well as an extended wheelbase, and a steeper nose and larger grille as seen on the latest Spider and GTV models.
The 157/158 will eventually come with either two- or four-wheel drive, though the two-wheel drive models will be the first to make their debut. Suspension will be by double wishbones up front and a multi-link layout behind. Engines on offer will include a GM-sourced all-alloy V6, in 2.8-litre and 3.2-litre capacities. The current JTS (direct-injection petrol) units will also be overhauled, with 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2-litre versions available; high-performance derivatives will be fitted with a twin-turbo 2.2 JTS engine, developing some 280-300bhp. For the GTA, however, the twin-turbo 3.2 V6 is said to be lined up: this could develop as much as 400bhp, according to some sources. Rumours also suggest that the Ferrari-Maserati 4.2 V8 could be offered in an ultra-luxurious variant. The JTD diesel engines will also continue, with 1.9-litre and 2.4-litre Multijet offerings, and perhaps a range-topping 3.2 V6 JTD as well.
Four-wheel drive 'Quadrifoglio' Sportwagon estates will follow later in 2005, and the Premium platform will also form the basis of a 4x4, as hinted at by the Kamal concept car, and the next-generation GTV/Spider models. It will also be used for a new top-end Opel/Vauxhall (as suggested by the Insignia concept car shown in Frankfurt last month), though Saab, original partners in the design and engineering of this chassis, is said to have dropped out of further development as it will prove too expensive.
They are also developing a system called Uniair, that
will actuate the valves with electrohydlavlic method and
not a camshaft.
___________________________
Alfa Romeo is to replace the recently revised 156 in early 2005, a launch which will coincide with the reintroduction of the brand into the American market, say insiders. The new car - which may well be called 158, say some sources, instead of 157, to mark a significant step forward - will be built on the so-called Premium platform developed in collaboration with Saab in Sweden. Styling will be by Giugiaro, and it will retain a clear resemblance to the current 156, with features such as the 'hidden' rear door handles remaining. However, it will be larger all round than the 156, with deeper bumpers as well as an extended wheelbase, and a steeper nose and larger grille as seen on the latest Spider and GTV models.
The 157/158 will eventually come with either two- or four-wheel drive, though the two-wheel drive models will be the first to make their debut. Suspension will be by double wishbones up front and a multi-link layout behind. Engines on offer will include a GM-sourced all-alloy V6, in 2.8-litre and 3.2-litre capacities. The current JTS (direct-injection petrol) units will also be overhauled, with 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2-litre versions available; high-performance derivatives will be fitted with a twin-turbo 2.2 JTS engine, developing some 280-300bhp. For the GTA, however, the twin-turbo 3.2 V6 is said to be lined up: this could develop as much as 400bhp, according to some sources. Rumours also suggest that the Ferrari-Maserati 4.2 V8 could be offered in an ultra-luxurious variant. The JTD diesel engines will also continue, with 1.9-litre and 2.4-litre Multijet offerings, and perhaps a range-topping 3.2 V6 JTD as well.
Four-wheel drive 'Quadrifoglio' Sportwagon estates will follow later in 2005, and the Premium platform will also form the basis of a 4x4, as hinted at by the Kamal concept car, and the next-generation GTV/Spider models. It will also be used for a new top-end Opel/Vauxhall (as suggested by the Insignia concept car shown in Frankfurt last month), though Saab, original partners in the design and engineering of this chassis, is said to have dropped out of further development as it will prove too expensive.
Trending Topics
02-22-2005, 10:47 AM
#8
The Northstar is slated for use in the SUV called the Kamal.
Only after Alfa has fine tuned and perhaps even designed some new heads for the engine. The Kamal is slated to launch in 2006.
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_1.jpg">
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_4.jpg">
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_5.jpg">
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_6.jpg">
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_7.jpg">
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_2.jpg">
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_3.jpg">
Double wishbone suspension all round and height adjustable air springs (these are lowered automatically when a certain speed is reached) provide the smooth, road-hugging ride. The driver can adjust the suspension height according to the type of use: higher off the road, lower on the road.
The Kamal is powered by a 3.2litre, V6, 24V engine that delivers 250 bhp at 6200 rpm and has a peak torque of 300 Nm at 4800 rpm. Smooth power delivery even at low speeds allows you to travel in 6th gear at less than 2000 rpm and to slip rapidly away without needing to change gear according to Alph Romeo.
The gearbox is the Selespeed unit with an operating logic derived from Formula 1, which makes for faster gear changes at low and high speeds.
The prototype also has a lower centre of gravity than a conventional SUV, increasing the car's stability.
Off-raod performances is boosted by the reinforced live axle as well as the adoption of 4 wheel drive with electronic control, with three differentials and Torsen system, which splits the torque variably between the front and rear wheels.
Accommodating a wide range of seat configurations and with rear doors that are rear-hinged, the Kamal is designed for maximum load space when required or enhanced comfort when passengers are aboard. The luggage compartment exceeds 400 litres and there are also numerous oddment compartments and glass recesses in the central tunnel. The tunnel can even be used to keep drinks cool using cold air from the climate control system.
The rear window opens independently of the tailgate, which has a small 'flap' which can be lowered and extended to the ground to assist loading the vehicle.
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_1.jpg">
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_4.jpg">
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_5.jpg">
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_6.jpg">
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_7.jpg">
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_2.jpg">
<img src="http://wawawoum.imagesfiat2.free.fr/images/italie/alfa/2003_kamal_3.jpg">
Double wishbone suspension all round and height adjustable air springs (these are lowered automatically when a certain speed is reached) provide the smooth, road-hugging ride. The driver can adjust the suspension height according to the type of use: higher off the road, lower on the road.
The Kamal is powered by a 3.2litre, V6, 24V engine that delivers 250 bhp at 6200 rpm and has a peak torque of 300 Nm at 4800 rpm. Smooth power delivery even at low speeds allows you to travel in 6th gear at less than 2000 rpm and to slip rapidly away without needing to change gear according to Alph Romeo.
The gearbox is the Selespeed unit with an operating logic derived from Formula 1, which makes for faster gear changes at low and high speeds.
The prototype also has a lower centre of gravity than a conventional SUV, increasing the car's stability.
Off-raod performances is boosted by the reinforced live axle as well as the adoption of 4 wheel drive with electronic control, with three differentials and Torsen system, which splits the torque variably between the front and rear wheels.
Accommodating a wide range of seat configurations and with rear doors that are rear-hinged, the Kamal is designed for maximum load space when required or enhanced comfort when passengers are aboard. The luggage compartment exceeds 400 litres and there are also numerous oddment compartments and glass recesses in the central tunnel. The tunnel can even be used to keep drinks cool using cold air from the climate control system.
The rear window opens independently of the tailgate, which has a small 'flap' which can be lowered and extended to the ground to assist loading the vehicle.
02-23-2005, 04:35 AM
#9
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But wait, sadly there is more....
>From Detroit News.
MILAN - Italian carmaker Fiat plans to close an Alfa Romeo motor plant
near Milan and will instead power some of its sporty models with engines
made by former partner General Motors, unions said on Tuesday.
Fiat's Powertrain unit announced its decision to workers, who reacted by
throwing insults at Fiat Chairman Luca di Montezemolo.
"Powertrain told us today that Alfa Romeo engines will no longer be made
in Arese. The assembly lines will be dismantled and the six-cylinder
Alfa Romeo motor will be replaced with an engine GM produces in
Australia," unionist Vincenzo Lilliu said.
The decision comes 10 days after Fiat and GM dissolved a five-year
alliance and two joint ventures in powertrains and purchasing but said
they would keep buying each other's engines.
GM benefits from the deal as it still has access to Fiat's small diesel
engines while Fiat, which mainly sells smaller cars, can use GM's big
petrol motors for larger vehicles.
Unionists have long been fighting the gradual closure of Alfa Romeo's
historic plant in Arese, north of Milan, as Fiat moves more car
production to its huge, underused plant in Turin, and south to a factory
near Naples.
On Tuesday, Lilliu and other members of the small but aggressive Slai
Cobas union attacked Montezemolo for banging the latest nail in Arese's
coffin.
"You should be ashamed of yourself for taking engines away from Arese.
And you call yourself an enlightened businessman!" they shouted as
Montezemolo left a meeting.
The unions said the decision would probably mean 800 workers currently
on temporary layoff would now lose their jobs once for all, leaving only
400 people working in Alfa Romeo's style centre at Arese.
In December, Fiat-GM Powertrain said it would lay off 706 workers as it
halted production of old engines that no longer met environmental
standards and started making new replacement motors in Latin America.
MILAN - Italian carmaker Fiat plans to close an Alfa Romeo motor plant
near Milan and will instead power some of its sporty models with engines
made by former partner General Motors, unions said on Tuesday.
Fiat's Powertrain unit announced its decision to workers, who reacted by
throwing insults at Fiat Chairman Luca di Montezemolo.
"Powertrain told us today that Alfa Romeo engines will no longer be made
in Arese. The assembly lines will be dismantled and the six-cylinder
Alfa Romeo motor will be replaced with an engine GM produces in
Australia," unionist Vincenzo Lilliu said.
The decision comes 10 days after Fiat and GM dissolved a five-year
alliance and two joint ventures in powertrains and purchasing but said
they would keep buying each other's engines.
GM benefits from the deal as it still has access to Fiat's small diesel
engines while Fiat, which mainly sells smaller cars, can use GM's big
petrol motors for larger vehicles.
Unionists have long been fighting the gradual closure of Alfa Romeo's
historic plant in Arese, north of Milan, as Fiat moves more car
production to its huge, underused plant in Turin, and south to a factory
near Naples.
On Tuesday, Lilliu and other members of the small but aggressive Slai
Cobas union attacked Montezemolo for banging the latest nail in Arese's
coffin.
"You should be ashamed of yourself for taking engines away from Arese.
And you call yourself an enlightened businessman!" they shouted as
Montezemolo left a meeting.
The unions said the decision would probably mean 800 workers currently
on temporary layoff would now lose their jobs once for all, leaving only
400 people working in Alfa Romeo's style centre at Arese.
In December, Fiat-GM Powertrain said it would lay off 706 workers as it
halted production of old engines that no longer met environmental
standards and started making new replacement motors in Latin America.