ShareThisWITH THE ADDITION of the MiTo to the Alfa Romeo line-up and the recently-revealed Giulietta not far away, the aging 159 is rapidly nearing the end of the line.
While a Chrysler-developed platform is rumoured to form the basis of the next generation 159, new concepts presented by Bertone, Pininfarina and Italdesign Giugiaro at the Geneva Auto Show in February hint at the new model's design.
A report by Britain's car magazine this week claims Alfa is planning to launch the new model - reportedly to be named 'Giulia' - as early as next year, in sedan, coupe and wagon body styles.
According to an earlier Edmunds report, Bertone will be responsible for the coupe version, Pininfarina for the convertible and Italdesign Giugiaro the sedan.
The current generation 159 is offered in sedan and wagon bodystyles. With Alfa moving away from its numerical nomenclature, recent rumours have suggested the new model will be named Giulia.
According to car, the Giulia will feature a McPherson front axle and a twin-link rear suspension arrangement. The standard layout is expected to be front-wheel-drive, but all-wheel-drive will reportedly be an option for higher-spec models.
Alfa is reportedly aiming for 100,000 global sales for the new model - the same target pegged for the MiTo and upcoming Giulietta.
Alfa Romeo has lost between 300 million and 650 million dollars each year for the past 10 years, sources told Automotive News Europe recently. In 2008, Alfa sold 103,000 new cars, compared to 203,000 in 2000.
Marchionne is believed to be investigating Fiat’s options for its sporty premium brand, concerned that the struggling Alfa has been given too many chances already.
“We need to stop doing it. You cannot be a newborn Christian every four years. It’s the same religion, eventually you need to own a religion and carry it to conclusion,” Mr Marchionne told Automotive News Europe.
“We need to work a lot harder on Alfa to make an intelligent decision that effectively preserves the highest possible value to Fiat.”
The move to develop a successor to the 159 coincides with Alfa Romeo's centenary celebrations, due to take place later this year.
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Comments
7 months ago 0 points
How about giving your "premium sporty brand" a premium sporty drive, not the front wheel crap (GT, Brera) that you keep delivering. I own a 156 - while I think its pretty sweet for a front wheeler it can't compete against a 320 or is250 for handling balance.
7 months ago 0 points
The Brera and 159 3.2 V6 are both sold in all-wheel drive, Q4 spec.
Maybe check your facts before firing bullets.
7 months ago 0 points
7 months ago 0 points
One could only imagine how it would go with a "Hemi" under the bonnet.
Another possibility is for Alfa to release the AWD Schigera [Concept] as a rival to the Gallardo using the vipers V10
4 months ago 0 points
"Marchionne is believed to be investigating Fiat’s options for its sporty premium brand"
How about giving your "premium sporty brand" a premium sporty drive, not the front wheel crap (GT, Brera) that you keep delivering. I own a 156 - while I think its pretty sweet for a front wheeler it can't compete against a 320 or is250 for handling balance.
There's Brera and 159 in Q4.
IS250's handling is disgusting.
Alfa does offer a pretty premium sporty range and FWD is more of the cheaper stuff to save on fuel (and deliver lower RRPs)
If FWD is crap and your FWD 156 is pretty sweet then that's contradiction isnt it?
But other than that... Cmon Google sats, spy shots please =)
4 months ago 0 points
No more evil sexy look of the 159?~ :( :(
4 months ago 0 points
Alfas have alawys been sexy and will always be...
4 months ago 0 points
4 months ago 0 points
The 159 has round little lights but along the body from center out.... that's what makes it SEXY
Also, if you ever see a Black one... lowered with the standard multiple spoke wheels; that defines sexy evil faced Wheelnut!
4 months ago 0 points
Have driven a Q4 3.2 wagon manual and while it's a decent steer it feels heavy. It'd be great to see a return to the rear-drive GTVs of old; a budget 8C (poor man's poor man's Ferrari).
4 months ago 0 points
Q4 is slightly destroyed by its weight and sluggishness and the rate it chews up the petrol!! and I would be keen to see a bit more interior room. Was totally stunned when I shoved my face into a Skoda Superb the other day then realised it's barely over 4.8m long (Just a tad over the 159)