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Alfa Romeo design chief resigns

Alfa Romeo design chief resigns

Siddarth Raja April 1st, 2008 Siddarth Raja By Siddarth Raja Author April 1st, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Along with Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati, Alfa Romeos personify the image of Italian motoring with their sporty overtones and curvaceous lines, however some of the brand’s most admired models were in fact created by an American designer. Now, less than a year out from Alfa Romeo’s official return to the U.S., American Frank Stephenson, has quit his role as chief designer. Cars developed under his guidance include the first Alfa Romeo in years to be headed for the U.S., the new 8C Competizione, which is due to arrive early next year, as well as the recently revealed Mi.To hatchback, one of the most stylish compacts we’ve seen in years. Other cars he’s played a role in creating include the first-generation BMW X5, new Mini Cooper, Maserati's Quattroporte and MC12 supercar. Speaking with AutoWeek, the designer confirmed his resignation but wasn’t willing to state his reasons. "I have a few things I am looking at now, but I don't want to go into them, but it's something that I have instigated," Stephenson said. Many suspect Stephenson is leaving to make way for former Pininfarina design director Lorenzo Ramaciottim who has been hired by Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne as the carmaker’s new design chief. However, Stephenson denied such claims, explaining that Lorenzo is “a fun guy to work with.” Stephenson will officially be replaced by 40-year-old Austrian designer Christopher Reitz. Alfa Romeo Mi.ToAlfa Romeo Mi.To official images
Alfa Romeo design chief resigns

Alfa Romeo design chief resigns

Enlarge Photo

Along with Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati, Alfa Romeos personify the image of Italian motoring with their sporty overtones and curvaceous lines, however some of the brand’s most admired models were in fact created by an American designer. Now, less than a year out from Alfa Romeo’s official return to the U.S., American Frank Stephenson, has quit his role as chief designer.

Cars developed under his guidance include the first Alfa Romeo in years to be headed for the U.S., the new 8C Competizione, which is due to arrive early next year, as well as the recently revealed Mi.To hatchback, one of the most stylish compacts we’ve seen in years. Other cars he’s played a role in creating include the first-generation BMW X5, new Mini Cooper, Maserati's Quattroporte and MC12 supercar.

Speaking with AutoWeek, the designer confirmed his resignation but wasn’t willing to state his reasons. "I have a few things I am looking at now, but I don't want to go into them, but it's something that I have instigated," Stephenson said.

Many suspect Stephenson is leaving to make way for former Pininfarina design director Lorenzo Ramaciottim who has been hired by Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne as the carmaker’s new design chief. However, Stephenson denied such claims, explaining that Lorenzo is “a fun guy to work with.”

Stephenson will officially be replaced by 40-year-old Austrian designer Christopher Reitz.

Alfa Romeo Mi.To
Alfa Romeo Mi.To official images
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Tags: Alfa Romeo

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Comments (3 total)

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  1. By HECTOR #1, Posted: 4/1/2008

    Now here's the $64000 question: why can't this guy be now hired by anyone of the Big 3 to design American cars? Why must our domestic car design always be so much uglier than the rest of the world?

  2. By MyWheelsOnWalls.com #2, Posted: 4/1/2008

    Amen Hector! Just look at the new U.S. Ford Focus compared to the European one. The U.S. one looks like a fat girl in a mini skirt, the proportion is all wrong and it makes you cringe to look at also your not exactly going to rush out and show your friends either.

    Besides, did'nt Ford build one world Focus (gen 1) so they didnt have multiple designs aka Ford Escort!! And they wonder why their in trouble.. Billy boy needs to start taking pills for his apparent amnesia problem.
    '

  3. By youkai #3, Posted: 4/1/2008

    This article is flawed wolfgang egger is responsible for the 8c competizione

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