More details on Alfa Romeo’s new models

At a recent presentation Alfa Romeo CEO Antonio Baravalle revealed details about two new hatchback models that are in development, an entry-level three-door and a C-segment five-door. The first car will be the replacement for the 147 hatch, which will be dropping the numeric naming pattern and picking up the ‘Junior’ title. The car won’t be revealed until the end of the year but in the meantime this rendering gives a good indication as to what the final version will look like.

The new Junior is expected be built at Fiat’s Turinese plant in Mirafiori alongside the Fiat Grande Punto with which it shares the same platform, reports AFX News. A base model will feature the Fiat Group’s new 1.4L turbo engine developing around 95hp, while a high-performance model will adopt a 1.8L JTB direct injection turbo four-cylinder producing 230hp. With the large power gap between these models, we expect there to be a mid-power engine in the lineup as well.

The second model will be another compact hatchback due for release in 2009. It will be a C-segment five-door based on the same platform used by the Fiat Bravo. Priced around the €28,000 mark, the car will feature several different powerplants with outputs ranging from 120 to 260hp.

Also due in 2009 will be the 169 Alfa flagship. The 169 will be a four-door saloon with a V8 powerplant utilizing technology lifted from the Maserati Quattroporte. Alfa is keen to revamp its entire lineup in preparation for its return to the US market in 2009 but the key will be to ensure that its cars are built to the standard of quality the world’s largest car market demands.