Preview: 2008 Alfa Romeo Crossover

Preview: 2008 Alfa Romeo Crossover

Enlarge Photo

Alfa Romeo will be launching a new sports crossover model next year, which it previewed with the stunning Kamal Concept that was displayed back at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. This latest rendering shows that for its new crossover, Alfa’s designers are likely to carry over most of the lines of the original concept car. Further confirmation of the model’s release was detailed at Fiat Group’s investor meeting in November last year where Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne gave details on key future models from Alfa spanning 2008 and 2009.

Presented at the meeting was a concept sketch of a vehicle labeled the CXover that featured coupe styling and a five-door configuration. A three-door version, as pictured, is likely to make it into production as the more sporting of the two crossovers. The underpinnings for both vehicles will be based on a revised version of the platform used for the 149 sedan. This means a front engine, front-drive layout with both four and six-cylinder engines as well as optional AWD.

The flagship model will run Alfa’s familiar 3.2L 24V V6 engine co-developed with General Motors and sourced from GM’s Holden division in Australia. Unique modifications to the engine by Italian engineers will allow it to develop 250hp, 300Nm of torque, and of course Alfa’s scintillating exhaust note. Other models will include a smaller 2.2L gasoline version as well as a highly efficient five-cylinder turbodiesel with 400Nm on tap.

The premium soft-roader market will be getting crowded with planned introductions of the Mercedes GLK, Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi Q5 and the new Alfa. To combat the tough competition, Alfa will promote its new vehicle as the driver’s choice, describing the previous CXover concept as “a sporty crossover in between an SUV and a coupé, measuring in at 4.6m in length and priced between €28,000 and €45,000.” The release of this model will coincide with the re-launch of the brand in the US in the second half of 2009, so there’s definitely some significance surrounding it.