The first of the new models is the Alfa Junior, pegged to rival BMW’s Mini and Audi’s upcoming small car. Production of the Junior will start in 2008, which will be powered by a new 1.4L turbo developing up to 150hp. Forecasted pricing is at €16,000. Next is the CXover five-door crossover with coupe styling that's set to compete with the BMW X3 and possible Mercedes MLK small SUVs.
Finally there’s the 169 flagship sedan. Measuring close to 5m in length, the 169 will be based on the smaller 159, which means a front engined front-drive layout with both four and six-cylinder engines. A high performance AWD version sporting a Ferrari based V8 engine may also make it into production. Pricing for the 169 should start at €40,000. Lancia will also be making a comeback with a new Ypsilon compact, which will be available in both three and five-door configurations, while Fiat will launch its tiny 500 Abarth in 2008 followed by the convertible in 2009.
The release of some of these models will coincide with the re-launch of the brand in the US in the second half of 2009, so there’s some significance surrounding these vehicles. Either way, the next couple of years will be very busy for Alfa Romeo and its parent company Fiat. Perhaps this was part of the reason why Fiat’s current CEO, Sergio Marchionne, is planning to step down from his role in 2007.
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