The news that Alfa Romeo will debut in the US is finally confirmed, with the date being in the first quarter of 2010. It could be that 2010 has been chosen as the launch, as it’s the 100th anniversary of the brand. 2010 should also see the presentation of the 8C Competizione GTA.

The 8C will provide some great publicity to the brand, despite only 100 units being destined for the US. It will be available exclusively as a coupè model with a 4.7 litre V8 engine at 500hp. The price will be above 280,000 euros and therefore destined for fans who can afford it.

Using Mini dealerships has been excluded as an option and at this stage the commercial partner is still unknown, though rumour had it that Jaguar was in the mix as well. Other models on the market will likely be an Alfa SUV, and the next 149.

The SUV should debut inside two year’s, giving Alfa the grunt needed to confront the US market, while the 149 will be aimed at customers seeking alternatives to large vehicles and the other compacts on the market. The Brera and Spider have not been excluded as making an appearance, as with automatic versions of the 3.2 litre JTS Q4 in the heat of California could make a cabriolet an attractive option.

An Alfa 169 mule could be seen around the traps come 2011, as presentation is planned for 2012. The 169 will have the option of rear or all-wheel drive and a V8 engine. The platform could be developed together with Maserati and destined for a future Alfa sports car and some Maserati ‘babies’. The 159 heir, set to be called Giulia, could also inherit this base and is also up for 2012 production.

The US could prove to be the most important emerging market for Alfa in terms of other recent efforts in Russia, where one dealership is present with the aim of 30-40 unit sales a month; and Asian markets who are very linked to the big three german brands and Toyota and Honda luxury cars, and where the Fiat group is still struggling.

Source | Italymag.co.uk

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