
Someone’s been doing a comparison of the design look of the Alfa Romeo 149 vs the Golf 6 GTI. We hadn’t really considered this before, but in this pic you can see some similarities, though the Alfa 149 is clearly the heftier of the two. It will be interesting to see what happens when the Alfa Milano and Golf 7 come out, because we get the feeling the future models won’t have quite as much in common. Image from Imageshack.

The Alfa Romeo Milano, or Alfa 149, is much awaited in Italy and Europe, but also in the US, as the world examines the Fiat-Chrysler deal and waits to see how the Fiat models embarking on the American market will fare.
The guys at CAR have put together this rendering of their idea of the replacement of the 147 model. We can clearly see the larger dimensions and longer base, though it’s still too early to say whether this is close to what will see on the Alfa Milano.
While sales of the new Alfa Milano are set to start in 2010, news is still not out as to when the presentation will occur. With the sales date in mind, we can expect a September Frankfurt show debut, or a March 2010 Geneva debut at the latest. In the meantime, the aim behind its US appearance will also unfold.
Source | Autosblog.fr

According to new rumours from Alfa Romeo employees, appearing on the Autopareri forum, the much-awaited Alfa Romeo 149/Milano could be subject to delays of a few months compared to the original date planned for its debut. The presentation of the 147 substitute will move from the third quarter this year (from June to September for both debut and sales start), to January 2010.
Around Alfa traps, they are apparently trying to avoid the debut in the midst of an economic crisis, of such an important model for the Alfa brand. The 149/Milano is expected to wait out the storm to avoid the risky business of a grand debut followed by limited sales.
New technical data has arrived online, revealing that the Alfa 149 should have identical measurements to the Bravo (435 cm long), with only the height at 143 cm coming in at 7cm less than the Fiat. Other interesting developments are underway, including a front McPherson suspension, reduced vehicle roll and an on-board control system.
The steering is set to have electro-hydraulic assistance with a 12:1 ratio, with a front wheel drive and Electronic Q2 commands, though an all wheel drive option is still on the cards. For the moment the Alfa 149 is likely to include four engine combinations: the 1.6L JTDm at 120hp, the 1.4L JTB Multiair at 135 or 165hp, the 2.0L JTDm at 170 or 220hp (likely to have all-wheel drive), and the 1.8L JTB at 230 or 265hp.

It is with the new Alfa Romeo 149 that Alfa hopes to be back in grand style in 2009, but for the moment, until any official debut, we have to content ourselves with these spy shots of the new 149.
It’s difficult to determine any definite aspects from these pics, and some elements seem derived from the Bravo. The rear spoiler is the most interesting element, raising some questions on the overall look of the car, and a departure from previous classic styles.
Source | Caradvice (Thanks to Brixia Fidelis)
It may seem impossible with the current economic crisis to find a car manufacturer upbeat about 2009’s prospects for the car industry. But Alfa Romeo’s Luca de Meo is positive that the new year will be a good year for Alfa, especially with sales of the new MiTo, expected to reach between 60 and 70,000 units. 2009 will also herald the arrival of the new Alfa 149 in the final quarter, as well as an update on the 159 model.
If things go really well Alfa could even experience a sales increase on 2008, to between 115,000 and 120,000 cars. This is despite postponing the US Alfa launch, as the local market in Italy is likely to be the strongest with around 52,000 vehicles predicted to be sold. 2008 was a tough year for the Italian market, with the marketing director, Francesco Cimmino, saying that request was down on 2007 levels.
Source | La stampa
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.
More speculations on the final look of the Alfa Romeo 149 have emerged, with the 149 the next big news from Alfa since the launch of the Mi.To. The model will continue the re-birth of the Alfa brand, and after exploiting the lovely 8C two doors, the company could visit the Kamal concept, SUV still in development stage, for some inspiration on the 149.
Continue reading: Alfa Romeo 149: inspiration from Kamal concept

Could this be the real look of the Alfa Romeo 149? The vehicle is set to replace the 147 and could be in dealerships in a year’s time. This new render from Omniauto is quite convincing, as it shows the added dimensions that the car will have in taking its place in the market.
The car’s name is still under discussion, though the historic “Giulia” tag has emerged again, despite having been attached to the 159 substitute as well. What is certain is that Alfa wants to go back to its names, rather than continuing with the current numerical attributes.
The front of this render reflects that of the Mito, inspired by the 8C, while the sides take on the look of the 159. We’re less convinced by the headlights, which look like a mix between the round style of the Mito, and the alungated 147 lights.
The new compact from Alfa will use the C-Evo platform, derived from the Fiat Bravo and the Lancia Delta. The engine range should include the 1.4 T-jet at 120 and 150 hp, with a possible future version of the 180hp, and the 1.6, 1.9 and 2.0 litre Multijets, with power ranging from 120 to 190hp. In the long term we should also see the GTA with the 1.8 litre Turbo, direct injection which could bring power up to around 265hp.
Source | Omniauto.it

The highly anticipated Alfa Romeo 149 could bring to its debut the C-Evo platfrom, a modified version of that currently used on the Fiat Bravo and Lancia Delta. In fact, only the pedal area would be in line with the current base, while 90 percent would be completely new and planned with an eye on driving pleasure.
The C-Evo could also become the base for the longer version and heir to the 159, with a name such as Giulia, and also for the future SUV which will be the first for Alfa.
Source | Progetto940.it (thanks to FedericoOrigamiXilofono for the tip)