Reports that Alfa Romeo is “secretly” working on producing its first Alfa V8 engine in 30 years, have since been denied by the company. Autocar had originally said that a new V8 engine would appear on the Alfa 166 substitute, itself to be based on the Chrysler 300C.

It was supposed to have been a mid-capacity engine of about three litres, developing both naturally aspirated and twin-turbo versions. The guys at Autoblog have, however, cited a source that denies Alfa is working on a V8.

An Alfa spokesperson has reportedly said: “No front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive Alfa Romeo will use an engine larger than a V6.” This however, doesn’t specify rear-wheel drive Alfas, which Autocar had said the new 166 would be since using the Chrysler 300C as a platform. Stay tuned for further developments.

Source | Autocar and Autoblog

Continue reading: Alfa Romeo V8 yes, no, maybe: rear-wheel drive Alfa 166?

After the Fiat Multipla and the Lancia Lybra, an Alfa Romeo project has also been given the go-ahead for production in China. Alfa in China will make its 166, a difficult thing for Alfa fans to digest even though the 166 hasn’t had shades of brilliance throughout its long career.

The car will be manufactured by Guangzhou Auto, a Fiat and Nanjing partner in Perla production (derived from the world car Palio and Siena ed Albea project). Apparently plans could be underway for an Alfa 166 restyling to make it more appetising for the Chinese market. Here’s hoping the initiative will give a new boost to the Italian company, still in agony.

Source | Italiaspeed.com (thanks to A1 for the tip)

Continue reading: Alfa Romeo 166 in China