Wednesday 14th October 2009

Twin-turbo V8 Alfa On The Way

US-built Alfa Romeo 166 replacement will get a bespoke V8

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The Alfa V8 powered Montreal

A twin-turbo V8-powered Alfa Romeo based on the rear-drive Chrysler 300C could soon be mixing it up with the Germans and Jaguar in the luxury exec sector.

According to Autocar, Alfa engineers are secretly developing both naturally aspirated and twin-turbo versions of a new small-capacity V8 to go under the bonnet of a planned successor to 166.

Although it remains a likeable machine - albeit usually now as 'Shed Of The Week' fodder - the Alfa 166 never managed to quite cut the mustard against the German competition. The axe fell on it back in 2007, although Alfa stopped selling it here in the UK around 2005, we think.

The Ferrari V8 powered 8C

The new rear drive 'executive' Alfa springs from Fiat's takeover of the Chrysler group, and will likely be built alongside the next generation Chrysler 300C in North America - although Autocar's reporters reckon the Alfa version will get bespoke suspension and powertrains, including the new V8 that will displace around 3.0 litres.

The last 'all Alfa' V8 appeared in the gorgeous Montreal coupe, as the 8C has a borrowed Ferrari unit. Speculation has suggested the new car will be called the Alfa Romeo 169.

[dpbird90]

Sacrilige. A 300C platform, which is basically a 14th century Mercedes design? Lets just hope the Italians can make one damn good engine, and play with the chassis enough.

[patmahe]

I'm basically ignoring the Chrysler in a suit story as it upsets me slightly, but looking at the pictures am I the only one thinking if the keys for both were dangled in front of me I'd take the Motreal for spin first, of course I'd still drive the 8C later.

Edited by patmahe on Wednesday 14th October 12:17

[Maseroop]

got to love an alfa engine, like pistonhead porn

[dvs_dave]

The current 300C is based on the MB W210 platform (old E-class) but the next Gen 300C is as far as I know not.

[jamieboy]

patmahe said:

if the keys for both were dangled in front of me I'd take the Motreal for spin first

I've said it before, but I should love the Montreal. But for some reason I don't.

[KIG1971]

Just resurrect the Montreal and everyone will be happy!!

[johnhenry]

i hope is they can fiddle with the suspension and chassis enough to do the engine and its looks (its an alfa it will look awsome) justice, sounds like a beaut if they do!

[Arese]

Ace. Put the engine in the 149

[J111]

will likely be built alongside the next generation Chrysler 300C in the US

Really? They spent a gazillion dollars (approximately) redeveloping the Brampton Assembly Plant, in Canada, in '07 for the 300 and its derivatives.

[Alfanatic]

Depends how much of the platform it inherits I suppose. If "bespoke suspension" means unique components and perhaps different configuration - like independent multilink rear rather than a transverse leaf spring / live axle then it sounds better to me than a rehashed FWD Fiat platform. On the other hand, if it just means different spring and damper rates then it's just a Chrysler in drag and still misses the point unless the Chrysler ends up being an Alfa in drag instead... all new platform etc. So who knows?

As for the Montreal / 8C, I don't think the Montreal has a particularly strong reputation as a driver's car, and they aren't expecially quick either, so I'd probably take the keys to the Maserati 8C, though I'd bet a large sum that the Montreal has better steering feel.

[tifosi1976]

Maseroop said:

got to love an alfa engine, like pistonhead porn

another bit of Alfa/Pistonhead porn. I miss this car It's now in germany



(can't find my GTA engine shot.....where the hell have I hidden that????????)

[mackie1]

Alfanatic said:

Depends how much of the platform it inherits I suppose. If "bespoke suspension" means unique components and perhaps different configuration - like independent multilink rear rather than a transverse leaf spring / live axle then it sounds better to me than a rehashed FWD Fiat platform.

LOL. Do you actually think that all American cars have live axles and leaf springs? The current 300C in based on the old E-class Merc. This article talks about the next generation which I assume will be all new.

[EDLT]

Why are they bothering to make there own engine, just stick two turbos on a Hemi.

[Kawasicki]

Current 300C v8 is a fun car to chuck around, a RWD Alfa should be great.

[tifosi1976]

well if they can make it look like this, RWD and with a lurrrrvly V8, I'll have one!

http://blogs.northpeelmediagroup.com/thegoodcity/w...

not sure about this one though, bit "Passat CC" or whatever it is they call the CLS clone

http://pofigist.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/alfa_1...

Edited by tifosi1976 on Wednesday 14th October 12:44

Edited by tifosi1976 on Wednesday 14th October 12:45

[ZesPak]

169 would be logical, but then would a 149 be logical too.
They're going back to "names" as I recall.

[Belfast Boy]

A guy in my town Oxted has a Montreal in the same shade of green, I wonder if he's a PHer?

[anonymous-user]

Whats with all the nagativity! I bet it will be great!!!

[Alfanatic]

mackie1 said:

Alfanatic said:

Depends how much of the platform it inherits I suppose. If "bespoke suspension" means unique components and perhaps different configuration - like independent multilink rear rather than a transverse leaf spring / live axle then it sounds better to me than a rehashed FWD Fiat platform.

LOL. Do you actually think that all American cars have live axles and leaf springs? The current 300C in based on the old E-class Merc. This article talks about the next generation which I assume will be all new.

No I don't and I did not make such an accusation

[bigbadbikercats]

[quote=Alfanatic
As for the Montreal / 8C, I don't think the Montreal has a particularly strong reputation as a driver's car, and they aren't expecially quick either...
[/quote]

It does however make one of the most outrageous noises I've ever heard from something with lights, numberplates, and a tax disk on. You could forgive a lot of faults for a sound like that...

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JG