Tuesday 4th October 2011

New 300bhp 1.8 For Alfa Romeo

Alfa plans powerful new four-pot for 2013

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Alfa Romeo is working on a new 300bhp, 1.8-litre four-cylinder motor that will meet the super-strict Euro 6 and US Tier2Bin5 emissions regs, which are due to hit in 2014 (the Euro 6 bit, at least).

The new engine will, according to reports in the Italian press, be an all-aluminium unit, with Fiat's clever Multiair variable valve tech, high-pressure direct injection and a high-capacity turbo.

The new engine will be in production in the early part of 2013 and is set to make its debut in the new Giulia (the successor to the 159), though we won't see that in Blighty until early 2014.

Since the new engine can be mounted either transversely or longitudinally, however, it is also likely to serve beneath the bonnet of Alfa's forthcoming flagship saloon, which will be rear-wheel drive (yay!) and based on the next-gen Chrysler 300C (boo...)

"This is a key step in our efforts to reposition the brand Alfa Romeo for global distribution. The introduction of the brand in the U.S. market in 2013 remains our primary goal, "says Harald J Wester, Fiat's Chief Technology Officer and head of Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands. "The efforts of resources across the Group for development of gearboxes and transmissions that meet the specific needs of Alfa Romeo are proof of our renewed commitment to the development of this brand."

[thewheelman]

[thewheelman]

Not sure why so much negativity? You'd think Alfa have just requested that they can take a dump on each of us.

I'm sure many have complained for a while that we need more powerful Alfas, & rwd!? Personally i think this is a step in the right direction for Alfa. For those moaning about it being a 4 pot, you'll really going to hate the near future of the majority of cars.

[thewheelman]

Dagnut said:

Can anyone honestly say that an Alfa they have driven in the past 10 years was better than it's rivals? in any area? the Alfa love-in has gotten out of control like some internet meme.

I've always found the Alfa driving experience a let down (although i did like the Brera), this is why i'm pleased they claim to make rwd Alfas again, now they were fun!

[thewheelman]

kambites said:

thewheelman said:

I've always found the Alfa driving experience a let down (although i did like the Brera), this is why i'm pleased they claim to make rwd Alfas again, now they were fun!

You liked the way the Brera drove? It makes the Audi TT feel like a sports car!

I didn't get to give it the beans, but it was a nice car to drive......for an Alfa.

[thewheelman]

Dagnut said:

thewheelman said:

I've always found the Alfa driving experience a let down (although i did like the Brera), this is why i'm pleased they claim to make rwd Alfas again, now they were fun!

At least I'm not the only one...most of it is fueled by top gear and romantic notions of 70's classics..Alfa's when I was growing up in the 80's and when I could start driving in the 90's were balls of dirt..

Exactly! I have fond memories as a kid, & my dad having early 80's rwd Alfas. He loved the look of them, & the drive, but he was sick of them breaking all the time. After several Alfas he swore off them, then turned his attention to BMW E21s & E30s. Which he maintains were far superior, i guess i'll have to take his word on that, as like i said, i was just a kid in the 80's.