Tuesday 26th March 2013

Alfa Romeo '5 Series' planned

Maserati underpinnings mooted for new large Alfa

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Alfa Romeo’s plans to expand into more global markets with a new, large saloon look set to become more concrete, if recent rumours are to be believed.

166 was the last large Alfa

The possibility that Alfa might be considering such a car first raised its head when the company unveiled the Gloria concept at the Geneva Motor Show. Back then, Alfa described the Gloria as previewing a car larger than the upcoming Giulia, which would present “another international challenge” – in other words, a model that’d sell well in Asian and American markets.

Now, sources at the company suggest that Alfa Romeo is evaluating the business case for a 5 Series- or E-Class-rivalling model that’d share the platform and engine range of the upcoming Maserati Ghibli, itself based on a cut-down version of the new Quattroporte’s floorpan. That’d mean rear-wheel-drive, with power coming from a choice of twin-turbocharged V6 petrol and diesel engines. An additional choice of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, expected to be unique to the Alfa Romeo version of the model, is also likely to be available.

Last-of-the-line 166 yours for under £6K

Whether the new car will share the styling of the Gloria is far less certain, but expect at least a few cues to make it through if the new model is given the green light for production. The availability of the Ghibli’s underpinnings mean that the new model could be developed quickly and released as early as 2015.

It’s promising news for any car nut, but especially good for second-hand bargain hunters. Big Alfas have a history of dramatically tanking values, which mean that the 164 and 166 are now available for remarkably little cash (check out this late 166, for example; it’s done motorway miles, but has a full history and the all-important cambelt change under its belt and is yours for a shade under six grand). Whether the same fate would befall any new model isn’t certain, especially if it’s as good as this one sounds – but if it did, it’d mean a slice of large-engined, rear-drive Alfa Romeo-badged loveliness (and, indeed, a Maserati by another name) could be yours in a few years’ time for a bargain price. Splendid.

[JaguarsportXJR]

Call me romantic, but I think the world will be a better place with a big Alfa back in it.

[F1GTRUeno]

I can't help but feel they should be focusing on cars that'll actually sell...

[Krikkit]

If they can focus on making it drive well, surely they have a chance of taking a slice of the petrolhead/driving enjoyment market in this size?

[Shadows]

Kinda 50/50 about them selling cars "Just to sell" obviously they need to stay in business. But isn't the whole point in Alfa to make sporty cars? A little less dreary than there competitors? At a reasonable cost?

Issue is, they seem to get something wrong every time.. Owning 5 of them, nice cars they really are. But there's always compromise, whether it's reliability or common sense.

[steve_bmw]

no!

[ImpossiblyDaft]

F1GTRUeno said:

I can't help but feel they should be focusing on cars that'll actually sell...

What cars would actually sell without them having to rename the company and move the HQ to 'Bielefeld'?

This as a range-topper aimed mostly at the far east and their re-entry into the US makes perfect sense to me & a logical way of making the most out of the attention that the 4C is getting to restore the 'premium' factor to the brand in Europe.

[trashbat]

It's not very new, this news, is it?

http://www.autoedizione.com/9-new-models-as-basis-...

[4lf4-155]

c36Nico???

[LuS1fer]

Wow, is 190hp all the V6 3.0 produced?

[dlockhart]

F1GTRUeno said:

I can't help but feel they should be focusing on cars that'll actually sell...

I work wita few people who do/have recently owned an Alfa and this will sell.

They want some thing sporty passionate and want to stand out from the crowd, but have to transport kids/teens at the weekend. They have reasonable houses and are in a position to buy a 5 series and want to feel proud of their cars. The current range of rebadges does nothing for anyone of us and the 4c wont be brought by those with families since they would also need a people carrier as well (apparently man maths doesnt work after 15 years of marraige).

[v300]

LuS1fer said:

Wow, is 190hp all the V6 3.0 produced?

unstressed though

[Twoshoe]

doogz said:

Pretty sure the 3.0 was 225bhp ish, the 2.5 V6 was 188bhp.

Might be wrong though.

The 12v 3.0 was originally about 190 bhp I think. 24v versions varied from 210 to 250 iirc

[k-ink]

It will no doubt be lovely. It will be well built. It won't rust. It won't go wrong, just like all the Alfa's I've previously owned - both new and old. Then people who have never owned an Alfa on here will moan that it will not be well built and it will rust. Then they will go and buy diesel BMWs like everyone else. I'll avoid this thread as it will be 99% BS as per usual form.

[sinbaddio]

It's a yes from me. I'd have one like a shot. Had two 166's, one 2.0, one 3.0 and have been hankering after a replacement ever since. Probably not brand new tho, i think i've done my bit on the depreciation front.....

[veevee]

Won't sell any. Too many other decent competitors. Stick to small, efficient and faux sporty.

[AlfaKev]

If Alfa want to sell cars, then make the Giulia RWD.

Then put the twin turbo V6 in that!

PS, Busso V6's were completely unstressed. Easily bored out to 3.8 and 400 bhp plus without turbos or superchargers.......... and lighter than the GM based V6 that came after it.

[Grandfondo]

Let's hope they do it and do it in style!

The thought of cutting about in a 5 series or A6 fills me with dread, an alternative with some brio and style would be great!

[infradig]

Just keep your fingers crossed they don't use the Fiat groups other rwd, 5series sized, 'executive' V6 diesel as the basis for the Alfa. I love mine but it would be a travesty of an Arna scale to use 1990's Merc underpinnings on an Alfa.

[PtheP]

The standard 3.0 V6 produced 225bp. My 166 had a Novitech s/s exhaust which was said to take it to 243bhp. I so miss that car (and have demanded 1st refusal if its current owner ever wants to sell it). I paid £10k when it was 2 1/2 years old (it was a 51 reg). I sold it for £1250, so a big fall -off but someone paid £30k+ initially and I had it for a long time and it was generally very reliable (if a bit hungry for front tyres). It was just so different to the Merc/BMW/Audi mob and if the Italians do one thing better than the Germans it's the Momo leather. And don't get me started on the chrome pipes that greet you whenever you lift the bonnet .....

[loudlashadjuster]

I'd absolutely buy a decent large Alfa. Only thing is that they need to work on their pricing and/or residuals for people (like me) who are looking for a decent PCP package. That's where the Germans have things sewn up.

The fact that the 159 was discontinued a few months before I bought my current C-Class meant it wasn't even in the mix, but if I'm completely honest the very 'aspirational' pricing, horrendous resale value and the resulting large monthly payments would probably have ruled it out anyway.

Hey, it might happen!*




*It won't