Are you one of those who have been wishing for a true replacement for the classic Alfa Romeo Spider? It could be that one such model is included in this lineup of all-new cars readied in order to secure the company's future. Alfa Romeo would not want to shut down on the year of its 100th anniversary. Alfa Romeo was placed on probation at the start of this year by Fiat Auto boss Sergio Marchionne.
Plans for new models were put on hold. The topic on the brand's future will be taken up on a review slated for April. Alfa Romeo bosses would have to convince Marchionne of their product plan, the new Golf-sized Giulietta, which will be launched at the Geneva show in March. It could actually be the last new Alfa model.
Among the brands in the new Fiat/Chrysler group, Alfa Romeo is considered the most vulnerable after having suffered consistent heavy losses for years.
Last year, it only sold 110,000 cars, about half of what it sold in 2000. But even with these challenges, Alfa Romeo is proceeding with launching the Giulietta as well as planning several concept cars this year to showcase the brand's potential. Aside from an all-new Spider, Alfa is said to be preparing conceptual replacements for the 159 saloon and Brera coupe.
There have been rumors that Pininfarina will be responsible for the styling of the Spider, Bertone for the coupe and Giugiaro for the saloon.
Under Alfa's original plans, the replacements for the Spider, Brera and 159 were to be based on Fiat's new C-Evo platform, which also underpins the Giulietta. The Spider and coupe would share the standard-length platform with the Giulietta, while the 159 replacement would be based on a long-wheelbase version of the C-Evo.
