Alfa Romeo is planning a new rear-wheel-drive sedan based on the next-generation Quattroporte from sister brand Maserati, according to the latest issue of the U.K.’s Autocar. The executive four-door will — which could be named 169 — will be the first rear-drive Alfa in 17 years when it goes on sale in 2009.
Both V6 and V8 versions of the car are expected to be offered. The 169 could share a V8 engine with the forthcoming 8C Competizione sports car. Alfa reportedly considered using the same platform as the front-wheel-drive 159, but decoded against this option because it didn’t allow designers to make the car large enough. A rear-drive platform will also undoubtedly make the 169 more appealing to U.S. customers upon Alfa’s return to the market.
11/22, 11:23 AM
posted by:
Renton
This is cool. Bring it.
11/22, 11:29 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
There is nothing I lust for more than Alfa Romeo; it is purely an emotional thing, no logic involved. I know many aspects of the car aren’t up to Japanese/German standards, but seeing/driving/smelling/hearing one fills me with a desire usually reserved for green eyed brunettes with freckles on their nose.
Upon Alfa’s return to the US, I will buy one and fondle it until the warranty is up.
I’ve heard the Quattroporte is unreliable. Anybody know anything about that?
11/22, 12:15 PM
posted by:
alfa_Romeo
ooooohhhhh yeeaaahh!!!!!!!!!!!!
11/22, 12:28 PM
posted by:
British_Rover
One of my clients has a Quattroporte and he loves it. He has had several problems with the F1 style transmission. He bought an early build one and the transmission is very jerky in auto mode. After lots of software updates and changes to the shifting program it is smoother then it was but not nearly as smooth as the F1 style tranny in the F430 that I drove. Other then that I havent’ heard of any major problems with the Quattroporte. I would expect the normal Italian fussines though and you will have to live with that.
11/22, 2:05 PM
posted by:
eam3
My neighbor had an early build one (Quattroporte) as well and his only complaints centered around the jerky transmission as well. He only kept it for 3 months or so and then replaced it with an F430 Spyder. No complaints now
11/22, 3:48 PM
posted by:
Ricardo Head
….sex on wheels….
11/23, 2:16 AM
posted by:
Zhenya_Gatech
decoded=decided?