Recently, there have been a number of conflicting reports on Alfa Romeo ’s much-anticipated return to the United States. Some reports have pegged the revival for late 2008, while others suggest 2010 as a more likely timeframe. It turns out both may be right. While Alfa’s three volume models won’t go on sale until late 2009 or early 2010, a high-dollar sports car may arrive at the end of 2008 to usher in a new era of the Italian marque in North America. Intended as a halo car to boost interest in the brand, the $200,000 coupe will be based on the widely-praised 8c Competizione concept, according to Automotive News.
The car will be powered by a 400 horsepower Maserati 4.2-liter V8. Alfa will sell it through the Maserati dealer network, the report said. A convertible version will arrive a year after the coupe goes on sale. A total of 1000 units will be built for the world. The U.S. is expected to get half of all units built.
Automotive News also noted that the Alfa 159 sedan will be extended by some ten inches for the U.S. market. The Spider and Brera coupe will remain unchanged, however.
