Alfa's Launch Strategy Leaked: 4C to lead off full US lineup
Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 5:27PM 
Whether leaked intentionally or not, this chart detailing Alfa's next few years of product planning tells an interesting story. Much to my relief, the current (mediocre) MiTo will not be the car that Alfa returns to the US with, nor will the (decent) Giulietta be the launch vehicle. Instead the first car to come here will be a production version of the mid-engined 4C show car. Now I particularly detested the design of that show car but I think it will do a good job of creating the proper sporting halo for the brand as it is re-launched stateside. Since most Americans old enough to remember Alfa associate the marque with the Spider, I think it's important for a small, fun sports car to be the emotional center of the lineup. It seems that Alfa is planning a full line of vehicles, including a hatchback (facelifted MiTo) as well as a sedan and wagon (replacing the drop-dead-gorgeous 159), plus a small SUV. Later the Giulietta will be updated and launched here. I strongly disagree with the SUV component of this mix, but it seems like an inevitablility at this point that every brand in the US market needs to have one.
One more thought: It seems apparent that the Alfa folks intend to use the Giulia and Giulietta names here for the planned sedan, wagon, and hatchback, but although those names have huge resonance for me as an Alfista, it seems they haven't realized that Americans have no idea how to pronounce those names (Julia and Julietta, not Geela and Geeletta, dammit!). I think Alfa should stick to a 159-style numbering system for the sedans, and 4C, 8C style system for the sporting models.
Via the Alfa BB
Alfa Romeo, US market, launch in Musings
Reader Comments (8)
Looks like a good start for FIAT and Alfa. Lets hope this is just the beginning. I really like the Spider 2uettottanta prototype they did last year. One can only hope they produce a car that looks similar to that as the spider replacement. They have opened several large independent FIAT 500 dealers in this area. Those same dealers all seem to think they will get Alfa's late next year. This is the closest its ever come since 1995!!!
Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2012-Chicago March 2012
Yes, the 2uettottanta was very beautiful. But it was a Pininfarina styling proposal, not an Alfa Centro Stile one, so I am feeling like it's unlikely that its cues will make it to production. It could have been like an Italian Honda S2000 in price and performance.
Heard from very well informed sources that the 2uettottanta won't see production,
because it's considered to be too conservative.
It was bloody marvelous though!
Too conservative?? You mean too tasteful. Alfa's new styling direction lacks the taste and restraint it should have.
Agree a 100%, but that really was their motivation.
They found it resembled the original too much, and wanted something completely new (but therefor obviously not better) ...
No plans for any other 2 seat roadster like their current 8c Spider? I'm gonna need something to replace my s2000 in a few years.
I learned to drive on my dad's Alfa 164 and have been dreaming of the day they return to the U.S. market. Hoping my Passat can hold on long enough until the Giulia makes its way here...
goddamn it hurry up and buy it VOLKSWAGEN!!!!