On the threshold of its centenary, Alfa Romeo is undergoing one of the most ambitious restructing plans in its history.
The news for the next phase of the Alfa story has left some Alfa fans a bit dry in the mouth.
All the talk of rear wheel drive, the US and new models to be waited on haven’t been so comforting.
But perhaps it’s not all doom and gloom for the future of the brand.
As Luca De Meo has revealed to auto, motor und sport, the MiTo is only the first step in the relaunch of the Italian company’s image.
De Meo has confirmed to the German publication that the next step, the presentation of the 149 (a temporary name but one which we’ll adopt for the moment), will occur in the course of next year, with its commercial debut expected for 2009.
After this presentation, De Meo has revealed that next in the line up is the crossover based on the current 159, and the MiTo Cabrio, both expected for 2010.
In addition, plans for the GTA range are not lacking, as we already know the MiTo will have a sports version with a 1.
8 litre turbo engine at 230 hp.
Even the future 8C will have a nastier version, as officially confirmed by De Meo after the rumours of a few months ago.
The 8C GTA will arrive in 2010 with 100 units, and will constitute the birthday present of the company.
For the famous rear wheel drive developments, things are more complicated and will be evaluated in the long term.
Alfa Romeo is currently in talks with Jaguar for the 169 platform, but the timeframe is a long one.
Even if production has been confirmed, the debut is unlikely to occur before 2012.