Alfa's 11, I mean 12, and now 13 years (and counting) of broken promises

[Raza]

That's a perfect example of an ugly car.

I actually like that.  It's not beautiful, but it's not ugly. 

[SVT666]

Definitely ugly.

[Madman]

Then you need to get this. The Alfa 75. The last RWD Alfa Romeo.

Here's one in Pennsylvania.  Damn, I really want this car! 

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=37221&endYear=2013&modelCode1=MIL&startYear=1981&makeCode1=ALFA&listingType=used&searchRadius=0&listingId=329005140&Log=0

[Raza]

Here's one in Pennsylvania.  Damn, I really want this car! 

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=37221&endYear=2013&modelCode1=MIL&startYear=1981&makeCode1=ALFA&listingType=used&searchRadius=0&listingId=329005140&Log=0

That's only an hour and a half from me.

[TurboDan]

I actually like that.  It's not beautiful, but it's not ugly. 

I actually like it a lot. I've always liked Alfas, and I've always thought of them as somewhat luxurious cars. If they come to the U.S., I'd be willing to consider one, especially the new roadster they're developing with Mazda. The idea of driving an Italian car intrigues me.

[SVT666]

I actually like it a lot. I've always liked Alfas, and I've always thought of them as somewhat luxurious cars. If they come to the U.S., I'd be willing to consider one, especially the new roadster they're developing with Mazda. The idea of driving an Italian car intrigues me.

It's intriguing to be in the shop all the time?

[Catman]

Hideous. Stay in Europe!

[cawimmer430]

Here's one in Pennsylvania.  Damn, I really want this car! 

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=37221&endYear=2013&modelCode1=MIL&startYear=1981&makeCode1=ALFA&listingType=used&searchRadius=0&listingId=329005140&Log=0

Sweet! 

[cawimmer430]

That's only an hour and a half from me.

The Alfa 75 is still a popular sight at motorsport events due to its RWD + transaxle (therefore weight balance) layout. The QV (performance) versions are quite rare now.

[TurboDan]

It's intriguing to be in the shop all the time?

Eh, it's 2012. How unreliable could they really be? I'd roll the dice if I really wanted one, probably.

[Onslaught]

Some brands still  aren't reliable to this day. Why do you think Jaguar's depreciate so bad? I'd have to see how they held up over time before I spent money on one. I'm not sure I'd trust our European friends on this site because they're too biased about cars made over there.

[cawimmer430]

I'm not sure I'd trust our European friends on this site because they're too biased about cars made over there.

Eh, if our cars were problematic and constantly under repair we wouldn't buy them. It's that simple.

Brands like Fiat or Alfa Romeo have made great strides in the last decade in terms of quality.

[2o6]

Eh, if our cars were problematic and constantly under repair we wouldn't buy them. It's that simple.

Brands like Fiat or Alfa Romeo have made great strides in the last decade in terms of quality.

You guys also drive way less than us, though.

[cawimmer430]

You guys also drive way less than us, though.

But I think we also place more emphasis on maintenance and basic car care. I don't wash my car every month but I do check my tire pressure every two weeks and my oil levels (because I drive a lot and fast).

[cawimmer430]

If anyone is interested, here's that Autobild review of the Alfa Romeo 75. The review is crap because it doesn't really talk about the car but emotions, but the pictures and technical details are worth reading (if you can). 

[Madman]

Zombiethread revival alert!!!



Fiat CEO and famed pullover sweater model Sergio Marchionne is now saying the Alfa Romeo 4C sports car will be in American showrooms by the end of the year.

I'll believe it when I see it.

http://jalopnik.com/5977331/bravissimo-the-alfa-romeo-4c-is-reportedly-coming-to-america-by-the-years-end

[Madman]

Well, here we are again.

Remember that article from January I posted about how the 4C was going to be in America by the end of the year?  Yeah, well, forget that!

Once again, Alfa Romeo's long promised return to North America has been delayed.  I'm sure all of you are shocked. 

Unnamed Fiat and Chrysler spokespeople are now saying the 4C will arrive in the "second quarter of 2014".

And they mean it this time.  Seriously.  No, Really!!! 

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/25/alfa-romeo-4c-delayed/

[Raza]

When they do finally come here, this is a possible Z4 replacement. 

[12,000 RPM]

Cant believe they are selling a car with a carbon monocoque for like $60K

How did Alfa beat everyone to the punch?

[MX793]

60k? I thought it was going to be more like 80k.

[Galaxy]

60k? I thought it was going to be more like 80k.

I think that is not yet clear. For 60k is would be almost a no brainer. 80K, well there are other intriguing cars at that price.

[Raza]

I think that is not yet clear. For 60k is would be almost a no brainer. 80K, well there are other intriguing cars at that price.

M3?  Last year's base model 911?  F-Type?  CLS, 6 series, 5 series?  80K doesn't buy what it used to.

[12,000 RPM]

Yea the only difference from 60 to 80K is options... at least for cars relevant to this (i.e. NOT the likes of the CLS etc)

[Rupert]

Oh, good, now I have another few months to save up $80k.

[TurboDan]

M3?  Last year's base model 911?  F-Type?  CLS, 6 series, 5 series?  80K doesn't buy what it used to.

A $60K car on a lease wouldn't be so bad price wise. I wouldn't buy a 4C new, though, since their value will probably sink like a stone pretty quickly, at least until they establish themselves.

At $80K, I'd absolutely take an F-Type over this.

[MX793]

Read C&D's first drive report for the 4C.  Sounds fantastic.  Of course, when the car comes stateside it will weigh ~500 lbs more than the Euro version (closer to 2700 lbs) and who knows how much more expensive it will be.

[12,000 RPM]

Read C&D's first drive report for the 4C.  Sounds fantastic.  Of course, when the car comes stateside it will weigh ~500 lbs more than the Euro version (closer to 2700 lbs) and who knows how much more expensive it will be.

They might as make it the new Chrysler Crossfire at that point. What is this butchery

Maybe Fiat shouldn't bring the Panda over. It would be a miserable car if it didn't weigh 1900lbs

[Laconian]

Dear lord, what would account for that weight gain? Seeing as that Alfa is an upmarket brand, I can't imagine the base model gets away with stripper shenanigans like deleted airbags.

[MX793]

Dear lord, what would account for that weight gain? Seeing as that Alfa is an upmarket brand, I can't imagine the base model gets away with stripper shenanigans like deleted airbags.

The Euro model is pretty well stripped.  No A/C, no power seats, minimal airbags.  The added pounds are due to side airbags, other equipment necessary to make it US legal, and apparently US models will have as standard equipment items that are optional on the Euro models (like A/C and power seats).

[2o6]

They might as make it the new Chrysler Crossfire at that point. What is this butchery

Maybe Fiat shouldn't bring the Panda over. It would be a miserable car if it didn't weigh 1900lbs

New Panda is about 2200lbs, just as a quick google check....




I still don't understand why the 4C gains so much damn weight. It makes no sense.