TURIN, Italy — Alfa Romeo's 8C Competizione concept car, one of the stars of the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, could still see the light of day as a production car, according to the Italian brand's new CEO, Antonio Baravalle.
"It is my dream to do it," he told U.K. online magazine 4Car. "We have cut the budget for our advertising campaign and will do the 8C instead, because it is a perfect way to promote the Alfa brand." The plan has the backing of Fiat Auto president Sergio Marchionne, at least as long as the figures add up, Baravalle added.
The V8-engined, carbon-fiber-bodied, front-engined coupe is likely to be based on a spaceframe chassis, which keeps costs down. It will employ a version of the 400-plus-hp V8 engines used in various Ferrari and Maserati models.
The 8C could be unveiled as soon as the Paris Motor Show in September, and a production run of 500 is likely. Baravalle said he'd like to make a soft-top Spider version, and a new large sedan to replace the aging 166 is also planned. This car, to be called the 169, would share its platform with the Maserati Quattroporte.
What this means to you: As Alfa Romeo plans a return to the U.S. market, these new, prestigious models are just what's needed to create the right image for the famous Italian marque.
"It is my dream to do it," he told U.K. online magazine 4Car. "We have cut the budget for our advertising campaign and will do the 8C instead, because it is a perfect way to promote the Alfa brand." The plan has the backing of Fiat Auto president Sergio Marchionne, at least as long as the figures add up, Baravalle added.
The V8-engined, carbon-fiber-bodied, front-engined coupe is likely to be based on a spaceframe chassis, which keeps costs down. It will employ a version of the 400-plus-hp V8 engines used in various Ferrari and Maserati models.
The 8C could be unveiled as soon as the Paris Motor Show in September, and a production run of 500 is likely. Baravalle said he'd like to make a soft-top Spider version, and a new large sedan to replace the aging 166 is also planned. This car, to be called the 169, would share its platform with the Maserati Quattroporte.
What this means to you: As Alfa Romeo plans a return to the U.S. market, these new, prestigious models are just what's needed to create the right image for the famous Italian marque.
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