Alfa Romeo to return to rear-wheel drive roots in 2015

alfa_romeo_4c_launch_edition_6

Alfistis rejoice! The latest news coming from Europe suggests that Alfa Romeo will finally ditch its current less-than-successful front-wheel drive platforms for a more brand-fitting rear-wheel drive models in the near future, with the first of its new model onslaught to arrive as early as 2015.

The Car UK report also mentions that the four new models – two sedans and two SUVs – will take on popular models in the German luxury brigade: BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. The two SUVs (to challenge the BMW X1 and X3/Audi Q5) will be the brand’s first, which will come to the market a few years after the two mainstream sedans make their marks.

Going the luxury route to rival established Teutonic marques will be a tough ask, but thankfully Alfa Romeo will have a helping hand from fellow Fiat stablemate Maserati. The new Maserati Ghibli (below) will form a base for the 5 Series/E-Class/A6-rivalling Alfetta, while the smaller Giulia will target the BMW 3 Series class.

Maserati-Ghibli-5

Returning to Alfa’s traditional rear-wheel drive layout is the latest attempt of the brand’s revival, which will again target motoring enthusiasts by having beautifully styled models with matching vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. An ambitious target, as is the company’s plan to triple its sales (currently a low 100,000 units per year) in the near future.

The direction change also calls for the demise of Alfa’s existing front-wheel drive models – the Giulietta and MiTo. As of yet there are no plans to replace the two models, as the brand focuses on its move upmarket (where it belongs, really).

Fortunately the new Alfa Romeo 4C sports car and upcoming Spider lightweight roadster that is co-developed alongside the next-gen Mazda MX-5 is unaffected by this move as they are already using rear-wheel drive platforms. The times they are a-changin’ for Alfa Romeo and we sure are excited. Are you?

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Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • Drive Your Way on Jul 22, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    Excited indeed. RWD is always the true spirit behind driving dynamic.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • lonelyobserve on Jul 22, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    Many pro racers prefer rear-wheel drive cars for ultimate driving pleasure and at the same time able to let new drivers mastering driving skill with ease, especially on racing circuits.

    On the street driving, rear-wheel drive cars do have advantage in turning especially parking the car, as rear-wheel drive cars have less front weight due to no drive shafts on front wheels connected to gearbox.

    Downside are increased cost and weight due to installation of drive shaft from gearbox connecting to rear wheel axle.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • Espresso! Quick! on Jul 22, 2013 at 5:16 pm

    plus, the news they are dropping hatchbacks too is welcome. maybe they could have one or two fwd hatches for their entry level models like the alfasud of last time. a new mito should be ok to complete the line-up as their entry level car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  • Awesome, Alfa returning back to RWD since the 75(8C and 4C

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Luqman_HKM on Jul 22, 2013 at 5:59 pm

    Owwh yes, Alfa Romeo, going back to the abilty of going sideways!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • blackbox on Jul 22, 2013 at 6:30 pm

    Great news, Alfa finally back to where it belongs, but their current sales and European market is kind of weak now, wish they can survived till 2015 without being closed or takeover by others.

    Unfortunately our local distributor is dying, even this great car launched, we might not be able to buy.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • I remember fondly my days with Guilia Super, Guilletta and Alfetta.

    Welcome back the true Alfa Romeo

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • kadajawi on Jul 22, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    Mh… why would Alfa have to give up the MiTo and Guiletta? Can’t they just continue producing those, and develop successors based on a Fiat platform? Doesn’t make much sense to me. After all, I’d consider those cars (more or less… perhaps less at the moment) as premium small cars. Which are quite successful for other brands, see Citroen DS3/DS4, BMW Mini, Fiat 500, … every brand tries to enter the segment. Audi A1, Mercedes with a Clio based Mercedes X or so, Opel Adam, … and Alfa tries to pull out of that segment when they have gorgeous cars waiting for buyers?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • hakimR on Jul 22, 2013 at 10:59 pm

      They might revise their plans cos everything is not finalized yet. Hopefully they will still come out with models for entry segment.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • jolly_idiot on Jul 23, 2013 at 8:14 am

    Let’s not forget the 4wd. Rwd is good but will it be a little late to come out in 2015?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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