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Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Earlier in 2011, Alfa Romeo announced plans to begin producing an all new turbocharged four-popper that is estimated to deliver an awesome 300 horsepower from a tiny little 1.8 liter. The engine is scheduled to make a 2013 debut in several of Alfa’s platforms.

So far, the engine has been mentioned in conjunction with the incoming 4C sports car and the much rumored 6C sedan that is to be based on the Chrysler 300 platform. The engine will is designed to be used in a traditional mounting configuration or the more contemporary transverse set up. Some of the features that will be offered by the new power plant are direct injection, dual variable valve timing, and the ability to comply with future emissions standards both in Europe and the U.S. That is good to hear, since Alfa keeps delaying its re-entry of the American market.

”This is an extremely important step for Alfa Romeo, as we continue to reposition our brand and prepare it for global distribution. The United States remains our primary objective as we prepare for a 2013 introduction of our models,” said Harald J. Wester, Fiat’s Chief Technology Officer and head of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati Brands. ”The dedication of group-wide resources to develop specific powertrain solutions for the specific needs of Alfa Romeo is a reflection of the renewed thrust we are placing on the development of this brand. This is a first step in a series of initiatives to be implemented in the near future which will reconnect Alfa Romeo to its historical roots as a premium Italian sports car brand.”

Alfa Romeo officials are touting the new engine as ”setting a new performance standard in its category”. Some potential customers may be a little skeptical given near legendary quality issues the brand has faced. Alfa and Fiat have been working diligently to correct and reverse that image. Perhaps this is the engine that will put them over the top.

Alfa Romeo 159

Buying a used car can have its pitfalls. Buying a used Alfa Romeo 159 can have a few very expensive pitfalls. Below are a few general tips when buying a used car and a few that are more specific to a used Alfa Romeo 159.

When approaching any used car, take a wide walk around it. Look for an fluid drips underneath, tires with low pressure, and any spots of rust. Open the hood and look at fluid levels and the condition of the belts and hoses. If you are able, crawl under the car and look for pitting or weak spots from rust. Look for weak or broken springs as well. Look at the inside portion of the tires for uneven wear. No one wants to replace the tires and pay for an alignment right away.

When looking at a used Alfa Romeo 159, check the clutch repeatedly. The vehicle is known to have a clutch that can be very soft and prone to an expensive failure even in low mileage vehicles. Leave the radio off and listen carefully for a whomp-whomp-whomp sound. This can be an indication of a problem with the o/s drive shaft intermediate universal joint. This issue is nearly impossible to get rid of and can drive some people nearly insane. Also, any strange noises as you turn could indicate an issue in the power steering system. If you hear a noise coming from the power steering, immediately return the car from whence it came and forget about it. If you are buying the car from a dealership, request a cambelt and water pump change before you agree to buy the vehicle. No reason to take a chance with such common repairs.

Buying a used Alfa Romeo 159 can be a great experience. Part of the fun is in the chase, looking for the right vehicle. Along the way you are bound to find a few stinkers that someone is trying to unload on some gullible fool. Use all of your senses while shopping and you should avoid being that fool.

The Fiat brand is limited in the U.S. The only available vehicles are the 500 coupe and convertible. While those are solid cars, they do not have the draw that an Alfa Romeo would have. Fiat dealerships were not directly promised an Alfa franchise, but were led to believe that a Fiat dealership would end being an Alfa Romeo dealership as well. With that thought in mind, 130 established dealerships are a bit spooked by another delay in Alfa’s reemergence on the American market.

Alfa Romeo CEO Harald Wester said last week that three of the brand’s U.S. bound models will be delayed and a fourth will be canceled. The Giulia and Spider models will not make their debut until sometime in 2014. A compact SUV based on the Jeep Compass platform is still scheduled to arrive in 2013. Unfortunately, the proposed mid-size SUV has been scrapped. That dashes hopes for expansion at the Toledo, Ohio manufacturing plant.

As Fiat announces these additional production and arrival delays, dealerships are expected to forge ahead with required building projects and expansions. Many potential Alfa Romeo dealerships are expected to complete multimillion dollar projects without a firm date for vehicle shipments. It is understandable that the 130 companies that have already spent millions are getting a little leery of investing more money. That also puts Fiat’s projection of 200 dealerships established by the end of 2012 in jeopardy.

Granted, there are supposed to be two vehicles available in 2013, but neither is truly suited for the American market. The MiTo subcompact and the 4-C two-seat coupe are not the headliners that Alfa needs to lead with. Continuous delays have destroyed other automakers in the American market. A company that has not been on the scene for nearly 20 years needs to have its game together before announcing its return if it is to be successful.

1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B

New Alfa Romeos are set to hit the North American market some time during the 2012 physical year. In the mean time, a used Alfa Romeo is a viable option for a variety of budgets. Whether you are looking at buying an executive car or a sporty model to cover asphalt in the shortest time possible there are four tips to keep in mind.

Start with a visual check of the car. Walk around looking for fluid leaks, uneven tire wear, or damage. Pop the hood and check vital fluid levels. Low levels could indicate leaks that the seller is trying to hide. Look at the color and condition of the oil. Look for moisture inside the oil filler cap, which could be a sign of a head or head gasket problem. When possible, have the car inspected by an authorized mechanic prior to purchase.

The key to buying a used Alfa Romeo is maintenance. Ask the seller for all maintenance records. If there are any gaps in the service records, ask for an explanation. Another important aspect, is to verify that the person who performed the maintenance is capable of truly understanding the intricacies of an Alfa. Where possible, the maintenance should have been performed at an authorized dealership at all times.

Several used Alfa Romeo models have been subject to recalls. Some vehicles built between 1999 and Spring of 2001 were recalled for power steering issues. A very few produced in 2004 faced fuel leak issues. Do some research on the model you are interested in, then verify that any recall work has been completed on that particular car. The seller should have a repair sheet if the work has been done.

Alfa Romeo 159

Before buying a used Alfa Romeo, be sure that you have access to a qualified mechanic. In some areas, a dealership may not be handy, but you can still find the right repairman. You do not want to be shocked to find there is no one to repair your car after you have spent tens of thousands buying it.

The internet is your best tool when buying a used Alfa Romeo. Spending as little as fifteen minutes on your computer could help you avoid wasting a few hundred thousand on a lemon.

Club Alfa Sport

New All Aluminum Alfa Romeo Engine

Tips For Buying A Used Alfa Romeo 159

Fiat Dealers Spooked By Another Alfa Romeo Delay

Four Tips For Buying A Used Alfa Romeo

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