Alfa Romeo 166 replacement to go rear-drive
New flagship sedan set to share its core architecture with the Chrysler 300C and Dodge ChargerGermany's Auto Motor und Sport has ventured fresh information about Alfa Romeo's upcoming replacement for the unloved 166 flagship (pictured) that was discontinued in 2007.
The respected German publication suggests the next-gen large sedan will be underpinned by Chrysler's rear-wheel-drive LX platform, which also forms the basis for the Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger.
Auto Motor und Sport is also speculating the new model will ditch the defunct 166's proportions in favour of a four-door coupe profile, with some of its design elements forming a visual link with the existing Mito, Giulietta and 8C Competizione.
A variety of petrol and diesel engines will be offered, says the mag, but the big news is the possibility of a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that will allegedly produce "well over" 400 horsepower (298kW).
It was earlier believed the next-gen range-topper would wear 169 badges, but in keeping with Alfa's new naming policy (whereby numeric designations are making way for names such as Mito and Giulietta), the newcomer is likely to be known by another moniker.
Among Alfa's upcoming models -- as outlined in Fiat's five-year plan -- is the Giulia, but that's likely to be the replacement for the 159.
Canada's Financial Post recently cited a report from IHS Global Insight that the new, large Alfa would be built alongside the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger/Challenger at the Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant.
It's believed the 166 replacement will be tailored primarily to the North American market, where it will be a key player for the brand. It will sell alongside the all-new Giulia and Spider, due in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
The front-wheel-drive 166 was discontinued in 2007 after a nine-year lifespan during which it never set the sales charts on fire. The original model had an awkward squashed nose that was resolved with a 2003 facelift. Nevertheless, sales success continued to elude it.
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