Underlying the new strategy is believed to be a focus on rear-wheel-drive cars and all-wheel-drive crossovers and SUVs. A new platform is being developed in Italy and is expected to share elements with the new rear-wheel-drive platform developed for the Maserati brand. The Alfa platform would be cheaper than its Maserati counterpart, however, as it will also be used to spawn future vehicles for the Dodge and Chrysler brands.
Alfa Romeo remains quiet on what new models the platform will spawn, but Automotive News (subscription required) has managed to compile a list of potential future models based on information sourced from insiders and suppliers.
The new 4C sports car has just been launched and will be followed next year by a convertible version. Though it’s yet to be confirmed, a high-performance variant may also be launched.
One new model that we know is coming is a convertible sports car based on the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata platform and due in 2015. No name has been revealed but some, including us, are already calling this car the Alfa Romeo Spider.
A Giulia small sedan is long overdue and is Alfa Romeo’s most crucial model. It was originally to be based on Fiat Chrysler’s Compact U.S. Wide platform but will now switch to Alfa’s rear-wheel-drive platform. Unfortunately, the switch has pushed its release until 2015 at the earliest.
A new flagship sedan was originally intended to be based on the Maserati Ghibli platform, but this proved too expensive so instead it will also utilize Alfa’s new rear-wheel-drive platform. It will be launched shortly after the Giulia and will go up against mid-size luxury sedans like the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series.
Beyond these regular models Alfa Romeo’s future roadmap is reported to include a pair of coupes: a small one to target the likes of the Audi A5 and BMW 4-Series and a larger coupe to challenge the BMW 6-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. Neither are confirmed, however, and given their niche status we may not see them launched for several years still.
Other new models in the roadmap are said to include a trio of tall-riding SUVs and crossovers. The smallest would be a compact crossover based on the future replacement for the Jeep Patriot and Compass. This would be followed by a small crossover possibly sharing the platform of the latest Jeep Cherokee. At the top end would be a mid-size SUV based on the running gear of the Jeep Grand Cherokee or perhaps even the platform being developed for the Maserati Levante.
Finally, Alfa Romeo would launch replacements for its MiTo and Giulietta hatchbacks. These would most likely share a platform with future Fiat models.
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