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core qualities of a brand name.
In that I believe that indeed BMW has lost something, but that for the consumer, BMW's perceived core qualities are the same. Ie. sporty, quality saloons, that give driver satisfaction at a high price. Good engines, RWD layout, good handling characteristics. In that there is no difference between a 2002 and say a 330d.(note: PERCEIVED)
MB: executive class transport for taxi drivers and wealthy butchers. MB has lacked in quality lately, notably with the E class, but still build very good cars with high tech solutions. It was the same 30 years ago.
Now then.. Alfa.
Where are the quirky solutions as transaxle? Boxer engines? Underbonnets full of milled aly?
Rev counters in your face? A great drive for a nice price?
Then again, Alfa never made a financial succes of just about anything, which is of course why it had to sell out to Fiat.
Yet we Alfisti like their cars, mostly indeed the '60s and '70's stuff.
For a marque to stay alive it will have to adopt to the common denominator. Enter the current crop of Alfa's.
Still, that doesn't make the 8c anymore a REAL Alfa as it is PERCEIVED to be by many Alfisti.
Serious, let's say it was never launched as an Alfa but as a Maser. It would still be cool, and good looking. And a great Maserati.
No one would say, hey, now THAT'S what a new Alfa should be like.....
(because it isn't).
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