Alfa Romeo SUV

[sakiss]

Alfa Romeo Kamal (Suv) 2006 in production
http://www.repubblica.it/2003/l/moto...174819_big.jpg
http://www.repubblica.it/2003/l/moto...174823_big.jpg

1.9JTD M-JET 150hp
2.4JTD M-JET 200hp
3.0V6JTD M-JET 250hp
2.2JTS 190hp
2.8V6JTS 230hp
3.2V6JTS 265hp


http://car.kak.net/print.php?sid=782
http://www.allsportauto.com/english/...kamal_2003.php
http://www.repubblica.it/2003/l/moto.../kamal/14.html
http://www.infomotori.com/a_4_IT_2327_1.html
http://www.italiancar.com.au/pilot/art062.htm
http://www.omniauto.it/autonotizie/alfakamal.htm



Alfa Romeo Kamal
Alfa Romeo presented it's newest concept vehicle, the Kamal SUV, at the Geneva Auto Show. The vehicle, which represents a new segment for Alfa, features a 250hp, 3.2L 24 Valve V6 mated to the 6-speed SeleSpeed gearbox, and a fully independent double-wishbone suspension at both ends.

Earlier in the Geneva show, Alfa announced it's new GT Coupe and facelifted GTV and Spider models.

The Kamal's off-road pretensions are backed up by a 4wd system featuring 3 separate differentials, including a Torsen (Torque Sensing) center differential. The air suspension is height adjustable and ranges from a low, Sport setting which activates automatically at high speeds to a high setting for low speed off-road driving. Aluminum is used extensively for protection on the vehicle's underside, and it rides on 20" alloy wheels with special Pirelli tires.

According to Alfa Romeo, the styling of the vechicle retains many cues from the current range, and resembles a road vehicle more than an off-road SUV. The vehicle features conventionally opening front doors and unique side hinged rear doors. The rear cargo area can swallow 400 liters of luggage when the seats are folded flat, and contains an integrated luggage ramp for loading


http://www.alfaromeo-duebendorf.ch/alfaromeokamali.jpg


Photoshop
http://www.bitabout.info/public/imag...%20kamal-1.jpg
http://www.bitabout.info/public/imag...ia%20kamal.jpg

[GV27]

Well, I guess that means they're getting serious about the US market.

[chasking]

For those of us who may have thought that production of an SUV signalled that Alfa may have been losing its traditional focus and attitude: I find the following picture reassuring.

[johnei]

Yes it does seem like an encouraging sign that they are planning a return to the US market. However (and this is a bit off topic) but I was reading recently about the differences of the real rates of exchange among the euro economies. It seems Germany has been much better at controlling labor costs than Italy and Spain. Consequently the 18% drop in value of the dollar against the Euro since about 2002 means only about a 4% difference for germany given their improved productivity - or slower wage growth. Italy however seems to be at the opposite end so it could be facing the full 18% difference. While I suppose AR can price this in from the beginning - this difference certainly won't help them sell cars here.

[sakiss]

Kamal will make its debut in 2007 and not in 2006 because it will be co-developed with maserati....Also they will increase the dimensions in order to fit the new V8




Dimensions

4,66 Χ 1,9 Χ 1,62

Engines

ALFA ROMEO KAMAL
2.8 V6 JTS 230cv
3.2 V6 JTS 260cv
4.2 V8 400cv Quadrifoglio verde
2.4 MJET 200cv
3.0 V6 MJET 250cv

[AlfaNewB]

isnt the V8 going to be a GM motor?

[sakiss]

Sorry for the engines....Those are the true specs!

3.2V6
4.3V8.....new maserati's v8....not Gm!
3.0 diesel

[johnei]

I hope that they will continue to use the 4.3L motor. Using the GM northstar block would be further disappointment.

[AlfaNewB]

oh i thought the deal was to have alfas with v8s of a gm,but maserati v8 "DREWWWLLINNGGG"

say good bye to Porscha Cayenne

[sakiss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlfaNewB oh i thought the deal was to have alfas with v8s of a gm,but maserati v8 "DREWWWLLINNGGG" say good buy to Porscha Cayenne

[johnei]

I thought this would have ended up in the Maserati Kubang which is supposedly back on given that it and the Kamal will be built on the 159/Premium platform. Still it seems like a good idea to me to put that engine in as many cars as possible.

[sakiss]

[Aghevli]

Am I the only one here that hopes Alfa does not build this SUV?

Yes, it's pretty but in the case of all SUV's, these are nothing more than glorified minivans with the addition of 4WD. I seriously hope that Alfa does not follow Porsche's lead and sell out to this market segment. If it does, and the Kamal is built, it will be my least favorite Alfa in the range so far....even if it has a Maserati V8.

[Vivace]

I agree with Aghevli. It's a shame passionate car builders like Porsche and Alfa have caved to the mass market to sell more cars, or rather moon buggies. EVERYbody makes a version of this smallish, big-engined, overplush suv...BMW, Volvo, Porsche/VW, Audi soon, Mercedes, the Japanese...the market is limited and will bottom out.

If you want a sports car, buy a real sports car. If you really NEED a truck, get a truck. If you want something that really holds stuff and still hauls, get a 300hp Volvo AWD wagon that sits so low you'd never guess it was AWD. It flies, it handles (not like an Alfa), it's safe, you can take it camping, or load a bunch of groceries (do I sound like I have teenagers?).

There, I've spouted.

[PSk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aghevli Am I the only one here that hopes Alfa does not build this SUV? Yes, it's pretty but in the case of all SUV's, these are nothing more than glorified minivans with the addition of 4WD. I seriously hope that Alfa does not follow Porsche's lead and sell out to this market segment. If it does, and the Kamal is built, it will be my least favorite Alfa in the range so far....even if it has a Maserati V8.