interested in feedback on Alfa's return to the US

[bob7468]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farace I hadn't considered dretceterini's idea until he mentioned it, and it's damned appealing. As for a Spider, I tend toward a different direction than SpiderWebb. My ideal Spider would be Pininfarina and rear drive, but it would be Spartan, lithe and light; any purely creature comforts that reduce power and add weight should be under consideration for removal. I like my '71's vinyl and rubber mats, because the car will be rained in while I'm driving it, and leather and carpet would get ruined. Power windows? Don't need 'em. Power locks? Who locks a convertible? Power steering? I don't feel it's missing in my '71, why should I need it in a new car? Air conditioning? The top will be down most of the time I'm driving it. "Add lightness" was the catchphrase once. The Spiders since '95 have looked bloated and overfed to me. Make it simple. Keep it simple. I guess what I'd like is either a 750/101ish or a 105ish Spider with a modern eye toward safety and fuel consumption but getting away from modern cars' tendencies to coddle and isolate the driver from his/her surroundings.

[SpiderWebb]

Ok.
2 versions.

Boy racer (I agree with your take on it) and one with optional creature comforts. Even some Shelby Mustangs came with A/C. For the record, I never said power windows or power steering. Just leather and A/C.

Reread and you'll see race hardware was a prominent part of my specs.

It was 123 degrees F last week and 115+ for weeks in Palm Desert CA.
A/C is not a comfort thing, it is a serious survival thing in some places.

[Zunige]

Before this thread deviates into which vehicles Alfa should sell in the U.S., please note that Mr. Eaton is talking about supplying seats, interiors and electronics. (Yes, I would also love to have some input into what vehicles Alfa should offer, but I don't think that is the case in this thread...)

Quote:

Originally Posted by John W Eaton I'm part of the Market Research team for one of the largest global automotive suppliers, producing seating, interior and electronics products to OEMs around the world. We are currently investigating many of the dynamic changes affecting the North American automotive market, including the potential return of Fiat/Alfa to our region. ...

[gold]

The 916 was never available in the US, but I wonder are there really none, or do you guys rarely see one driving around?

I think with the exception of the 8C, the 916 is currently still the fastest production Alfa Romeo.

Spider Meteora 24V 3.0

I also understand from wiki that the new Alfa's (GT, 159, Brera, Spider, etc) to suit the american market, have larger frames, higher rideheights, etc. Also they have engines that are made by GM not Alfa Romeo, and are 1 second slower in 0-60 times than the lineup they replaced. There are those who say that the 916 line and pre 159 lines were the last true breed Alfa's, in terms of performance, sound and design.

I guess to suit the American market Alfa will focus heavily on the materials and design but not so much on the performance or sound. Which is a shame because what makes Alfa stand out in Europe is the combination of all 3.

[Alex Csank]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gold The 916 was never available in the US, but I wonder are there really none, or do you guys rarely see one driving around? I think with the exception of the 8C, the 916 is currently still the fastest production Alfa Romeo. Spider Meteora 24V 3.0

[Farace]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zunige Before this thread deviates into which vehicles Alfa should sell in the U.S., please note that Mr. Eaton is talking about supplying seats, interiors and electronics. (Yes, I would also love to have some input into what vehicles Alfa should offer, but I don't think that is the case in this thread...) Best regards,

[rcess]

I'll be glad to participate.

[John W Eaton]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Csank Without taking this issue on in depth here, US laws make it very difficult to import non-US spec cars. There are very few post 1995 Alfas in the USA. Those which are here are either imported temporarily by visitors, used for display or racing only, or they have somehow been brought in through a legal loophole (some States are easier than others). I suggest that Mr. Eaton write a survey and post it here on the BB as well as in the Afa Owner Magazine.

[Alfissimo Int.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by John W Eaton thanks to all who've responded. some great fans of the brand in here, that's for sure. please stay tuned...i'm working on a survey and will get it posted ASAP!

[Aghevli]

I'm interested too.

[John W Eaton]

hope this link works. if not surf to Automotive News -- In-depth coverage of the automotive industry with special features for subscribers and look for the article on BMW & Alfa. enjoy!

http://www.autonews.com/article/2008...488883083/1078

[Geoffz]

If Alfa brings the MiTo here it will sell like hotcakes...provided...they have good model selection, is priced competitively, and backed by good dealer/service network. Tall order...yeah, maybe...how 'bout a deal with one of the behemoth us automakers (they're finally hearing suv/gas price drumbeat and retooling) eventually we'd have an economical fun ride...wouldn't that be innovative.

[Anfanuts]

This will narrow it down for him for sure: Gulia Super remake (bare bones sedan a la a Mini), semi-plush diesel cross-over family SUV, plush Spider, and bare-bones Spider. Add a coupe and you have a complete line-up.

I'd like a nice roomy 2+2 coupe (Nissan Z like but Alfa), a few frills but not pimped (like Farace), to replace my US sedan (but could go for the GS remake also). Strong A/C is a must for most.

I'll still keep my 'Burb for hauling stuff, bodies and boats. And my 69 Spider.

[Pat Braden]

I agree with Alex that you will probably get a better response on a web-based survey, also noting that the bb is composed of world-wide participants and the North American AROC group does not have a functioning website at this time, to my knowledge, where an electronic survey could be posted; so their's most likely would have to be a paper insert in the Alfa Owner or a notice directing them to a website where the survey is posted. You could contact Brian Shorey, bshorey, for AROC website information and Brewster Thackery, BrewThack, for AROC Alfa Owner information. They're both here on the bb and read the threads.

There is also ARA, a group in Northern California, that broke away from AROC some years ago. They should also be included in the survey process. There are several of those members also here on the bb. Their "tour director" is Shawn, Elite38868 on the bb. Some of their members also belong to AROC, and some do not.

I am willing to participate in a web-based or electronic survey, my e-mail address is available on my member page. I am one who seeks creature comforts: air-conditioning that really works and cools, power steering would be nice as well as electric windows, heated seats w/lumbar support, and power seats that actually move on the seat rails up far enough to depress the clutch fully. I'm the opposite of your 6'5" guys that want to sit in the backseat and drive. As far as seats, I prefer cloth to vinyl or leather because of the heat and the upkeep. For the convertibles, I am one who locks them, and I'd prefer a tonneau option.

I don't know how you're going to design a survey to mitigate the bias that many of us have who have owned multiple older Alfas, enjoy them, and expect the same in what is now going to be imported; knowing that these will not be the same Alfas that we all know and love, especially without a genuine Alfa engine.

Enrique, I did try and stay on topic, I think all of the things I mentioned except the tonneau top are covered in his post, since electronics are required to drive the motors used in a/c, power windows, seats, etc.