I've seen a few things in the past few weeks, including an article that quotes the CEO of Fiat, that say Alfa Romeo will offer a lineup of cars in late 2008. The current plan indicates they will be sold through Maserati dealers.

 

Hey Csasso, welcome aboard... You may want to look into the new Alfa 159, which also comes in a Stationwagon variation, the thread on this board is here..
http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/showthread.php?t=9908&page=41

I think the US date of return is still 2008-09 though, although I like to be optimistic and think they may just spring them on us sooner, when we least expect it.

 

Saab 9-3 2.0T big thumbs up so far and can add 40hp with ecu reprogram.

Best Regards,
John M

 

here's what i know...from a VERY RELIABLE source.

in late 2008/early 2009, through Maserati Dealers:

-Alfa 8c
-Alfa Spyder

later in 2009:
-Alfa Brera Coupe
-a yet unnamed Alfa sedan

 

Yup, that is what I have too, from a very very reliable source.
I think it will be quick as well, kind of like boom here we are again!!
Jason

 

Saab 9-3 owner here. I would really recommend a 9-3, either 2.0T or Aero (V6). It's really about the closest thing we can get to an Alfa here in the States.

If you opt for the Aero you get a very smooth V6 but the 2.0T will have a bit better fuel efficiency. As John M mentioned, there is tuning software available for both engines; it makes the 4-cylinder quite potent and turns the V6 into a monster. The 2008 models are redesigned with a more aggressive front end and will have all-wheel-drive available if you need that. Once the 2008s start showing up, the 2007s can be acquired at tremendous discounts.

I got my Saab after giving up on Alfas "return". Once they are in showrooms I may go back to Alfa but honestly, the new cars don't really do much for me anymore.

 

Saab 9-3 owner here. I would really recommend a 9-3, either 2.0T or Aero (V6). It's really about the closest thing we can get to an Alfa here in the States.

My thoughts there exactly. We should mention the car handles extremely well! And when bought on the normal big discount that they seem to roll out the door with, they are a tremendous value too.

Best Regards,
John M

 

alfa alternative

I love my Acura TSX. Bulletproof, quick and a very good value.

Gmack
Minneapolis
74 GTV
69 Spider

 

2008/2009 sounds good too me even though I'm skeptical about everything in regards to Alfas coming to the United States. I've heard 2010 as another entry date as well.

I've been wanting a sports car for a while and wouldn't mind looking into a Spider for the right price. Sure there are faster cars for the money but none look as good. And besides, I live in LA and traffic is so bad here that it's easy to be late no matter what you drive. Case in point; I get to work in my Honda at the same time as my coworkers get there in their BMWs. Maybe Alfa will do something about engine options before they ship the cars here too.

 

If you need the car now, I wouldn't hold my breath for Alfa. I really wanted to wait to get one, but I need something now. So, I'm going with the BMW. Hopefully in 5-6 years when it's time to replace it, Alfa will be here, with several models to choose from, and I can get back into an Alfa.

 

Alfas return to the US is a work in progress. I am not sure how public this is, but ARDONA sent a letter out two weeks ago to the remaining 12 Service Centers telling them that as of 07/31/2007, ARDONA is ending its contract with them. The letter also mentioned that Alfa will develop some web based outlet to sell directly to customers, details to follow.

Looks like they are cleaning the slate for Alfa return to the US. I know from talking to the local Ferrari/Maserti dealer GM that not every F/M dealer will get an Alfa dealer. Like when BMW brought in Mini, Fiat is very picky about image and who is selling the cars. I was told that F/M dealers must have a separate showroom or we willing to build an Alfa only showroom to be considered for a dealership. In some areas, there will not be an Alfa dealership because the F/M can not meet Fiats requirements. They will not see an Alfa dealership until the "second" round much after the initial introduction to the US.

I know nothing more than what I have relayed. Hopefully we will see new Alfas before 2010. I am waiting for a 159 3.2V6 Q4 w/ 6 Speed.

 

Alfas return to the US is a work in progress. ...

I know nothing more than what I have relayed. Hopefully we will see new Alfas before 2010. I am waiting for a 159 3.2V6 Q4 w/ 6 Speed.

This is accurate... I didn't realize that this information was actually already out, since their has not been any official announcement, but there are dealerships engaged in showroom expansion... Once money has been committed and is being spent, and with the letters having gone out, you know it is serious...

Best regards,

 

The Ferrari/Maserati dealer in Honolulu is building a new showroom/apartment complex. He also sells Lambo & lotus.

http://www.jnautomotive.com

At the moment I can't find the link to the new place.

 

What I find surprising, and if you read Maserati US press releases they finish every one this way, is that South Florida is the #1 market... followed by the NYC area. Huh? Since when has Southern CA not been the #1 market for a premium automobile? I wouldn't expect a lot of obvious expansion work, it seems like a temporary space nearby would be more likely.

 

Talk is cheap....

Not to dismiss anything others have said, I just feel it's very easy to talk about a return but very difficult to execute it. After all, how many times have you been told someone will 'call you right back' or 'send an email right away' and then not hear from them in a week. Happens all the time. A lot has to happen for Alfa to truly return and 2008 seems awfully ambitious. Even if it were 2010, a lot can happen in a couple years that would prevent them from returning or make them change their mind. I'll believe it when I see it.

And I don't consider Alfa's return as them selling the 8C here; that's easy. To me, Alfa's return has arrived when I am able to go into a showroom (in major markets at least) and select from a couple different models like I can with BMW, Audi, and Saab. Selling a couple hundred boutique cars is not an official return if you ask me.

I'd like to have them return but I'm not going to sell my Saab quite yet.

 

I'll have to keep an eye on the F/M dealership in Foxboro, Massachusetts. I drive by on the way to and from work. I'll look to see if they are partitioning out the showroom. I won't be going by daily, anymore after June 1st, but it's only a few miles from home. There's also a Bass Pro Shop (first one around here) going in a mile up from that. So I'll be monitoring progress on both fronts!!!

 

I am curious where / who are the 12 remaining Alfa Authorized Service Centers? Does anyone have a list of these places? Just curious.

Jeff
Dallas, Texas

1994 164 LS

 

Ferrari of Denver is one.

 

well this is a subject i have some information that may help.

My job for the past 5 years has been in automotive advertising. at Saatchi&Saatchi , handling Toyota (the entire brand out of my office, so broadcast, print, brochure, interactive) , then Chiat/Day for Nissan/Infiniti, and starting this month, at Deutsch handling the 'return' of Saturn.

To bring a vehicle state-side would require maybe more and less than what you guys think.

firstly, make no mistake, the Dealers association will be paying to 'bring' the cars and to advertise at a state-level. (so it doesnt neccesarily mean every state will carry the marquee)

Alfa will pick a US agency to handle its 2008 campaign, and will have been concepting and planning on it since 2006 at least.

They will HAVE to be at the Detroit or LA AutoShow in order to sign those dealer-contracts, so either they are at the autoshow or its all hear-say

 

Just like when the local dealers go out of the Alfa business, the returned what Alfa with accept and trashed the rest. Throwing out items that have a low value at the time is common busyness practice. Was this practice right, well not for Alfa owners, but there are items that have passed their prime or will never sell. Throw them out and take the write off.

ARDONA has been supplying parts to its authorized service centers these last 10+ years. Bought something from IAP, Vicks, or Centerline and it came in the Ricambi Originali packaging - most of those items came from ARDONA. The many of the S4 Spiders and 164 they are the only source for the items needed to keep them on the road. Working on 164 24V, the service centers are the only source for most of the everyday parts. Hopefully IAP, Vicks, and Centerline will fill the void the best they can.

 

I second the Acura TSX - an article in R & T or C & D some time ago compared it to Alfa - what Alfa could have been and should have been - it's got everything you need - at one price - only option is the nav. system -I can't get ours away from my wife - the 6-speed is slick & it loves to rev

 

The planets are beginning to align:

Rumors or verification of focus groups for new Alfas in California

From the latest Alfa Owner: further verification of the existing dealer contract cancellation, and a website to sell remaining parts. And the statement..."Confidentiality agreements surely keeps lips tight".

Also, Alfa Romeo is the featured marque at the Meadowbrook Concours (the day after the 2007 AROC national Convention in the same area) and Ferrari U.S. paid part of the stiff cost to bring the three Alfa BAT cars from California. They didn't do this for their health.

The AROC Convention or at the Meadowbrook Concours would be a natural setting for a formal announcement.

 

The planets are beginning to align:

Rumors or verification of focus groups for new Alfas in California

...

New Alfas showed up in NJ a few months ago (shipped from Italy), and were shortly thereafter taken to different parts of the country. This caught me completely by surprise, and I didn't have a camera with me. (I simply appreciated being told!) Hence, since I have seen some of this movement first hand, I do believe there is a serious attempt to bring the marque back to the U.S.A. and Canada.

Another interesting move by Alfa.. As I'm sure many know, Alfas have been in this hemisphere for several years. Mexico and Chile have them, as well as Brazil. However, they are continuing to expand, and just a few months ago Alfa returned to Peru.

Best regards,

 

If the rumors are that Alfa is going to be distributed through Ferrari/Maserati dealers exclusively, don't hold your breath. Assuming that the "bread & butter" Alfas will be priced to compete with Audi A4's, BMW 3 series, Volvo, Saab, entry level Mercedes, etc. they will need a dealer network to rival their competition. There are not enough F/M dealers in the entire country to handle the volumn needed to make a go of it in Southern California, let alone the rest of the country. They could sell the low production 8c through the F/M dealer network, but not the normal production models. I find it hard to believe that they could line up the necessary dealer network without some news slipping out about it. I'm also not sure that they would even mind having news slip out if they were really serious about the American market.

 

I hate to admit it, but I am not holding my breath on this at all!

 

blah blah blah

Hate to be a nay sayer, but while all this sounds very promising, haven't we've been told this kind of stuff before? A few years ago, Alfas were to be sold alongside Saabs and Cadillacs. Now they are to be sold alongside Maseratis and Ferraris. Alfa lovers in the states are people with a lot of hope but we shouldn't forget what we've heard in the past. There have always a few Alfas that have made it stateside since 1995 too. Nothing new there either. The only new thing would be seeing them federalized and for sale (officially).

 

Absolutely correct, but.... I see promise in the accumulation of hints, actions, etc. that appear to be leading up to results. IE: Why would the President of AROC refer to a "confidentiality agreement" regarding actions of Alfa Romeo?

...while all this sounds very promising, haven't we've been told this kind of stuff before?...The only new thing would be seeing them federalized and for sale (officially).

 

I think the skeptics haven't been following things very carefully and are missing the signs. I also think the people who know aren't allowed to say much.

 

I remember following things carefully when Alfa was going to return in 2004.

I remember following things carefully when Alfa was going to return in 2007.

Now there is talk of a return somewhere between late 2008 and 2010. The only conclusion I can come up with is that Fiat is not very careful or organized about when Alfa was going to return. Even when Alfa introduced their last generation of cars, there was a consistency of talk that many models built between 1995 and 2007 were engineered "with the USA in mind." Still, nothing ever came.

It's not a matter of being skeptical at this point. It's a matter of looking at the odds based on the old record and deciding if its worth betting on at all.

 

I agree they have apparently been preparing for a return several times before.

However, there was the recent Alfa Romeo commercial filmed with a 147 and Brera in Los Angeles that appeared online.

One of our board members / moderators showed up with in Los Angeles with a 159 SW not too long ago. Apparently cars are being prepared with the help of JD Power.

Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson just tested a new Spider in San Diego last month.

Numerous people here (in addition to Fiat management) are claiming Maserati dealers are getting ready to sell the cars.

The 8C is going to be sold here and collectors here who have close ties to Ferrari are getting them.

I admit they don't have a good record and a lot of things still need to happen, but it seems like there is a lot of activity.



Oh and looking at the odds based on historic records is very funny to me, because that only works some of the time. This isn't a game of cards.

 

Yea I agree FIAT has been making tons dough and making one of their biggest comeback ever new models the new grande punto is just one huge hit targeting young generations my friends say theyll take that car over a civic anyday their sales just keep rising sooo.....Im pretty sure that Alfa back in the USA sooner we think is definetly somthing to look foward to. People want somthing different these not just another BMW,Merc,Lexus.. I think Alfa Is going to sweep the market. Many people who drive BMW,Merc,Lexus ect,ect. know jack about their cars.