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Alfa Romeo are
currently embarking on the first stage of a bright and new future which will see
a whole raft of exciting and sporty new models pumped out over the next few
years, the result of a huge investment programme by the Fiat Group.
Alfa Romeo's
brief is simple: to challenge head on established segment benchmarks from
prestige manufacturer's such as BMW and Audi.
In the first of a
behind-the-scenes series, that will see Italiaspeed going behind the scenes at
both Arese and Balocco, we report on exciting new prototypes which herald a new
dawn for the Alfa Romeo brand.
Project 939 – the future 156 replacement
Whilst sightings of prototypes are becoming commonplace, a turbocharged
2.2-litre car is currently undergoing tests around Alfa Romeo's Balocco test
track.
At Via Biscaretti in Turin, Alfa Romeo’s Reparto Sperimentazioni (experimental
division) has stored a number of final body designs of the 939 project alongside
the future 147 4x4.
Meanwhile, a number of Crosswagon prototypes have been fitted with petrol
engines. One of these cars has recently been sighted in Milan-Varese near
Malpensa.
Project 939C – the Brera and future Spider
A prototype of the coupe was last spotted around the Arese Bariana
zone. Currently the car is being tested with a modified 156 body, although it is
immediately recognisable by its shorter length and RWD layout.
The prototype also has been reported to visually
produce a lot of power, with impressive acceleration and performance also
noticeable.
Kamal
The future SUV to be based on the Alfa 148 Compact platform is already
undergoing tests at the Alfa Romeo Balocco test track.
Here, bodies from a Fiat Stilo Multiwagon are being used to camouflage this
high-profile project. These cars are at present often sighted running around the Arese factory.
The Centro Stile showroom currently houses the Kamal 1:1 mock-up made from
glass-fibre.
Alfa 166 replacement
An example of the first pre-prototype series 166 replacement is now at Arese,
using a 166 body for camouflage. Now all the pre-series models are finished in
white.
This particular mule has a 4x4 system fitted, and some Italian dealers have
already been invited to test-drive the prototype at the Balocco test track.
Report: Stefano Maiano; Photos: Stefano Maiano
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