But perhaps the biggest surprise is the shock news that Alfa’s upcoming flagship could be based on a Jaguar chassis.
Marchionne has admitted that Fiat Auto attempted to buy Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford early in 2007. He also revealed that Fiat Auto was “attracted to British car makers for a number of reasons, including Land Rover’s US dealer network and Jaguar’s platforms and powertrains,” which it could then have used to make “top Alfa Romeo models with front-mounted, longitudinal engines and rear-wheel drive”.
He added: “We remain open to talks with the future owner of Jaguar and Land Rover about possible co-operation.”
Industry analysts say that if Fiat’s Indian partner, Tata, wins the race to buy Jaguar and Land Rover, this unusual tie-up could still become reality.
The first beneficiary of a deal with Jaguar would be Alfa’s new 169 flagship, which is now due to be launched in 2010, marking Alfa’s centenary.
Marchionne says the company has finalised the styling for the car, which he describes as “stunning”. He also says Alfa Romeo knows how to create a “great” rear-drive platform for the large car, one that is likely to be related to the Maserati family chassis.
However, Alfa bosses are in negotiations with a number of rival car makers in an attempt to source a less expensive rear-drive chassis off the shelf. Marchionne expects a decision to be made by the end of this month.
Auto analysts regard Alfa as still struggling, with sales of the ageing 147 unlikely to top 60,000 this year and the new 159 topping out at around 85,000. Company bosses have already targeted annual sales of 300,000 for Alfa by 2010, just about double today’s total.
Marchionne has admitted that Fiat Auto attempted to buy Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford early in 2007. He also revealed that Fiat Auto was “attracted to British car makers for a number of reasons, including Land Rover’s US dealer network and Jaguar’s platforms and powertrains,” which it could then have used to make “top Alfa Romeo models with front-mounted, longitudinal engines and rear-wheel drive”.
He added: “We remain open to talks with the future owner of Jaguar and Land Rover about possible co-operation.”
Industry analysts say that if Fiat’s Indian partner, Tata, wins the race to buy Jaguar and Land Rover, this unusual tie-up could still become reality.
The first beneficiary of a deal with Jaguar would be Alfa’s new 169 flagship, which is now due to be launched in 2010, marking Alfa’s centenary.
Marchionne says the company has finalised the styling for the car, which he describes as “stunning”. He also says Alfa Romeo knows how to create a “great” rear-drive platform for the large car, one that is likely to be related to the Maserati family chassis.
However, Alfa bosses are in negotiations with a number of rival car makers in an attempt to source a less expensive rear-drive chassis off the shelf. Marchionne expects a decision to be made by the end of this month.
Auto analysts regard Alfa as still struggling, with sales of the ageing 147 unlikely to top 60,000 this year and the new 159 topping out at around 85,000. Company bosses have already targeted annual sales of 300,000 for Alfa by 2010, just about double today’s total.
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