Alfa Romeo 4C to Lead U.S. Charge; Giulia Sedan is Key Model

[ahmed_7erzon]

Alfa Romeo designers are shaping sexier curves for the new Giulia -- the key model in the brand's planned return to the U.S. market -- after the initial proposal was given the thumbs-down by Sergio Marchionne. "I don't think it's an Alfa," said the Fiat-Chrysler CEO Tuesday in Italy, confirming he'd ordered the exterior redesign. "You could take off the badge, and it could be German."
Marchionne understands how important it is to get the Giulia just right. At around 4.8 meters long (a little less than 16 feet), it's the size preferred by many Americans. "If we butcher that one, we're done," the exec said. Asked if he thought Alfa's designers would have to start again from scratch, his answer was: "My gut says yes."

"We are already working on alternatives," confirmed Fiat Group design chief Lorenzo Ramaciotti Wednesday. "The problem is that we have to work on a certain platform," he said. Ramaciotti, who has overseen the design of all Fiat Group brands since 2007, said the problem is the architecture on which the car is to be built. "We are, in a way, like fashion designers, and if you have to make a suit for a model you can do things you can't do if you have to make it for a fat lady."

The "fat lady" is more formally known as Fiat's Compact Wide architecture. It's an upsized version of the all-new Compact platform first seen in the new, VW Golf-size Alfa Giulietta five-door hatchback launched last year. Compact Wide is also to be the basis for the replacement of Chrysler's 200.
It's uncertain whether Marchionne's decision to redesign the Giulia will delay its launch in the U.S. or elsewhere. Italian media are reporting the executive's answer to this question was "I don't know."

But both Marchionne and Fiat Group communications chief Richard Gadeselli insist the redesign of the Giulia won't affect the date of Alfa's return to the U.S. market after an absence of almost 20 years. "No, it's not true," Marchionne responded when asked by Italian journalists if unconfirmed reports early this week were accurate. "The Alfa launch into the U.S. was always slated at end 2012/beginning 2013," Gadeselli emailed The New York Times. "This stands."