Rendered speculation: Alfa Romeo 169

I've always loved Alfa-Romeo. Cant wait until they hit U.S. shores. I had heard they were partnering with Maserati dealerships? Havent heard anything in a while. Anybody know what happened?

This situation, the continued dilution of the Jaguar marque, has been my greatest fear with the possible acquisition of Jaguar by Tata. We all know that it isn’t the XFs platform of which they speak- it is the high-tech XJ aluminum platform. Even Ford had the good sense not to ask Jaguar to dilute their core products. If this does, indeed come to pass, then I wish for the spectacular failure of Jaguar. It will probably end my relationship with Jaguar I would rather not have a front-row seat to seeing it torn to pieces.

Additionally, if Fiat does turn out to be a parasite in this situation, the runner up for my next car, the Quattroporte, would be removed from consideration as well. I would find a suitable alternative (either in Mercedes or up-market perhaps). What happens in this situation will dictate the way I spend my money.

De-boost me by all means- the above is probably what will happen.

There is one thing that may prevent the use of the XJ platform- that being that the development costs are quite high. This is the result of the monocoque construction. The exterior panels themsleves bear loads- so everytime you want a redesign you must redesign the platform to some extent. The pargest costs may be the result of testing. If it is the XF platform then I really wouldn't care.

I have recently read that they intend to steal the XF platform. More power to them...

Well first of all Jaguar has been in financial straights for quite some time.Ford improved reliability but did not market it particularly well and ok'ed the retro styling to continue. In addition it made a tactical error in using the Ford Mondeo chassis for the X type and not making the wheelbase longer for the US.Frankly the aluminum chassis construction is expensive for Jaguar to make. Assuming Tata does buy Jaguar and then shares chassis tech with Alfa Romeo then it would be a way to help defray costs.So I do not think Jaguar is being diluted really.Also it remains to be seen if the 169 would use the chassis of the XF or the XJ. The XF is heavior but is probably cheaper.Alfa needs to get into RWD as cheaply as it possibly can. So far it has not made any money for Fiat. The join up in production would not be such a bad thing. If Tata can defray costs and if the XF is the runaway hit in the US then Jaguar can finally put money into the bank and more R & D to produce more products. To share in costs would not be such a bad thing for Tata who have never been other then a national car company for India. The chassis could also be used for the 169,159 and Brera so it would really help both companies. Alfa could also benefit from Landrovers dealer set up in the US.I think it would be a win win.

Jaguar would benefit from a buyout by Fiat for obvious reasons, engines, styling, cost savings.....TATA just doesnt seem a fit company to do anything but run Jaguar into the ground, it almost as if the company wants to get into the luxury market since they have been doing low end for so long and the Jaguar Fire sale is the way to do it. I seriously hope we dont have rebadged Jaguars as TaTa luxury cars. Its least Fiat has the prestige, models, technology, and luxury far know how....A 169 based on the XJ would hurt the "Flagship car" but maybe the XF not so much

You might have read that Fiat has been in collaboration with Tata on jointly producing a small car and has been advising Tata on it's purchase of Jaguar/Landrover from Ford.My guess is that Fiat may have a hand in marketing Jaguar once Tata assumes control. I think Fiat can teach Tata a thing or too regarding running a higher end car company as well.I doubt Tata would rebadge a Jaguar. That would be a bad move. But Fiat might help sell Jaguar to India and China for Tata. I also do not think that the 169 will hurt Jaguar at all. If Alfa uses the XJ platform for the 169 it would still be unrecognizable as a Jaguar. In fact it would simply look like an Alfa with less overhang in the front.The smart move would be to preserve Jaguar as a luxury brand. The sharing of costs takes the financial strain off Jaguar.They can concentrate on the upcoming XK replacement,perhaps update the XK and figure out where to go with the X Type.

I truly admire most of Alfa's efforts, but this...

No matter how I look at it, is just atrocious!

If the Alfa 169 has to look like this 'rendering' then I'll pass!

I doubt that what you see is the actual style buck of the 169. Those Italians are very secretive regarding letting the cat out of the bag early. Admitedly the quality of cars coming out of Alfa was not good in the 70's and eighties. It has improved quite a bit since then.In fact much has been mentioned regarding the better build quality of the 159 and Brera models.