Does Alfa Romeo Stand A Chance At Stealing Sales From Those Power Hungry Germans?

So we've been shown the firework-hot version of the new Alfa Giulia. Its convincing looks are backed up by an equally convincing spec that begins with a horsepower number on the exciting side of 500. A good start to a revival.

And when we put it on the internet last night, you topgear.commers went mad. This place lit up with hits and comments. Another good sign.
 
But are enough people around the world actually ready to open their bank accounts and buy an Alfa? I'm not just talking about this rather rare-groove and expensive Giulia Quadrifoglio, but a whole range of Giulias and other cars and crossovers. They're supposed to take substantial chunks of business from the big-sellers from BMW, Audi et al. Can they?
 

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Yonder7 - 6/25/2015 11:54:21 AM

+1 Boost

No if the Fiat reliability comes as part of the package.

MDarringer - 6/25/2015 12:27:43 PM

-1 Boost

In Alfa Romeo's own words, the Giorgio platform is derived from the Ghibli's platform which is HEAVILY derived from the Chrysler 300. Thus, the platform--unless they mucked it up--is competent and proven. The "Ferrari-inspired" V6 is a reasonably durable Pentastar under it all. Stay away from the QV and its 500 horsepower and this should be OK on reliability.

I'd love to see a Hemi under the hood. There have been Italian cars with American engines that were stunning in their time (Iso Grifo). A Hemi Giulia is what I'd prefer over the whiz-bang turbo thrown together by the Italians.

222max - 6/25/2015 11:56:49 AM

+2 Boost

It will be a niche alternative to the German brands but it won't make much of a dent.

MDarringer - 6/25/2015 12:32:26 PM

-1 Boost

And its styling is what will relegate it to that status. The business case should have been to introduce an instant classic like the Brera and 166 were on introduction, priced 15% BELOW the competition when comparably equipped, a "Hyundai" warranty, and sweetheart leases to BUY MARKET SHARE, but none of that is in the pipeline it seems.

I predict the Jaguar XE will suffer a similar fate. Both are "nice try, but so what?" vehicles against the 3 Series and C Class.

We have to also remember that the Audi A4 is NOWHERE near the volume of the 3 Series or C Class in the United States.

The Audi A4 is the most vulnerable target, but not the 3 or the C.

TheSteve - 6/25/2015 12:08:12 PM

+2 Boost

First of all, what's with the "power-hungry Germans" talk? I haven't heard people use language like that since the second world war.

Secondly, I agree with the first two posts. Alpha Romeo has it's work cut out for itself in their desire to become a top-tier brand.

MDarringer - 6/25/2015 8:47:54 PM

0 Boost

ALFA

Ccoxx - 6/25/2015 4:39:09 PM

+7 Boost

"Power Hungry Germans" ???? - Wow, what a TMZ - like headline. What's next, "Rice loving Asians" ??

por981c - 6/27/2015 4:03:42 PM

-1 Boost

Your comment about Asians is not even funny.
What does "Power Hungry Germans" have to do with Asians.
Did you mean Japanese instead?
Please refrain from this kind of technique to deliberately insult whole group of people.
Just keep your insults to your own kind.
Understood?

TomM - 6/25/2015 7:14:35 PM

+1 Boost

In Italy - SURE

Anyone who as ever driven in Italy knows that they are ..... !

mini22 - 6/26/2015 2:17:09 AM

+1 Boost

I'm one of those guys that are a bit tired of the only "German" choices for a near luxury or luxury cars. I'm ready for something different. I'm just hoping there are a lot of people like me in regard to this Alfa. I see a rounded form that harkens back to the mid 70's GTV as well as the 90's 156.

valhallakey - 6/27/2015 4:30:39 AM

+1 Boost

Agree! Would like to see Italy, UK, Japan, even Koreans competing directly in this sports sedan/hot rod sedan space.

valhallakey - 6/27/2015 4:33:12 AM

+1 Boost

Oooppps of course US as well. I know it is heresy around here but I think someone could design a stretched 4 door Mustang GT350 that would sell like hotcakes!