As successor to the 147,
Alfa Romeo will release the brand-new 149 in summer 2009.
We photographed a mule of the new 149 over a year ago, but now we finally caught up with an early prototype in Turin - but unfortunately only from the rear.This Rabbit/Golf-competitor is pointing right at the hearts of the typical "Alfisti", statistically aged between 27 and 40. With an overall-length of 4.30 meters, the c-segment model comes very close to the former Alfa 156, but the 149, which will be available in five-door guise only, is actually based on the same platform as the Fiat Bravo.Power will come from turbocharged gasoline engines delivering between 120 and 265-horsepower, with a V6 engine slatted for the top-of-the-line GTA. Like the
MiTo , the new 149 will receive a six-speed manual gearbox, with an automatic transmission offered as an option.And, if all goes according to plans, we will eventually see the 149 in
Chrysler dealerships here in the North America.
photo: Brenda Priddy & Company