Alfa Romeo's Return to the U.S

Sergio Marchionne,
Fiat's CEO, has laid
out a plan to combine
Fiat and Chrysler and
return Alfa Romeo
to the United States.

The new Alfa Giulietta
is now being sold in
Europe and it will be
coming to the U.S. a
bit down the road.

The Giulietta is a
preview of a group

of front-wheel drive cars that will be offered as future Fiats and Chryslers.

All but one of the offerings will have a start/stop feature to save on fuel.
Additionally, all the engines will be turbocharged and the lineup will
consist of a 1.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline mill making 118 hp and a
Multtiair Version with variable inlet valves resulting in 168 hp. Also,
a 1.7-liter four-cylinder will put out 232 hp. Furthermore, two common-
rail diesels will be offered with 103 and 168 hp.

Next year, a dual-clutch six-speed gearbox will be offered with Fiat's
proprietary electro-hydraulic controls for drivers who want an automatic
with active shifting.

Alfa has embraced electronics as all Giuliettas will have a console-mounted
'manettino' switch that controls the car's DNA. This includes dynamic,
normal, and all-weather chassis settings.

Unlike the system on the current Porsche 911 that involves numerous
combinations and permutations, which can end up detracting from the
driving experience, the Fiat system (similar to the Ferrari system) is
coordinated. It influences the steering assist, suspension dampening,
throttle response, differential setting, stability control, and transmission
shift points to provide a driver oriented motoring experience.

Upmarket options on the Giulietta include dual-zone automatic clement
control and a variety of audio and nav systems.

In June, Alfa will celebrate 100 years of being in the auto business
and with the company's Chrysler connection, it has a way back into
the U.S. market. Given the positive qualities of the Giulietta, the
return is indeed good news!

Have an auto question or comment? You can email it to me at
Kbusch3@verizon.net.Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best
for the Price..." www.DriveTheBestBook.com.