Alfa 169 turns on the style

It's been a long time coming, but the Italian 5-Series rival is almost here and it's shaping up to be a stunner.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Text: Jack Rix / Photos: Automedia

11th November 2009

Alfa has taken the decision to make the 169 rear wheel drive - ensuring a more dynamic driving expereince
Alfa is back to what it does best! These are the most accurate renderings yet of Alfa's all-new flagship saloon, the 169. And the long-awaited replacement for the unsuccessful 166 is taking on the Germans the the only way Alfa knows how, with stunning design.

The 169 heralds a new styling direction for the firm. While the grill is still very much part of the Alfa family, the rear end is all-new while the overall exterior will take inspiration from the new crop of four-door coupes such as the Mercedes CLS and Audi A5 Sportback.There's even a hint of the elegant Maserati Quattroporte in its flowing profile.

Pitched as a direct 5-series rival, top-end models could even take on the likes of the larger Jaguar XJ. But in order to compete with the established players, Alfa has taken the decision to make the 169 rear wheel drive - ensuring a more dynamic driving expereince. To achieve this Alfa could borrow the next Chrysler 300C platform - which in itself is a slightly shortened version of the Quattroporte's underpinnings - a perfect example of how the Chrysler-Fiat tie-up will save both companies piles of cash, by stretching their resources across a number of brands.

Engine choices are still unconfirmed, but likely to include all-new petrol and diesel V6's. There are even rumours that the 450bhp 4.7-litre V8 from the 8C Competizione supercar could find its way into a range-topping GTA variant, designed to give the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG something to think about.

Originally previewed by the Visconti concept at the Geneva motor show way back in 2004, the 169 was earmarked for a 2009 debut. But due to the economic crisis it's been repeatedly delayed, and now an on-sale date sometime in late 2011 seems feasible - although we can look forward to another gorgeous concept previeweing the 169 breaking cover at a major motor show next year.

10 Comments

Chrysler 300C a shortened Quattroporte??

What a load of crock, calling the 300C platform - the Chrysler LX platform - a slightly shortened version of Maserati Quattroporte's underpinnings. No such connection. At all! If the LX platform is based on anything European, it's the old Merc E-class; the rust infected POS W210. Sacreligde!

By thors on 12 November, 2009, 7:54am

I love it

I studied the new Alfa Romeo 169. It a beauty & I love it. But I never can afford one. I'll problemly get as a diecast car in scale 1/43 or 1/18. I don't want as a Villians car like what happen with the 159 in Quantum of Solace When 007 manage to run them all of in his Aston Martin DBS without any modifcation in it. I don' t mind Bond drive this car with modifacation in it Maybe to replace his Aston in Bond 23. James Bond drove an Alfa in Octopussy by stealing it to defeuse a bomb. I can't wait to see in a Motor show one day.

By deviras on 12 November, 2009, 9:04am

Re: Chrysler 300C a shortened Quattroporte??

Hi Thors, If you look closely I did in fact refer to the next 300C platform, which all being well should appear in 2010.

By jackrix on 12 November, 2009, 9:54am

Re: re: Chrysler 300C a shortened Quattroporte??

Jackrix, thanks for ypur reply - and correcsion! I didn't catch that nuance in your text. Mea culpa, sorry about that.
I'd still say you're wrong, though: The next 300C are allready on the way, ready, as you're stating, next year. And it's based on gen2 of Chryslers own LX-platform, and as I understand it, Fiat Group are planning the new big saloons from Alfa and Lancia to be based on that very same platform - not a shortened QP. That platform is too costly for "mainstream cars". The Maser Gran Turismo is built on a shortened QP-platform, and at that pricelevel, tha Alfa/Lancia will be way too expencive on that platform. Fiat have even hinted at a new "budget" Quattroporte, based on the generation 2 Chrysler LX-platform.

By thors on 13 November, 2009, 7:38am

Re:3Chrysler 300C & shortened Quattroporte

I thought the next Chrysler 300C will have the same shape but different Face & Back. I seen sneak a few pictures of the next Chrysler 300C. But I don't really know. Yell has the asemblance of the Maser Quattroporte But shorter.

By deviras on 13 November, 2009, 9:41am

Shock/Horror!!!

Maserati Quattroporte??? Alfa 169??? Chrysler 300C underpinnings???

Nurse... Call Sergio Leone and order a horses head for someone's' bed if you would be so kind...

By sgtgrash on 14 November, 2009, 8:32am

smike

Yup, Confirms what I thought.

Recent Alfas have all looked great, and the 8C, though a different direction, showed ther was more than one route to great looks.
However, it clearly doesnt scale down easily. The Mito is a minger, and the 147 replacement mediocre.

This larger 169 is however a demonstation of just how well the 8C look can be promulgated as long as the stylist has a large enough envelope with which to work.

By smike on 17 November, 2009, 11:12am

Er Smike

It may be YOUR opinion that the Mito is a minger, but it would seem that most people don't share your views - including me, my daughter, my friend and a whole army of people I know who all think the Mito looks stunning. OK, from the back it aint fantastic, but from every other angle, it makes most other superminis look boring - especially the Mini. As for the 169, well it looks awesome, but there again most Alfas do now with the exception of the old 147. Sadly most big Alfas don't sell in this country, but if ever there was one that might change all that, it is the 169.

By Debbie312 on 17 November, 2009, 6:18pm

Front is mazda, back Ford Puma

By hugo_b on 17 November, 2009, 9:57pm

Cracking

This looks stunning, and will look even better in the flesh. It will put the Germans to shame in the company car park.

Unfortunately the sheep will avoid it and stick to their E180s, A4s and 518s.

By sirwiggum on 18 November, 2009, 1:50pm

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.