The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, despite its extremely limited production, certainly counts as both rear-wheel drive and V-8-powered. But rumors of an Alfa based on the Chrysler LX platform have been stirring for some time now, opening the door to a more mass-market top-level sedan.
According to the report, an Alfa source told Autocar that, "No front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive Alfa Romeo will use a engine larger than a V6." That is rather conclusive on the point, but it also infers two things: first, that there are more rear-wheel drive Alfa Romeos in the works; and second, that V-8s might find homes under their hoods.
News emerging from Europe this week says new Chrysler corporate cousin Alfa Romeo won't be developing a V-8 engine anytime soon, though a quick read in between the lines may shed some light on the issue. Tapping into the corporate parts bin to bring Fiat Multiair technology to Chrysler engines, including the Pentastar V-6, may be a real possibility, as well.
Likewise, the limitation to the V-6 engine for the front- and all-wheel-drive models means that tapping into the Multiair variable intake valve programming system found on the MiTo hatchback's four-cylinder unit could improve efficiency and output to levels that would make a V-8 unnecessary in those applications.
Fiat does, however, have access to Chrysler's forthcoming 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, which it could equip with its new Multiair valve train to improve efficiency. Chrysler's powertrain division is now being run by Fiat's product engineering boss Paolo Ferrero.
More Photos
No comments:
Post a Comment