2011 Alfa Romeo 169 Rendered and Previewed

Another Italian beauty is coming our way sometime in 2011—the Alfa Romeo 169, the successor to the long-running though largely unpopular 166. Alfa Romeo has kept 169 under wraps very well, leaking no information whatsoever. So it is by Alfa Romeo's track record that we assume 169 to be stunning. According to the latest reports, 169 will herald a new styling direction (the above rendering appears the most likely, we think).

Positioned in the mid-size luxury segment, 169 will have the unenviable task of taking on BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the two heavyweights dominating sales from this segment. 169 will be powered through its rear wheels, and could use a shortened version of Maserati Quattroporte's platform, which has already been earmarked to underpin the new Chrysler 300C. Details on engine choice are still murky at the moment, but petrol and diesel V6 engines are standard fare for a car in this segment.

Initially set for launch in 2009, 169's introduction has been postponed by the current economic crisis. It should, however, arrive in 2011 without hiccups, and should break cover at one of the auto shows in 2010.

AboutSeow Yaohan

Seow Yao Han strives to bring you the latest and the most comprehensive information on cars available in Malaysia. But it's never easy for him to talk and write cars in this part of the world because what you lust after is often not what you drive home. When the euphoria of test-driving that branded, super-expensive sports car dies down, he just goes home in his less-than-glamorous ride.