Alfa Romeo is reportedly returning to its sportier roots by ditching its front and all-wheel drive platforms in favour of a rear-wheel drive range of future vehicles. The Alfisti (you know a group of fans is enthusiastic when they have their own name) are going to be very pleased about this.

Exciting future for Alfa Romeo

CAR UK magazine has published a report citing inside information from Alfa Romeo that the brand will be aligning itself more with the Maserati brand – possibly sharing components and engines, in a bid to distance itself from the mass market offerings from sibling brand Fiat. While rear wheel drive does appeal to enthusiasts, the reality is that front wheel drive layouts are cheaper to manufacture and provide more interior space particularly in smaller cars. But Fiat-Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne wants to take on the premium car market, and reportedly he thinks the only way to do this is with a RWD product line. This means we will most likely say goodbye to cars like the Alfa RomeoMito and Guilietta. Technology such as the eight-speed ZF gearbox, V6 Maserati engines and hybrid drivetrains will be accessible to the Alfa team. It’s a strategy that will see their future products competing against well established rivals from BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Lexus and Jaguar.

New Alfa Romeo models to compete with top brands

Future models will include a 3-series/C-Class competitor named the Guilia, a 5 series competitor possibly named the Alfetta, and a duo of SUV’s up against the likes of the BMW X1/Audi Q3, and BMW X3/Audi Q5. The CAR report says the first model line, the Guilia, will arrive in 2015. The Alfetta will arrive thereafter and may include a sportwagon version, something we haven’t seen since the Alfa 156, something of which this particular petrolhead was a big fan. The six model Alfa Romeo range will be rounded off by the upcoming and spectacular-looking 4C, and an as yet unnamed Roadster based on the Mazda Mx-5 platform. The Alfa Romeo 4C will arrive in South Africa late this year and prices have been quoted at R799 000, making it an interesting rival to cars like the Porsche Boxster.