Official details and technical specifications on Alfa Romeo’s upcoming entry-level 3-door hatchback and future C-Segment 5-door hatchback were revealed on Tuesday during the 10th Morgan Stanley Conference in a presentation by brand CEO Antonio Baravalle.

Alfa Romeo plans to replace the Alfa 147 with two individual models set at different pricing levels and market segments for greater coverage. Effectively replacing the 3-door Alfa 147 will be the Alfa Romeo Junior (also known as the 'Racer'), a sporty and young 3-door hatchback. With a base price of €16,000 the Alfa Romeo Junior will be aimed at a young audience, with the age group ranging between 18 and 30 years. Scheduled to hit the showrooms in the second quarter of 2008, the Alfa Romeo Junior could see an official preview launch later this year either at the Frankfurt IAA in September or at the Bologna Motor Show in December.

Measuring around four metres in length, the Alfa Romeo Junior will be offered as a 3-door hatchback model, and will be based on a modified Fiat Grande Punto platform with active suspension. The turbocharged engines will range from an entry-level 95 bhp unit, to a potent 230 bhp GTA model with 1.8 Turbo and all-wheel-drive. The Junior will also make use of MultiAir variable valve actuation (induction) technology. Each Alfa Romeo Junior will come standard with a 6-speed gearbox, and certain versions will also be available with automatic. As with their recent string of new models, Alfa Romeo are developing the Junior for a top Euro NCAP safety rating.

The styling sketches from Alfa Romeo’s Centro Stile reveal the Junior as a compact hatchback with a highly aggressive design inspired by the brand’s flagship sports car model, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The front will be characterised by a short nose and large intakes placed on either side of the Alfa Romeo shield, with further vents possibly placed on the bonnet. The headlights will be similar in form to those of the Ferrari F430, whereas the rear of the 3-door hatchback will be characterised by single round taillights, a theme carried directly from the 8C Competizione. Although not specified in the official presentation, a hardtop roadster model could follow.

The second compact hatchback model will be the future C-Segment, which will probably be called Alfa 149. The future C-Segment is scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2009, however this could be brought forward due to pressure from Alfa Romeo dealers. Around 4.3 metres in length, the new C-Segment model will be closer in size to the old Alfa 156, and will only be available as a 5-door hatchback.
 

Developed on an evolution of the new compact platform, which was developed for the Fiat Bravo, the future C-Segment will be fitted with multi link rear suspension and Active Roll Control. Engine outputs will range from 120-265 bhp, with the most potent version being the GTA V6. The engine range will also contain turbocharged and MultiAir technologies. As with the Junior, the future C-Segment will come standard with 6 speed manual gearboxes, with select models also being available with automatic transmission.

Priced from €28,000 the future C-Segment will be higher positioned than the Alfa 147 5-door, offering greater interior space and equipment levels. The infotainment systems will include Bluetooth and 3D navigation, whereas the car’s safety systems are being developed for the highest Euro NCAP levels.

The styling of the C-Segment has undergone many changes since the project’s outset. Initially inspired by the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, the project has now taken a more individual shape in order to differentiate from the Junior model. The front will now be sharper and presents similar themes to the Lancia Delta HPE, whereas the side is now rumoured to have similar graphics to the BMW CS Concept with individual swages running over the wheelarches. Whereas not officially mentioned in the presentation, the future C-Segment could provide a spin-off coupe specialty model, rumoured to be called Giulietta, which will effectively replace the highly popular Alfa GT.

Also in development is the Alfa 169, a luxury 4-door saloon which will replace the already discontinued Alfa 166 in the second quarter of 2009. The third quarter of 2009 will see the introduction of the facelifted Alfa 159, Brera and Spider, whereas the first quarter in 2010 will mark the launch of Alfa Romeo’s first crossover vehicle. With this renewed and complete model portfolio, along with improved customer service of the highest level, Alfa Romeo plan to reach production of 300,000 units per annum in 2010. This goal in production volume will further be realised through the brand’s introduction in new markets, as well as their scheduled return to the United States with selected models by late 2009.