Fiat-Chrysler Automobile (FCA) announced plans today to produce two new engines for future Alfa Romeo models, including a high output 4-cylinder unit and a Ferrari-derived 6-cylinder engine.
According to the Italian company, the two engines will play an important role in the brand’s global re-launch. While FCA did not offer specific details on which models will get the new units, it’s almost a given that the upcoming executive compact sedan to rival the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series will be one of the first cars to get them (see Alfa’s 2016-2018 product plan here).
The news about the “Ferrari-derived V6” also appears to confirm yesterday’s story about Maranello developing a Dino successor of sorts powered by a twin-turbo V6.
Both powerplants will be made at the Group’s factory in Termoli, Italy, with an estimated combined annual capacity of over 200,000 units, which the company says will meet approximately half of the total volumes projected in Alfa Romeo’s plan for 2018.
Work to retool the plant is already underway, with FCA claiming that more than half a billion euros will be invested in design, development and engineering of the engines and construction of the new production lines that will be completed within the next six months.
“The new production activities will enable the number of employees on temporary layoff at Termoli, where a total of 2,400 are currently employed, to be reduced to zero,” said FCA in a statement. “In addition, over the next few months, 50 young people will be hired in strategic roles, including positions related to a third shift necessary in certain areas of transmission production.”
* Note: Opening render from MPCardesign
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