Alfa Romeo may be moving forward with long-reported plans to utilize Ferrari-developed engines.
Talk of the technology-sharing agreement under Fiat’s umbrella has circulated for several years, however unnamed sources recently told Bloomberg the offerings may finally be set to arrive on the market in 2016.
Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne previously claimed a lack of enticing engine options has held back the Alfa Romeo brand. The executive proclaimed early last year that Ferrari would take a more “active role” in engine development for the downmarket brand, following the same strategy that was utilized for Maserati.
Rumors suggested the plans would come to fruition in the new Alfa Romeo 4C, though the sports is powered by Alfa’s own 1.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill mounted behind the seats. The configuration produces 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The latest report suggests the Ferrari-developed engines may arrive in 2016 under the hoods of new rear-wheel-drive sedans and SUVs. The mills will likely be installed in only the high-end packages.
As the company continues its Alfa Romeo brand revival strategy, which is expected to bring models to US shores, Marchionne earlier this year said it would be “foolish” not to take advantage of Ferrari’s expertise for Alfa engines.
Fiat reportedly has big plans for the brand, aiming to introduce a half dozen new models and hopefully quadruple sales numbers by 2020.