En gros un espèce de monstre avec un V8 maserati sous le capot ...
je vous laisse lire l'article dans la langue de cheakespear bien sur ...
Alfa Romeo looks set to abandon a high-performance version of the Holden-built V6 in favour of a Ferrari V8 as the Italians' 159 GTA targets the Audi RS4 and new BMW M3.
Our spy photographers have snapped a muscular-looking 159 sedan testing at Germany's Nurburgring circuit, and the thinly disguised vents on both the front guards and the bonnet suggest this prototype is powered by a high-performance V8.
The flagship variant of the 159 was expected to be powered by a bigger-capacity, dual-turbocharged version of the Holden-built 3.2-litre V6 already included in the mid-sized Alfa's range.
It seems, however, that the Italians want to jump into the upcoming battle of V8-powered German mid-sizers that by the end of the year will include Audi's RS4, BMW's M3 and Mercedes' C63 AMG.
An Alfa insider confirmed the 159, which launched in Europe in 2005, has a platform capable of accommodating a V8 engine up to 4.5 litres in size. And Drive.com.au's source said the V8 from the Ferrari F430 has plenty of heat to disperse, which would be aided by the multiple air vents.
The supercar engine would be possible because Alfa Romeo sits under the same, large Fiat umbrella as Ferrari (as well as Maserati and Lancia). The Ferrari/Maserati joint-developed V8 has a capacity of 4.3 litres and in the Ferrari F430 produces 360kW of power and 465Nm.
The V8 would be detuned for the 159 GTA, however, whose rivals (RS4 and M3) both feature 309kW V8s. Mercedes has yet to release details of the C63 AMG that debuts at September's Frankfurt motor show.
Another clue to V8 power in our pictures are the quad exhausts on the 159 prototype, which accompany typical GTA cues such as large low-profile tyres, slightly flared wheelarches, and side skirts. The prototype also wears a rear spoiler, unlike its predecessor the 156 GTA.
Alfa used the 156 hot-rod to resurrect the GTA badge it used in touring-car racing in the '60s and '70s. GTA is the abbreviation for Gran Turismo Allegerita. Allegerita is Italian for 'lightened'.
The 159 GTA – expected to debut at next March's Geneva motor show before arriving down-under in early 2009 – will include other performance-focused tweaks, such as bigger brakes and firmer suspension, to make it stand out above regular 159s. It will be offered in both sedan and wagon body styles.
Unlike its front-drive predecessor (in sedan form), the 159 flagship will spread the greater power generated by a V8 to all four wheels with Alfa's 'Q4' all-wheel-drive system.
Drive.com.au's source hinted that the Ferrari V8 will indeed be the 159 GTA's power source, but said two other options were also available for consideration.
The V6 that Fiat initially takes from Holden's Elizabeth engine plant before tuning for Alfa specification can be increased from its current 3.2-litre capacity to a maximum 4.2 litres. One or two turbochargers would further boost power, as Saab has achieved with its 2.8-litre derivative of Holden's V6 (206kW for 9-3 Aero XWD).
Fiat Powertrain Technologies was also commission by GM, as part of the divorce settlement, to build a large-capacity diesel engine that is expected to be a V8.
The V6-powered, 184kW 156 GTA was on sale between 2001 and 2005, and cost $90,000 when it reached Australia in early 2003.
Source : http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Artic ... leID=41226
, je sait plus laquelle c'était déjà...un peu carrée 
