LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Alfa Romeo: Alfa Romeo Spider
built 607 days ago
The Alfa Romeo Spider was a 2-seater roadster sports car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1966 to 1993. Widely regarded as a design classic, it remained in production for almost three decades with only minor aesthetic and mechanical changes.
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In an attempt to improve Alfa Romeo's dwindling market share, Fiat engineers conceived the 155, introducing the car in Europe in 1992. The car did not sell well... which industry analysts attributed to the lackluster exterior and interior design. With earnings decreasing and debt rising for its U.S. operation, Fiat decided not to export the 155 to the United States. In 1993 Alfa Romeo's car production dropped 24 percent to only 109,598 units, most of which were sold in Europe. A decision by Fiat management not to sell the new Spider convertible, the Spider coupe, or the newly designed 145 hatchback in the United States confirmed the company's decision to pull out of the U.S. market.
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Alfa Romeo's return to United States was confirmed on May 5 2006 by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne. It will begin in 2008, by selling the 8C Competizione. In late 2009, Alfa Romeo will release the 159, Brera, and Spider after they receive a mid-life styling and technical refreshening. It is anticipated that a year or two later will see the introduction of the Kamal SUV, 169, and possibly the B-segment Junior (as a competitor for the MINI Cooper). Alfa Romeos will be sold at Maserati dealers throughout United States.[7]
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The stunning 8C Spider isn’t the only new model Alfa Romeo will be presenting at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Also gracing the stands of the Italian carmaker will be updated versions of its bread-and-butter 159 sedan and sportwagon models. Changes to the cars have been kept subtle but unlike many other carmakers, […]
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Alfa Romeo doesn't want you thinking that, like most manufacturers, the important changes come in the face. To prove the point, they've released photos of their revised 2008 Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider without releasing photos of the nose so as not to confuse those of us who consider the Brera to be one of the best looking cars on the planet. For 2008, the exterior changes include the introduction of a new color (Ice White) and new 18-inch wheels. On the inside, the models get seats adjusted to be more ergonomic and sporting as well as updates to the controls and dash surfaces. Mechanically, weight has been saved by switching to aluminum in certain places. Huge changes?
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After the end of World War II, Alfa Romeo's factory at Portello needed rebuilding because of the damage inflicted by American and British bombing raids. At the same time, the company's board of directors decided to release Ricart from his contract and hire Orazio Satta to replace him. Satta was the last of the great Alfa Romeo designers. Educated as an aeronautical engineer, Satta guided the company into an era of racing success and economic prosperity. Satta was responsible for designing the 6C 2500 Super Sport, the 1900 Sprint, the Giulietta Sprint Special, and the famous Spider Veloce. All of these cars sold extremely well abroad, with the Spider Veloce selling especially well in both Britain and the United States.
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