Alfa Romeo Kamal - News

["LCDR Alex Csank" <csanka@domain.elided>]

Alfisti,

Below is my translation of the information released today by a Spanish
automotive news source.  The original is available at
http://www.km77.com/marcas/alfa/prototipos/kamal/texto.asp.  I have
editorialized a little and have written an "opinion" column below the news
release. The original Spanish text appears below my "opinion".

The attached photos are courtesy of Alfa Romeo Spa.

Cheers,
Alfalex Csank
Norfolk, VA
______________________________________________________________
KAMAL

The Kamal is the newly introduced AWD five door prototype unveiled by Alfa
Romeo at the Geneva International Auto Salon.  It measures 4.35 meters
(171.26 inches) in length, 1.86 meters (73.23 inches) in width and stands at
a height of 1.62 meters (63.78 inches).  Classified as an SUV (Sport Utility
Vehicle), it is a capable vehicle for use off-road, but has clearly been
primarily designed for use on highways and paved roads.

The Kamal uses the same 250 HP, 3.2 Liter V6 as the GTA versions of Alfa's
current 147 and 156 models.  This motor is also used in the newly updated
GTV and Spider models, but loses 10 HP in the process (240 HP).  The Kamal
employs Alfa's six-speed clutchless, sequential, steering wheel-mounted and
paddle operated Selespeed transaxle.  Alfa Romeo estimates a 200 kmh (125
mph) top speed for the Kamal.

Front and rear suspension systems are 'deformable parallelograms'.  The
hydro-pneumatic springs can vary the height of the chassis either
automatically or manually to provide more ground clearance for rough
terrain.  The AWD system utilizes a constantly variable torque-split via a
Torsen center differential.  Both front and rear differentials are
electronically controlled.  The Kamal rides on big 20 inch diameter alloy
wheels, sporting Pirelli 265/45 R20 tires.
______________________________________________________________
OPINION

Is Alfa ready to come back to the USA?

And just what market do you think the new Kamal is designed for?  Whether
you like SUVs or not, they are being purchased in greater numbers than ever
before.  And with the new generation of truly sporting SUVs recently
introduced by Porsche, Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes, Infinity and Lexus, and
the upcoming Maserati Kubang GT, isn't it time for Alfa to get in the game?

I can't think of a better way for Alfa Romeo to return in a big way to North
America!  With the upcoming redesign of the 156 mid-size sedan and wagon,
the soon to be released new GTV and Spider, and the wildly successful (and
fast in GTA form!)147 hatchback, Alfa Romeo certainly seems poised for their
return to our shores.  Combining these winning products with the flagship
402 HP AWD Brera, would make Alfa a name to be reckoned with, for sure!

If Alfa can handle the marketing and create a reliable dealership and
service network, I am confident that they will find success.  Their current
and near-term products are exciting, powerful and very stylish, and their
product quality has improved significantly over the past few years.

Good show, Alfa...now, when are you coming back?

_______________________________________________________________
KAMAL

El Kamal es un prototipo de traccisn total y cinco puertas que Alfa Romeo
enseqa en el Salsn del Automsvil de Ginebra. Mide 4,35 metros de largo, 1,86
de ancho y 1,62 de alto. Es un coche de los denominados +SUV; (Sport Utility
Vehicle), es decir; es de aquellos que tienen aspecto de todo terreno, pero
donde mejor se desenvuelven es por carretera y caminos en buen estado.

Tiene el mismo motor V6 de 3,2 litros de cilindrada y 250 CV de potencia,
que tienen las versiones GTA del 147 y del 156. Este motor tambiin lo tiene
la nueva gama GTV y Spider, pero en este caso el motor rinde 240 CV. El
cambio de marchas secuencial de seis velocidades denominado por Alfa
+Selespeed;. Alfa Romeo estima
para este prototipo una velocidad superior a 200 km/h.

Tanto la suspensisn delantera como trasera son de paralelogramo deformable.
Los muelles son neumaticos y pueden variar la altura de la carrocerma
automaticamente o bien lo puede hacer el conductor en funcisn del tipo de
terreno por el que circule. Tiene un sistema de traccisn total mediante un
diferencial central Torsen. Los diferenciales delantero y trasero estan
controlados electrsnicamente.  Los llantas son de 20" pulgadas de diametro y
los neumaticos son unos 265/45 R20 de Pirelli.

[demime 0.99c.7 removed an attachment of type image/jpeg which had a name of Kamal Front.jpg]

[demime 0.99c.7 removed an attachment of type image/jpeg which had a name of kamal.jpg]
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