Alfa Romeo, Fiat back in full force (almost) in US in late 2012

Fiat and Alfa Romeo enthusiasts will have to wait about three years for the Italian manufacturers to again have a full or nearly full lineup of cars available in the United States.

According to Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne, Alfa Romeo is likely return to the U.S. at the the end of 2012 although MiTo and Giulietta may not be available.

While the MiTo is already available in some markets and the Giulietta is making its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the U.S. is expected to only receive the larger Giulia 159-replacement and another large sedan based on the Chrysler 300 platform plus several sports models.

Designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Center, the new Giulietta is a five-door hatchback and on an all-new platform simply titled Compact. New technology features DNA driving mode selector, which offers Dynamic, Normal and All-Weather modes, as well as the automaker’s Q2 electronic front-wheel drive differential.

Several versions have been developed: two Quadrifoglio Verde (Cloverleaf) models fitted with a 235 horsepower 1.75-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, two Distinctive models fitted with a 170 horsepower 2.0-liter JTDM turbodiesel engine and a Base model fitted with a 170 horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir turbocharged gasoline mill.

All the engines are teamed with a six-speed manual as standard while the MultiAir and JTDM engines are available with an optional dual clutch automatic transmission.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta will debut in European dealerships in May.