Alfa Romeo Spider to return

The new all-wheel-drive Alfa Romeo Spider looks dreamy but, the harsh reality is, it isn't destined for these shores in the near future.
We can dream, can't we? Alfa Romeo will introduce a new Spider at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, reviving a well-loved name from the not-too-distant past.
Unlike the last Spider sold on these shores, the new car will be a generously-sized four-seater, derived from the highly regarded 159, and powered by a 185hp 2.2-liter four or a 260hp 3.2-liter V-6.
All-wheel drive will be offered on the V-6 cars. Underneath, there’s a double wishbone suspension at the front and a multilink setup at the rear. If you’ve dreamed of a Spider with dual-zone air conditioning, stereo controls mounted on the wheel and electronic stability control, well, this just might be your car… unless you live in the United States.
Alfa has made no announcement on if or when it will re-enter the U.S. market, but the addition of the Spider and the recently introduced Sportwagon to the 159 line gives the company a broad lineup that should appeal to American tastes.
The Geneva Motor Show runs from February 28 to March 12; for more about the show, see www.salonauto.ch.
- By David LaChance