Alfa Romeo (Sort of) Returns to the U.S.

Some exciting news from Alfa Romeo, the famed Italian automakers and masters of emotional manipulation. Recently, they’ve announced their plans to return to the U.S. “For real this time” through the words of their shareholding parents, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

One caveat. If you were hoping to test drive one, it’d be best to bust out your best pairs of pastel chinos and accompanying designer boat shoes because these Alfa Romeos will only be on sale at Maserati dealerships. Actually, that’s kind of incorrect, but the limited access policy still stands according to Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne:

“We’re also going to allow the best-performing Fiat dealerships to participate. Those dealers know who they are. It’s really a question of efficacy in represengint the Fiat brand. It’s simple dealer metrics.”

The iterative debut strategy will start with the Alfa Romeo 4C, beginning with a first delivery in June. No word as of yet whether the beautiful Italian roadster’s more commuter friendly siblings the Giulietta, and upcoming 2015 Giulia will make their way across to our shores, but sources say this decision will be largely based on the performance of the 4C.

Online sentiments appear hopeful with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Alfa Romeo has had a bad reputation for puffing its chest with promises for the US before (according to C/D, four times in the last 10 years), so it’s understandable to respond to this news the same way we treat that one friend who perpetually claims to start his ‘journey to a six pack next week’.

I’ll believe it when I see it, bro.