Press Release
33 (1983)
This saloon, launched in 1983, took Alfa Romeo into the middle-range segment formerly occupied by the Alfasud. The new car inherited its mechanical units from the Alfasud but added a brand new three-box, five door body. The car was built at Pomigliano d'Arco and came in three versions: 1100, 1300 and 1500 cc with power outputs of 68 and 84 bhp and top speeds between 167 and 171 km/h. A four-wheel drive version arrived soon after. The 1.5 Giardinetta 4x4 came along at the end of 1984.
A succession of versions followed with improved specifications, catalysed engines (the first, the 1.5 cat, dates back to March 1986) and more power, such as the 114 bhp 1.7 Quadrifoglio Verde (1986) and the 129 bhp 1.7 IE 16V cat Quadrifoglio Verde S (1990). A hybrid prototype created in 1988 as the result of a joint project between the Alfa research centre and Ansaldo of Genoa also met with great interest.
The 33 proved to be a great commercial success: nearly one million 33s were built in all, half with 1351 cc engines, 12 per cent in the Giardinetta or Sport Wagon version and about 5 per cent with four-wheel drive.
75 (1985)
Alfa Romeo celebrated its 75th birthday by calling the model it launched in May 1985 the '75'. The car's styling mirrored the wedge-like profile of the Giulietta with a few small aerodynamic changes. The carefully appointed interior included a height-adjustable steering wheel, self-diagnostic control unit, digital clock, electronic rev counter and tinted windows.
The engine was a tried and tested twin overhead camshaft four cylinder unit initially available in 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 versions. These were immediately followed by 2.5 and 2.0 Turbodiesel versions. Two years later, the Geneva Motor Show gave the public its first glimpse of the 2.0i, the first mass-produced car to use a technology until then employed only on racing cars. This was the Twin Spark, i.e. an electronic ignition system with two spark plugs per cylinder that optimised combustion while improving engine performance and reducing emissions. A variable valve timing system patented by Alfa also allowed the 2.0i engine to offer increased torque (to 21 kgm) and power (from 128 to 148 bhp).
164 (1987)
The 164 was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1987, its floorpan designed around a common platform shared with the Fiat Croma, Lancia Thema and Saab 9000. The styling – by Pininfarina – pointed up the model's elegance and sportiness. Interiors were as good as anything in the class: velour seats, automatic climate control system, analogue instruments and controls and a check control system. The first two engines – a 1962 cc petrol engine and a 2499 cc turbodiesel – were later joined by a 2.0i turbo, a 3.0 V6 (including a catalysed version for the US market), a 2.0i V6 turbo and a 3.0 i V6 24 valve cat. This latter power unit was also fitted to the brawny Q4. A four-wheel drive Quadrifoglio was introduced in 1993 and offered a power output of 231 bhp and a non-overdrive six speed gearbox that assisted the car to a top speed of 237 km/h.
145 (1994) and 146 (1995)
The Alfa 145 and 146 were introduced in 1994 at the Turin and (in 1995) Bologna Motor Shows respectively. They featured different bodies, either hatchback or fastback, but shared a common chassis, a classic V-shaped front end and 1.3, 1.6 and 1.7 litre boxer engines. The 1.7 engine was a 129 bhp 16-valve unit providing the car with a top speed of 200 km/h. The 1.9 turbodiesel unit, available immediately on the 145 and one year later on the 146, was a very reliable 90 bhp 1929 cc four cylinder in-line engine.
The standard equipment list included features designed to increase active and passive safety, such as side impact beams in the doors, front seatbelt pretensioners and an energy-absorbing steering wheel. These systems were joined by impressive options such as ABS, driver and passenger airbags and a climate control system. Both cars met with immediate success. During its first year of production, some 21 600 145s were sold, including 6100 turbodiesels.
GTV and Spider (1995)
These two models, introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1995, took Alfa Romeo back to its niche sports car roots. The GTV (Gran Turismo Veloce) featured an assertive front end, wraparound bonnet and raked waistline. The car came with two engines: a 1970 cc 16-valve four cylinder unit that delivered 150 bhp, and a 200 bhp 1996 cc V6 capable of propelling the car to 235 km/h. The Spider convertible displayed certain differences in styling and power unit specifications.
156 (1997)
With its attractive styling and lively performance, the 156 sports saloon expresses a fresh, new concept of sportiness combined with comfort and all the elegance of a prestige sports saloon. The car's uncluttered, appealing lines encapsulate certain distinctive traits that define its strong personality and make it immediately recognisable. These include the Alfa Romeo shield from which the whole car appears to flow, rear door handles housed in the trailing edge of the rear quarter lights, a drop-shaped rear window and light clusters set into the bodywork. The car offers exemplary roadholding, handling and driveability because it features double wishbone front suspension and a braking system with active sensor ABS and an electronic brakeforce distributor (EBD). A potent blend of sportiness, innovation, quality, refinement and safety opened the way to enable the Alfa 156 to win the coveted ‘Car of the Year’ title in 1998.
166 (1998)
Alfa Romeo's new flagship was introduced in September 1998, a model whose winning personality is a combination of class and character. Enough class to take on the best of its élite competitors; enough character to stand out even among cars with great pedigree, due to a typically Alfa Romeo ability to master the road. The 166's suspension ensures absolute control of the car under all circumstances and a host of electronic devices facilitate great performance in absolute safety at all times: ABS, electronic brakeforce distributor, VDC and antislip systems for automatic traction control.
The interior contains carefully chosen materials and intricate detailing. Good ergonomics make for even greater comfort. The advanced climate control system, comprehensive soundproofing and an effective suspension system ensure pleasant sensations. Sophisticated technology makes life simpler: an effective electronic interface, cruise control for relaxed motorway driving, a ‘smart’ radio that dynamically adjusts volume to allow for surrounding noise, and a satellite navigation system.
Sportwagon (2000)
Sportwagon is Alfa Romeo's most recent station wagon. It combines the typical attributes of a sports car (arresting styling, strong performance and great handling) with all the versatility of a vehicle with a tailgate, fold-down seats and an easily accessible luggage compartment specifically designed for secure stowage.
Compact (it measures 443 centimetres in length) and aerodynamic (Cd is 0.30), Sportwagon offers an impressive standard equipment list, including two windowbags to protect the head in the case of side impact. These take the total number of airbags in the car to six.
Like the 156 saloon, Sportwagon can also be fitted with Selespeed and Q-system gearboxes. Selespeed is derived from units designed for single-seater F1 racing cars. It is not an automatic transmission but a robotised manual gearbox with sequential operation and steering wheel controls. Q-system is an automatic unit with two different 'moods'. It not only offers different operating modes (Sport, City and Ice) but also allows gears to be selected manually when required, as on a conventional manual gearbox.
147 (2000)
Introduced in autumn 2000 and instantly crowned Car of the Year 2001, Alfa Romeo’s sporting 147 hatchback is an enthusiast’s machine in the finest Alfa Romeo tradition, featuring some of the most advanced and sophisticated automotive engineering available today.
Possessed with appealing Italian styling, a strong character, and advanced engine and transmission technology, 147’s attributes also include attractive interiors and comprehensive equipment packages boasting luxury car features.
Styled by Alfa Romeo Centro Stile, the front of the vehicle is dominated by a prominent Alfa Romeo shield that combines with air intakes at either side to form the Alfa three-part motif. This familiar feature is reminiscent of classic Alfas such as the 6C 2500 Villa d’Este of 1949. Other retro touches include the wide sweep described by the bonnet around the headlights.
The 147 is available in both 3 and 5-door body styles with either 120 bhp 1.6 litre or 150 bhp 2.0 litre Twin Spark engines. As well as a 5-speed manual transmission, 2.0 litre models are also available with Selespeed transmission, which combines the convenience of an automatic with the operating speed of a conventional mechanism.
All models can be ordered with CONNECT, the company’s radical new global interactive on-board communications system – the most comprehensive infomobility system available in Europe.
