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The Alfa Romeo stand at the 69th Geneva International Motor Show clearly demonstrated Alfa Romeo's wide ranging product strength.
First in the line-up on the catwalk at the Alfa Romeo stand come the Alfa 145 and 146 - both equipped with 1.9 JTD diesel engine. They are followed by the new Alfa 156 Selespeed and Q-System whose state-of-the-art transmissions bring a new and unexpected driving satisfaction. Plenty of cars to enjoy, in short. And visitors will be able to do just that at the wheel of two driving simulators that will allow them to compete in a virtual race around the Varano circuit at the wheel of a Selespeed car and experience the advantages of this highly sophisticated transmission. It can be operated using two steering wheel control buttons or a lever positioned on the tunnel between the seats. The rest of the Alfa 156 range is represented by a 2.5 V6 version.
The Geneva line-up would not have been complete without the Alfa 166, flagship of the Alfa stable and recently named 'Auto Europa 1999': an award given by Italian journalists in the Italian Union of Motoring Journalists. The three versions on show are the powerful 3.0 V6 in both manual and automatic versions and the gutsy 2.5 V6 with automatic transmission fitted with aerodynamic add-ons and alloy wheel trims from the Accessories range. A special platform will display the Alfa 166 3.0 V6 in the new iridescent colour, Aurora.
A host of information is also devoted to the Alfa 166. Film sequences describe the model's innovative features: suspension, engines, Sportronic electronic automatic transmission and Cruise Control. A cutaway passenger compartment shows off the sophisticated interior worthy of a flagship.
The display is completed by the stylish Alfa Spider and the mighty GTV.
All these interesting models are set off by a stand in shades of red, symbol of the brand, while aluminium and glass surfaces reflect the sophisticated technology of these cars.
As is now customary, the stand showcases contain articles from the Accessories range, including new items designed for the Alfa 166. The Alfa Boutique sells items bearing the Alfa Romeo logo.
ALFA 156
More than 140 thousand cars sold in Europe and 200 thousand throughout the world: these are the results achieved by the Alfa 156 to the end of 1998.
Alfa Romeo's sporty saloon always had ambitious aims and it has been able not merely to achieve those aims but exceed them beyond all expectations. This success is borne out by the fact the car has been awarded an impressive total of 33 prizes by the Motoring press. Above all, however, it is borne out by the opinions of drivers throughout the world. The new model has been a hit everywhere, even in the most sophisticated European markets. In the Alfa 156's segment, the Brand's share has increased in just one year from 0.5 to 1.9 per cent in France; from 0.3 to 1.5 per cent in Spain; from 0.2 to 1.5 per cent in Germany, from 0.2 to 0.8 per cent in Great Britain.
All in all, the Alfa 156 has been able to live up to its promises. Now again it offers its public the very best technology: the range has been extended to include two new versions, the 2.0 Selespeed and the 2.5 V6 24V Q-System.
ALFA 156 2.0 SELESPEED
The first car in the world to be fitted with the revolutionary JTD engines is now the first large-scale medium-sized car to offer a sequential robotised gearbox - the 2.0 Selespeed - with steering wheel controls. The gearbox technology is derived directly from the Ferrari 355 F1 system, which - like the Alfa system - is also produced by Magneti Marelli.
The Selespeed can be operated by two buttons on the steering wheel or a lever on the tunnel between the seats. It will give Alfa 156 customers the chance to experience a new type of driving: sporty, convenient and safe in all situations.
Sporty, because it allows fast, slick gear changes for superior performance. The driving techniques used on current Formula 1 cars have been transferred to a mass-produced car with great dynamic qualities.
Convenient because it is easy to use and less tiring than a conventional gearbox. The clutch pedal has disappeared and gears are easy to engage. No fear of grating or sticking, and the engine never stalls accidentally. The Selespeed also ensures smooth gear changes and gradual torque transmission to the wheels. When 'city' mode is selected, the gearbox changes to an effective automatic transmission that allows a highly relaxed drive, particularly satisfying around town.
The Selespeed also offers the best guarantee of safety. It boasts a set of features designed to prevent drivers making mistakes. It also allows full control of the steering wheel even during gear changes because the driver no longer needs to remove a hand to reach the selector lever. Because the clutch pedal is no longer present, the driver is also able to brace his or her free left leg to stay in the seat on corners.
ALFA 156 2.5 Q-SYSTEM
The 2.0 Selespeed is flanked by the 2.5 Q-System. This car is equipped with a gearbox able to squeeze maximum performance out of the 6 cylinder Alfa Romeo engine. The innovative Q-System not only offers three different automatic operating modes ('sport', 'city' and 'ice'), but can also be used to select speeds by hand as with a conventional manual gearbox.
Automatic transmission ensures better use of engine performance and greater comfort, particularly when driving round town. To these advantages, the Q-System adds the possibility of full manual control of the gearbox when required. This will certainly please anyone who does not wish to give up the satisfaction of a sporty drive.
One exclusive feature of the Q-System is the lever grille. The right-hand side of the selector displays the positions typical of all automatic transmissions: parking, reverse, neutral and drive.
Buttons beside the lever allow three operating modes to be selected. 'City' mode allows smooth gear shifts and balanced fuel management because the speeds are engaged at relatively low rpms. 'Sport' highlights the performance of the Alfa 156 2.5 V6 and ensures a lively, entertaining drive. Lastly, 'ice' maintains the best possible grip when the road surface is particularly dangerous, e.g. when driving on snow or ice-covered roads.
When the lever is moved to drive and then over to the left-hand sector, the car switches to manual driving mode. The speeds are arranged in an H as in conventional devices. First is top left, second is bottom left, third is top right and fourth is bottom right. Reverse may be selected only in the automatic transmission grid.
The Q-System specification differs from that of the 2.5 V6 in its standard leather steering wheel, and special gear control gear shift display in the rev counter.
ALFA 166
The spotlights at the Geneva Motor Show will also be turned on the Alfa 166, Alfa's new flagship. Since its launch, this car has gained public and critical acclaim and has already won 20 thousand orders at just four months from its launch.
The credit for this immediate success goes to this saloon's specifications and content. This is a big car with a big well-balanced ability to wed top performance with maximum comfort, style, safety, elegance and technology.
Four versions of the Alfa 166 are on show at Geneva. Two are equipped with a sophisticated self-adaptive automatic transmission: the 226 bhp-166 kW 3.0 V6 24V and the 190 bhp-140 kW 2.5 V6 24V.
Available on the two aspirated V6 versions, the Sportronic is an innovative, electronically-controlled four-speed system with a choice of fully-assisted self-adaptive and sequential manual modes.
In the first case, the system examines the way the driver uses certain commands for a short time. Then, on the basis of these observations (and also car condition and type of route), it decides on the best speed shift sequence. The system analyses many more variables than a conventional electronic transmission. The Sportronic transmission also processes all these parameters continuously in order to identify route conditions
(uphill, downhill, cornering) and the driver's driving style (sporty or relaxed). The system also considers not only instantaneous parameter values but also the way they change with time.
While in manual mode, however, the Sportronic allows the driver to change gear for a typically Alfa Romeo standard of driving satisfaction. In this position, the lever can only be moved in two ways: forward to change up, backward to change down. Each gear change (which takes place sequentially) appears on the display.
The model line-up is completed by two stylish 3.0 V6 24V models: one in the Red Style outfit, the other in the colour Aurora.
The Alfa 166 range is made up of seven cars, all with numerous strengths.
Beginning with their engines, which offer excellent power and torque levels and are outstanding for performance, reliability and environmental compatibility. Four are petrol-driven. The 2.5 and 3.0 V6 24V units are joined by the 155 bhp-114 kW 2.0 Twin Spark 16V and the 205 bhp-151 kW 2.0 V6 turbo. The single diesel representative is the 136 bhp-100 kW 2.4 JTD.
The manual gearbox on the 3.0 V6 displayed on the catwalk benefits from noiseless operation and slick, fast gear shifts. It comes in five and six speed versions: the former is fitted to 2.0 Twin Spark and 2.5 V6 engines. The six speed gearbox with sixth non-overdrive speed is fitted to 2.0 turbo, 3.0 V6 24V and 2.4 JTD versions. The 2.4 JTD can also be fitted with a gearbox with a sixth overdrive speed for driving comfort and low fuel consumption.
Good handling, comfort, maximum stability and excellent on-road behaviour are assured by the suspension system - double wishbone at the front and multilink at the rear. Other state-of-the-art engineering solutions help ensure the driver absolute mastery of the Alfa Romeo flagship under all conditions. These are: ABS with active sensors and electronic brakeforce distribution, Anti Slip Regulation and Traction Control System for control of traction and Sport Throttle Response, which can be used to alter engine response to the accelerator and make it faster or more gradual as required.
Certain sophisticated electronic devices, such as the Cruise Control (it automatically maintains a cruising speed set by the driver) and the Integrated Control System, which controls the climate control system, trip computer and radio (extendible to include a HiFi, GSM phone and satellite navigation system) to ensure travelling comfort in full relaxation.
On the safety front, the conventional equipment (front pretensioners, Fire Prevention System and two airbags - one with a passenger presence sensor) is extended by xenon headlights and sidebags on the Alfa 166.
The latest offspring of the Alfa Romeo stable is thus a good-looking, powerful, comfortable car as one would expect from a great saloon. It is also able to adapt to different needs. Created with meticulous attention to detail, it offers a wide selection of material and colour matches plus a wealth of accessories and options. These include Red Style and Blue Style leather interiors: the former is reserved for 'Super' versions (2.0 V6 turbo and 3.0 V6), while the latter is available on other Alfa 166 versions.
The range of body colours is also very extensive and includes the new iridescent Aurora shade (achieved through special use of pearlised enamels). The Alfa 166 3.0 V6 displayed on a separate platform is painted in this shade.
ALFA SPIDER AND GTV
The Alfa Romeo range line-up is completed by two cars with powerful sporting personalities equipped with lively four and six cylinder engines: the Alfa Spider and the Alfa GTV.
Guts and character are the attributes of the powerful 220 bhp (162 kW) 3.0 V6 24V power unit fitted to the GTV on view. This engine, combined with a six-speed gearbox with sixth non-overdrive speed and aerodynamic kit (standard on this version), takes Alfa's coupé to a top speed of 250 km/h with acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds.
The 3.0 unit is also fitted to the Alfa Spider. Unlike the GTV, this model adopts the 192 bhp (141 kW) 12-valve version, which ensures it a top speed of 225 km/h and acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Geneva stand also houses the 144 bhp (106 kW) Alfa Spider 1.8 Twin Spark 16V. An engine capable of performances worthy of the brand's sporting heritage: plenty of torque at low and medium speeds (between 3000 and 4500 rpm) and excellent specific power (82 bhp/l). Top speed is 205 km/h with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds. The GTV with 1.8 Twin Spark engine, on the other hand, is capable of a top speed of 210 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 in 9.2 seconds.
The array of engines is completed by the 155 bhp (114 kW) variable geometry 2.0 Twin Spark 16V, a classic engine size for sporty Alfa Romeos - and the 200 bhp-147 kW 2.0 V6 turbo petrol unit.
Two outfits are available, both of them prestigious: a medium and a deluxe with a wide equipment selection. The options include stylish Blue Style and Red Style interiors. The public may admire the sophistication of the Red Style version, with its red facia and door panel, black carpets and mats and Momo leather seats (a choice of red or black), inside the GTV on view at the Motor Show.
ACCESSORIES AND ALFA BOUTIQUE
Items from the exclusive Alfa Romeo Accessories range are also on show in Geneva. Customers can personalise their Alfas to make them more comprehensive and better able to meet individual needs by choosing from an extensive array of items and accessories.
A powerful Odyssey Blue Alfa 166 2.5 V6 24V is our Accessories range ambassador at the Motor Show. The kit fitted to Alfa's flagship makes the body look meaner without cluttering the car's original lines. It includes front and rear spoilers, sideskirts and exclusively designed 7.5 x 17" alloy wheels (with 225/45 17 tyres).
The Alfa Romeo Style Centre has also designed a range of practical leisure accessories for the Alfa 166. Examples on show in Geneva include nets to be secured beneath the boot and bonnet. These keep everything in order and prevent small items of luggage flying around and getting in the way.
The range is completed by items and clothing bearing the Alfa Romeo logo on sale in the Alfa Romeo boutique. Careful styling and attention to detail are the trademarks of this increasingly sophisticated boutique. Its products are designed to meet the needs of demanding customers. Ladies, for example, can now find bags and clothing in a range that used to be an exclusively male preserve.
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