News September 19 2006

Alfa launches automatics and 147 and GT variants at Paris

Sharing the stand with the 8C Competizione in Paris (see previous article) will be a new version of the 147 - the Q2 – as well as a brand new range of six speed automatic gearboxes for the 159, Sportwagon, Brera and Spider models. In addition the GT and 147 get a makeover in the shape of the ‘BlackLine’ special editions.

Alfa has built an all new motor show stand to hold this range of new models with the design of the exhibition area defined by simple geometrical shapes. Spaces closed on one side are offset by an aluminium and glass sunscreen at the front. This is apparently ‘in accordance with the canons of Italian rationalist architecture’. Of course the entire stand is focused on the 8C Competizione.

The main items for Alfa at Paris are

1. The launch of the production Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (see previous article)
2. The launch of the Alfa Romeo 147 JTD Q2 with limited slip differential
3. The launch of new six speed automatic gearboxes for 159, 159 Sportwagon, Brera and Spider and Selespeed gearboxes for 159 and 159 Sportwagon.
4. ‘BlackLine’ Special editions for Alfa 147 and Alfa GT

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159 and Sportwagon

First up on the French catwalk are two Alfa 159s (one equipped with a 2.2 Selespeed, the other with a 1.9 JTD 16v power unit) – that were recently awarded the coveted 5-star ranking by Euro NCAP – and two Alfa 159 Sportwagons (the former with a 260 bhp 3.2 V6 Q4 engine, the latter with a 200 bhp 2.4 JTDm engine).

All the cars are in Ocean Black - the four versions on show are equipped with: top-quality Frau® ‘grosgrain’ leather, tri-zone climate control system, electric seats, Cruise control, 7 airbags, VDC with hill holder, parking sensors, map radio navigation system, telephone with voice commands and the sophisticated ‘Blue&Me®’ system.

Three of the cars are also fitted with the new 6-speed ‘Q-Tronic’ gearbox that operates in automatic or sequential mode to exploit the power produced by the 200 bhp 2.4 JTDm engine to the full (the gearbox will shortly also be available on the 150 bhp 1.9 JTDm).

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Brera and Spider

Visitors to the Paris show can admire two versions of the Alfa Spider (185 bhp 2.2 JTS and 260 bhp 3.2 V6 Q4), both in top of the range versions and equipped with 7 airbags, VDC, ASR, automatic bi-zone climate control, wind-stop, natural leather interiors and 18” alloys.

Next to these two cars is a Brera - a black Q4 version equipped with a 24 valve 3.2 V6 JTS power unit - delivering a power output of 191 kW (260 bhp) at 6300 rpm with a maximum torque of 322 Nm (32.8 kgm) at 4500 rpm. Both vehicles are equipped with a host of features specifically devoted to safety: 7 airbags (including driver side knee bag), VDC, ABS with EBD, ventilated front and rear brake discs, MSR, Hill Holder, ASR and foglight. The long list of devices used to ensure maximum on-board comfort includes: automatic bi-zone climate control system, radio with CD player and CD changer, parking sensor, Bose® Hi-Fi, a Visibility Pack (rain sensor, dusk sensor and anti-mist sensor) and a map navigation system with telephone and voice commands. This version also has a natural leather interior and 18” alloy wheels.

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147 Q2, Black Line II and Collezione II versions

The 147 Q2, which has its world premiere at Paris, is distinguished by a front self-locking differential with the aim of increased driving satisfaction and control while guaranteeing some of the typical benefits of a four wheel drive.

The system is available solely with the 150 bhp JTDm engine. This choice takes into consideration the current technological turbodiesel scenario. Since 1997, the debut year of the Alfa 156 JTD (the first vehicle in the world with Common Rail technology), the amount of torque to be transmitted to the wheels has increased greatly, even on compacts and so Alfa has developed the Q2 system to give maximum control and traction in all driving conditions. The Alfa 147 Q2 also comes with grille and mirror fairings, a rear spoiler chrome exhaust tailpipe, a low ride and a special Q2 logo.

Inside, this version continues the sports theme with gauges with red scale and white lighting, leather upholstery with red top-stitching on the steering wheel and gearlever gaiter and parking brake, dark grey steering wheel panels and central console, special Q2 door sill and aluminium pedal unit. The Alfa 147 Q2 also comes with the Alfa standard radio controls on the steering wheel, cruise control, a VDC system and 6 airbags. The car on show has leather seats in a sports configuration with red top-stitching, a Bose® sound system, satellite navigation and xenon headlights.

The second 147 is available in the Black Line specification. This three door car equipped with a 120 bhp Twin Spark 1.6 engine marries sportiness and style, as is evident from its special ‘b-colore’ livery: this takes the form of an Alfa Red body with some details painted in a sophisticated glossy Black (roof, central panel and rear spoiler) with satinised grille, ‘whiskers’ and door mirror fairings. The interior is enhanced by a new two-tone sporty cloth (black and grey) with black steering wheel panels and central console. In a quest for further sportiness, the new Alfa 147 Black Line Special Series also offers low ride, chrome exhaust tailpipe and 17” perforated chrome shadow alloys with 215/45 tyres. The standard equipment list also includes ABS with EBD, 6 airbags, radio with CD player, leather steering wheel and gear knob and manual climate control system. The vehicle on the stand complements these items with some options such as VDC with ASR, Cruise Control and wiring for an iPod.

Lastly, the third car is a 5-door version in the ‘Collezione II’ specification with a metallic black body and elegant two-tone ‘b-colore’ leather interior (black/cream) and black ‘b-colore’ facia. The compact Alfa, equipped with the 150 bhp 1.9 JTDm, offers the most sophisticated safety devices available: including VDC, ASR, ABS with EBD and six airbags. The equipment array is complemented by a bi-zone automatic climate control system, 17” spoked alloys, radio with CD, Cruise Control and rear electric windows. The car on show is also equipped with a map navigation system with built-in handsfree phone and radio and telephone controls on the steering wheel, rear parking sensors, CD changer, Bose® Hi-Fi system, low suspension and particulate filter.

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GT ‘Black Line’

The Paris show will also host the Alfa GT in a special version designed to emphasise the model’s unique spirit still further. The ‘Black line’ version comes with an Alfa Red body and interior trimmed in black leather top-stitching equipped with a powerful 165 bhp 2.0 JTS engine.

This car, designed to appeal to ‘sports’ customers, offers certain exclusive features and content in addition to the usual standard equipment: 18” alloys (perforated design with chrome treatment), front headlights with black frames, satinised painted central grille and chrome door mirror fairing. The interior features a black facia with dark coloured central console treatment and seats in black leather with red top-stitching and logo and perforated seat area. The carpet, mats, gearlever and handbrake gaiters are also black with red top-stitching. This original Alfa GT also offers a highly attractive equipment package including a map radio navigation system with telephone and voice control complete with subscription to infotelematic services.

Prices and specifications for all models sold in Australia will be confirmed when they go on sale locally.