ALFA ROMEO AT THE 60TH FRANKFURT INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW
- New Alfa Romeo 166
- New Alfa Romeo 156 and Sportwagon
- Production version of the Alfa Romeo GT revealed
- Hot shot diesel 147 racer displayed
The Alfa Romeo stand at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, which opens on Tuesday 9 September, is packed with new models, including the new Alfa Romeo 166 and 156, the production version of the Alfa Romeo GT, set for arrival in Australia next year, and a hot shot racing diesel Alfa 147 that dominated its class in the 24 hour race at the Nurburgring.
The place of honour goes to the new Alfa GT that will be accessible to the public for the first time. The Coupe was created in conjunction with Bertone who were tasked with providing original styling coupled with Alfa Romeo’s provision of exhilarating performance. It represents a revolutionary new concept, performance combined with comfort and elegance. Three of the versions on show in Frankfurt are equipped with a 2.0 JTS 16v with Selespeed gearbox while a fourth car is fitted with the 1.9 16v Multijet.
Another focal point of the exhibition area is the New 166, Alfa's flagship that expresses harmony of form and content while also combining the style of a great saloon with the sporting traits of a coupé. The model complements these successful features on the inside and outside with aesthetic motifs of great visual impact.
Its trim and colour matches are also very attractive and sophisticated. Two versions are on show: one equipped with a 3.2 V6 and manual gearbox and the other with a 2.4 Multijet 20v and automatic transmission, both in the Distinctive specification.
As revised by the prestigious hand of Giorgetto Giugiaro himself, the Alfa 156 and 156 Sportwagon represent an ideal marriage between sportiness and elegance, performance and formal balance. All the hallmarks of the brand, in other words.
In addition to these new products, the Alfa Romeo stand will host an Alfa 147 prototype with a 150 bhp 2.4 JTD engine paired with a six speed manual gearbox. This racing car took part in the Nurburgring '24 Hour' race on 1 June, where it was placed 19th overall and first in its category. It came in no fewer than six laps before the second placed diesel car.
The name of Alfa Romeo is practically synonymous with motorsport and this vocation is exemplified by the Alfa 156 ETCC cars that are again due to race this year at the European Touring Championship. Alfa has now reigned as the undisputed champion of this popular, important competition for five years: three consecutive titles won in the Euro STC race and two Italian titles before that.
The Alfa 147 is represented by a 140 bhp 1.9 JTD 16V Multijet version. The same power unit is also fitted to an Alfa 156 with a Distinctive specification and trimmed in the new Alfatex® patented cloth. The array continues with a saloon equipped with a 2.5 V6 24 valve power unit and a Sportwagon version with a powerful 175 bhp 2.4 Multijet engine.
The German motor show will also welcome an Alfa 156 2.0 JTS bearing the TI logo and equipped with a Selespeed sequential gearbox. This car comes complete with the sports designation TI (Turismo Internazionale), a label that Alfa once allotted only to its highest performing stars. Nowadays those two simple yet glorious letters reappear on a special line that may be requested on Alfa Romeo models.
Space is also given to the new Alfa Spider and Alfa GTV, here seen with a brand new look and a revised range of specifications and power units. These models have always evoked driving satisfaction from the viewpoints of sportiness and style and their appeal is unaltered. Two cars are present, both in the more opulent specification and with the powerful 240 bhp 3.2 V6 24v.
Visitors to Alfas aluminium, glass and Plexiglas display areas will also discover the 250 bhp 3.2 V6 24v (the heart of our GTA models) and the 165 bhp 2.0 JTS. Alfa is also exhibiting two powerful Multijet, multivalve turbodiesels: the 140 bhp 1.9 16v and the 175 bhp 2.4 20v. The last showcase contains the sophisticated high double wishbone suspension fitted to GTA versions and also the 156 and 147 models.
(ends)
For further information, please contact
Kevin Wall
/ Tel: (02) 9558 7111General Manager / Fax: (02) 9558 7722
Alfa Romeo Australia / E:
Edward Rowe
/ Tel: (02) 9558 7111Public Relations Manager / Fax: (02) 9558 7772
Alfa Romeo Australia / Mob: 0407 913 244
E:
Alfa Romeo Media web site: