Alfa Romeo’s new V6 arrives in Australia / / Page 1

ALFA ROMEO’S NEW V6 ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA

Alfa Romeo’s V6 engines have long been coveted for everything from their performance to their melodic sound, through to even their good looks, so the arrival of a new Alfa Romeo V6 engine is a highly anticipated event.

This week (24 July 2006) is, therefore, the week that motoring enthusiasts have been waiting for with Alfa Romeo’s all-new 3.2 litre V6 arriving in not one, but three new models – the Alfa Romeo 159, the 159 Sportwagon and the staggeringly beautiful Alfa Romeo Brera. And, as if that was not sufficient incentive, all come as standard matched to Alfa Romeo’s new Q4 all wheel drive system.

“This new engine has a remarkable heritage,” explains David Stone, General Manager for Alfa Romeo in Australia. “The previous V6 engine was designed specifically to be a performance engine, endowing all the cars in which it was used with effortless performance, accompanied by an engine howl that can only be described as operatic and even to look at, it was a visual feast. The new engine has to offer all this and add 21st century requirements of fuel economy, low emissions and quick and easy servicing. This it does, providing the Alfa Romeo 159, the Sportwagon, the Brera and, when it arrives later in the year, the new Alfa Romeo Spider, with a wonderful breadth of performance and ability. The fact that it is matched to a new four wheel drive system is just the cream on the cake!”

This spirited new quadruple overhead camshaft all-aluminium V6 powerplant features both Alfa Romeo’s JTS direct petrol injection system and its twin phase continuously variable valve timing. Developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, a new industrial enterprise created to integrate all the Fiat Group’s innovation capabilities and expertise in engines and transmissions, the new all-alloy engines feature cylinder heads, pistons, induction and exhaust systems designed and built by Alfa Romeo. Final assembly of this engine is carried out in Italy, at the Pomigliano D’Arco Alfa Romeo plant.

This outstanding unit takes its name – Jet Thrust Stoichiometric – from its specific combustion system, an original Alfa Romeo concept that involves the high pressure injection of fuel, at 120 bar, directly into the combustion chamber with a stoichiometric mixture optimised to increase engine power and torque first and foremost – thus adapting this technology to the requirements of a sporting car – whilst adopting the stratified charge method to reduce fuel consumption in a limited speed band close to idling.

Hence the 3.2 JTS engine operates with a lean burn system up to about 1500rpm, making significant fuel savings. Above this engine speed, however, it burns a stoichiometric air-fuel mixture – i.e. with a conventional 14.7:1 ratio between the two components – thus guaranteeing performance superior to that achievable by a conventional, indirect injection unit.

Primarily, this is because fuel injected directly into the combustion chamber – instead of the intake ports – cools intake air, thus increasing the engine’s volumetric efficiency. As the temperature drops, so the gases increase in density and the volume therefore decreases, allowing more air into the combustion chamber. Cooling the chamber also reduces the risk of engine knock, allowing for an increase in compression ratio – in this case to 11.25:1 – and a commensurate improvement in engine efficiency.

Allied to JTS technology, the light aluminium alloy cylinder heads of the new 3.2 litre V6 also features ‘Twin Phaser’ continuously variable valve timing – for both intake and exhaust – already adopted on 4-cylinder JTS Alfa Romeo engines. Via two camshafts per cylinder bank, variable valve timing allows the phase angle of both inlet and exhaust cams to be varied by up to 50 degrees, optimising the volumetric efficiency of the engine at all engine speeds whilst reducing fuel consumption and emissions under lighter throttle settings.

The new camshaft drive system features maintenance-free chain drive with automatic hydraulic tensioners, whilst the valves themselves are controlled by a low friction roller finger system with hydraulic uptake of tappet play.

This refined new V6 combines power and torque peaks of 191 kW at 6200rpm and 322 Nm at 4500rpm respectively with smooth, linear power delivery from low speeds. Some 90% of peak torque is available from just 1800rpm and maintained up to 6250rpm. Hence, the 3.2 litre V6 24v unit delivers sensational performance, but is also very docile, and Alfas with the new V6 can cruise effortlessly in sixth gear at less than 2000rpm, yet accelerate rapidly and smoothly away without the need for changing gear.

All version equipped with the V6 engine will be available in early 2007 with the option of the Alfa Romeo Q-Tronic six speed automatic gearbox.

Alfa Romeo 3.2 litre V6 engine
  • 3195cc
  • 60 degree V, 6-cylinders, 24 valves
  • Power: 191 kW @ 6200rpm
  • Torque: 322 Nm @ 4500rpm
  • Timing gear: 4 OHC, continuous dual VVT

Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6 Q4 / Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon 3.2 V6 Q4 / Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 V6 Q4
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual, 4-wheel drive
  • Top speed: 240 kmh
  • Acceleration 0-100 kmh: 7.0 seconds
  • Fuel consumption:
  • in town: 16.9 l/100 km
  • out of town: 8.4 l/100 km
  • combined: 11.5 l/100 km
  • CO2: 273g/km
/
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual, 4-wheel drive
  • Top speed: 237 kmh
  • Acceleration 0-100 kmh: 7.2 seconds
  • Fuel consumption:
  • in town: 17.0 l/100 km
  • out of town: 8.4 l/100 km
  • combined: 11.6 l/100 km
  • CO2: 275 g/km
/
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual, 4-wheel drive
  • Top speed: 240 kmh
  • Acceleration 0-100 kmh: 6.8 seconds
  • Fuel consumption:
  • in town: 16.9 l/100 km
  • out of town: 8.5 l/100 km
  • combined: 11.5 l/100 km
  • CO2: 273g/km

Briefly, the main technical features that distinguish the new 3.2 V6 engine from the previous V6 engine are:

  • Twin overhead camshaft with low friction drive;
  • Direct petrol injection;
  • Double continuous variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust;
  • Cylinder head in light aluminium alloy;
  • Hydraulic tappets with automatic play uptake;
  • Crankcase in light aluminium alloy;
  • Maintenance-free timing gear drive chain;
  • Poly V automatic tensioner belt to drive the engine accessories;
  • Throttle valve with electronic drive-by-wire activation;
  • Single ignition coils;
  • Low specific consumption and emissions;
  • EOBD;
  • 4 lambda probes to control emissions;
  • Double knock sensor to improve knock sensitivity and to optimise peak performance;
  • High performance exhaust manifold with built-in pre-catalysts;
  • Minimum maintenance;
  • Euro 4 emissions.

The Alfa Romeo Q4 All Wheel Drive System

All Alfa Romeo versions fitted with the new V6 engine also boast Alfa Romeo Q4 all wheel drive system which has three differentials including a Torsen C self-locking unit at the centre).

The heart of this system is the ‘Alfa Romeo Q4 four-wheel drive’, which splits torque constantly and dynamically between the four wheels, reaching the highest levels of active safety and sportiness. The Torsen C self-locking differential sends drive torque 57% to the rear wheels and 43% to the front.

The system guarantees excellent traction in all grip conditions by automatically stopping any individual wheel spinning in very slippery conditions.

The torque split between the front and rear axles is modulated constantly by the Torsen C central differential on the basis of grip. This feature combines sporting performance with enhance active safety.

Modulation of the torque split is mechanical, continuous and gradual, to enhance the perception of optimal, enjoyable, easy driving. There are no gaps in torque delivery. Where grip is concerned, the behaviour adapts gradually and smoothly to changing road conditions.

This ‘mechanical’ control is backed up by electronic stability control, which boosts performance and safety margins, in line with the Alfa Romeo philosophy. The four-wheel drive car is the state of the art in technical terms and offers important advantages.

• Q4 permanent four-wheel drive with a Torsen C self-locking differential makes for better roadholding, entertainment and smooth responses. Other technological archetypes with electronically controlled joints do not achieve the optimal balance between understeer and oversteer or the smoothness that are innate in the Alfa 159, and translate into superb active safety.

• The torque split in favour of the rear axle makes driving even more entertaining, because it makes the car even easier to handle, without detracting in any way from stability during sudden lane changes on the motorway, or other emergency manoeuvres.

• The possibility of travelling safely when grip is poor without having to use electronics to split torque, enhancing the enjoyment of driving.

Alfa Romeo and Four Wheel Drive

The first four wheel drive system in Alfa Romeo's history made its debut in 1951 on the AR51 - 1900, an off-road car with state-of-the-art engineering features designed for military use. The 'Matta' (or crazy car - as it was affectionately dubbed by those who appreciated its exceptional off-road properties) is now a real cult item appreciated far beyond the restricted circle of Alfa Romeo collectors.

The 33 4x4 made its debut in 1983. The layout adopted for this compact saloon meant that the rear wheel drive had to be engaged by means of a lever in the passenger compartment. A central differential prevented any slippage between both axles. Because it offered higher ground clearance than front wheel drive cars, the 33 4x4 acquitted itself well in many critical situations and could pass easily from snowy surfaces to unsurfaced roads. Altogether a multi-facetted car that allowed great flexibility of use.

In 1991, the Alfa 33 (again) was fitted with a sportier interpretation of the four wheel drive concept. The transmission layout of the new Permanent 4 (this was the name of the version) was more complex than its predecessor: a set of sensors managed the action of a viscous coupling that transferred movement to the rear wheels (generally free) when it detected significant differences between wheel rotating speeds across both axles. These features assured the 33 outstanding dynamic performance, an up-to-date blend of high performance, sports handling and top level active safety.

The following year saw the arrival of the 155 Q4. The new Q4 name sums up the spirit of this car, which sets out to represent the state of the art achieved by Alfa Rome in terms of technology geared to driving satisfaction. One specific feature of the 155 Q4 was the presence of a permanent four wheel drive system with three differentials: a conventional unit at the front; a central epicyclic unit that engaged directly with the gearbox layshaft incorporating an integral Ferguson viscous coupling - and a Torsen unit at the rear.

Under normal conditions, the central distribution distributed drive torque with a slight preference to the rear wheels. If one of the two axles lost grip excessively compared to the other, the Ferguson coupling cut in to transfer drive torque (up to 100%) gradually to the wheels with more grip.

The efficiency of the system was further increased by a Torsen rear differential that acted as a self-locking unit and allowed the wheels to turn at different speeds.

This transmission configuration was combined with a particularly advanced ABS. This technical configuration ensured that the 155 Q4 remained glued to the ground and was easy and entertaining to drive while remaining safe in every situation.

The same attributes were displayed by the versions raced in the German Speed Touring championship: in 1993, the 155 V6 TI saw off the competition to triumph in the DTM with Larini at the wheel.

Alfa Romeo brought the incredible technical experience it had built up over the years to bear when it produced a four wheel drive version of its range leader, the 164. In December 1993, customers were able to buy a 164 Q4 powered by the legendary 231 bhp V6 engine.

In this case, the four wheel drive layout had been further developed to ensure maximum performance and peak driving comfort. The heart of the system was the central Viscomatic viscous coupling developed exclusively by Alfa Romeo in conjunction with Steyr-Puch.

The Viscomatic was managed by an on-board electronic system that communicated in real time with the engine control unit and ABS control unit. Moment by moment, the system detected and processed information on four different parameters: total drive torque requested, speed, steering angle and slip difference between front and rear axles. It was able to adjust drive torque distribution between the axles with incredible speed on the basis of vehicle speed, cornering radius, engine rpm, throttle opening and closure and ABS parameters. This guaranteed improved torque distribution at any moment and in any situation.

In this case too, the Q4 drive system was based on a Torsen self-locking rear differential. This rear differential was responsible for the important task of redistributing the torque allocated to the rear end (in real time) between the wheels on the rear axle: this benefited traction and also car handling over mixed routes.

An epicyclic unit was also fitted between the coupling and rear differential to amplify speed differences between coupling input and output. This made it faster and more sensitive while reducing the level of torque managed by the coupling.

The latest four drive Alfa Romeo models were the Alfa Crosswagon Q4 and Alfa Sportwagon Q4, both of which were based on the Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon. The former offered raised suspension and underbody protection to enable it to offer an additional level of off-road ability, while the later was designed for on-road allwheel drive requirements.

Both versions debuted the first generation version of the Q4 system now seen in the 159, 159 Sportwagon, Brera and the Spider.

(ends)

ALFA ROMEO 159

Recommended Retail Price List

These prices do not include dealer delivery, on-road costs or statutory charges

Engine / Gearbox / Trim / Recommended Retail Price
Alfa Romeo 159 2.2 JTS / 2.2 litre petrol / Six Speed manual / Leather / $49,990
Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTD / 2.4 litre Turbo Diesel / Six Speed manual / Leather / $55,990
Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 V6 / 3.2 litre V6 engine / Six Speed manual Four wheel drive / Leather / $74,990

ALFA ROMEO 159 SPORTWAGON

Recommended Retail Price List

These prices do not include dealer delivery, on-road costs or statutory charges

Engine / Gearbox / Trim / Recommended Retail Price
Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon 2.2 JTS / 2.2 litre petrol / Six Speed manual / Leather / $52,990
Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon 2.4 JTD / 2.4 litre Turbo Diesel / Six Speed manual / Leather / $58,990
Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon 3.2 V6 / 3.2 litre V6 engine / Six Speed manual Four wheel drive / Leather / $77,990

ALFA ROMEO BRERA

Recommended Retail Price List

These prices do not include dealer delivery, on-road costs or statutory charges

Engine / Gearbox / Trim / Recommended Retail Price
Alfa Romeo Brera 2.2 JTS / 2.2 litre petrol / Six Speed manual / Leather / $69,950
Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 JTS V6 / 3.2 litre V6 engine / Six Speed manual Four wheel drive / Leather / $94,950

(ends)

For further information, please contact

David Stone
General Manager / Tel: (02) 9701 8000
Alfa Romeo Australia / Fax: (02) 9701 3555
E:
Edward Rowe
Public Relations Manager / Tel: (02) 9701 8000
Alfa Romeo Australia / Fax: (02) 9701 3555
Mob: 0407 913 244
E:
ATECO AUTOMOTIVE PTY LTD
Street Address: Heritage Building, Campus Business Park, 350 Parramatta Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Australia. Postal Address: Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd,Locked Bag 260, Silverwater, NSW 1811, AustraliaA.B.N. 34 000 486 706
Alfa Romeo Media web site:

Release Number: 541-alfa-AU

Date of Issue: 21 April 2019. Time of Issue: 12:12:41