Alfa Romeo 156
Alfa Romeo 156 | |
---|---|
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Alfa Romeo 155 |
Successor | Alfa Romeo 159 |
The Alfa Romeo 156 (Type 932) is a
Cars were assembled at the
The 156 was available in saloon, Sportwagon (
In 2005, the 159 became the replacement for the 156.
Overview
Since the 156's introduction, various four cylinder engine configurations were available and included the
Initially the 156 range was available with different options (packs) like a sport pack that included Blitz clothing,
Starting from 1999 a five-speed
A significant addition to the 156 range came in 2000 with the introduction of the Sportwagon
In 2001 engines were upgraded to comply with the
Design
Designed by Alfa Centro Stile under the guidance of head designer
Interior
The original interior uses a scalloped upper dashboard and a simple centre console. The main controls and displays are angled to the driver. The interior design lacks cup holders.
The 156 Sportwagon features fold-down rear seats to increase the luggage area normally covered by a privacy screen.
2002 saw an update to both the interior and exterior of the 156.
Facelifts
2002 facelift (first series)
2002 also saw the arrival of a facelifted interior with different matte-finish surfacing and chrome highlights. This new version featured the 147's dual-zone digital climate controller while the interior climate could also be controlled via an air quality sensor.[18] A different choice of colours were available for the interior, with the option of a two-tone interior very much like that on offer from its European rivals. A wider range of options including xenon lighting, tele-informatics (CONNECT and CONNECT NAV) and a Bose stereo system were available, the stereo system could now also be operated via buttons on the steering wheel. Also, the Selespeed gearbox control system was updated, buttons on the steering wheel were replaced by paddle shifters, as seen on the earlier Alfa Romeo 147. In the center console, the designers added a multifunctional display with trip computer, fault, and service monitor.
The upgrade also included
2003 facelift (second series)
Late 2003 saw the launch of a facelifted 156, with new front and rear
Variants
156 GTA
The 156 GTA and 156 Sportwagon GTA were launched at the
Development of the GTA styling models and engineering design was entrusted in early 2000 to Stola with styling data provided by Centro Stile. Stola completed six prototypes that were further mechanically assembled by Alfa Romeo. Two of those protypes were presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show.[21]
1,973 berlinas and 1,678 Sportwagons were built until the GTA production stopped in October 2005, as the V6 engine as unable to meet emissions regulations and due to the 156 being replaced by the 159.[20][22] The GTA was sold in limited numbers, with right-hand drive vehicles holding a premium over left-hand drive vehicles due to their rarity.
The very first GTA was sold via online auction, from 13 to 23 September, the duration of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Winning bid was €48,691.26, which was donated to "Telethon" charity fund.[23]
The 3.2-litre Bussone V6 engine (The big Busso, so-called after legendary Alfa Romeo engineer Giuseppe Busso). This engine is praised universally for its sound and revving capabilities.[24] This was the largest iteration of the engine built by Alfa Romeo. The engine has a 93 mm (3.7 in) bore and a 78 mm (3.1 in) stroke, displacing at 3,179 cc (194.0 cu in). It was rated at 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) and 300 N⋅m (221 lbf⋅ft) of torque. Overall, the car weighed 55 kg (121 lb) more than the standard V6 156.[25]
The GTA variants shared a common interior with post-facelift 156 variants. The doors, boot lid and bonnet were also shared. All else was unique to the GTA, with the engine specifically made by Fiat and Maserati Research Centres.[18]
The GTA did not receive the Giugiaro designed facelift introduced on the 156 in 2003, but continued with the acclaimed Walter de Silva design to the very end of production.
The steering was also made faster, only 1.7 turns from lock to lock compared to 2.1 in normal models. The GTA had also larger brakes (Brembo), at front 305 millimetres (12.0 in) discs and rear 276 millimetres (10.9 in). The front discs were later upgraded to 330 millimetres (13 in) to cope with the performance potential.
156 Sportwagon Q4
In 2004 Sportwagon Q4, an
156 Crosswagon Q4
The Crosswagon Q4 was launched in 2004 with a crossover look and enhanced off-road capabilities. The Crosswagon's ride height was raised further compared to the Sportwagon Q4, giving the car better approach and departure angles; at 1,497 mm (58.9 in)[27] it was 6.5 cm (2.6 in) taller than a standard 156. Tall-sidewall all-season tyres on 17 inch wheels were standard. The only available engine was 1.9 M-Jet diesel rated at 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp). The Crosswagon was made to look more like an all-terrain vehicle by unique front and rear bumpers and door sills with steel inserts. After the introduction of the 159 in 2005 the Crosswagon remained in production, and in 2007 it was the last 156 model to be discontinued.
Special versions
External images | |
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156 GTAm | |
156 Sportwagon GTA 3.5 Autodelta |
Alfa Romeo 156 GTAm
The Alfa Romeo 156 GTAm was shown at the
Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon GTA 3.5 Autodelta
At the
Autodelta 156 GTA 3.7 V6
London-based tuning firm Autodelta made two high performance versions based on the 156 GTA: in the GTA AM version, the Alfa Romeo V6 engine was bored to 3,750 cc (3.8 L; 228.8 cu in), making it capable of 328 PS (241 kW) at 7,300 rpm. With this, the car could attain a top speed of 282 km/h (175.2 mph) and accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.2 s.[31]
The GTA AM Super was an upgrade of the first version, now fitted with a Rotrex supercharger and rated at 400 PS (294 kW).[32]
Specifications
Platform and suspension
The 156 uses a platform derived from the
For the 156 GTA, weight saving materials were also used in many other parts like magnesium framed front seats and dashboard frame. The 156 GTA only shared common parts with other 156 variants with respect to the facelift interior, doors, bonnet and boot lid.[36]
Engines
The 156 offered various engines and power output choices during its lifespan, four and six cylinder petrol engines and four and five cylinder diesel engines, all produced at Pratola Serra except the V6 engines, which were produced at Alfa Romeo's Arese plant, with the GTA engines being produced at the Maserati Research Centre.[2][37][38][39][40] The 2.4 JTD diesel was world's first common rail diesel engine in a passenger car.[41]
Engine specifications | |||||||||
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Model | Layout | Displacement | Valves | Max. power output | Peak torque | 0–100 km/h 0–62 mph |
Top speed | Years | Notes |
Petrol engines | |||||||||
1.6 TS | TS |
1,598 cc (97.5 cu in) | 16 DOHC VVT |
120 kW; 118 hp ) at 6,300 rpm |
144 N⋅m (106 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm | 10.5 s | 200 km/h (124 mph) | 1997–2006 | |
1.8 TS | I4 TS | 1,747 cc (106.6 cu in) | 16 DOHC VVT VLIM |
144 PS (106 kW; 142 hp) at 6,500 rpm | 169 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm | 9.3 s | 210 km/h (130 mph) | 1997–2000 | Euro2
|
1.8 TS | I4 TS | 1,747 cc (106.6 cu in) | 16 DOHC VVT VLIM | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 6,500 rpm | 163 N⋅m (120 lb⋅ft) at 3,900 rpm | 9.4 s | 208 km/h (129 mph) | 2001–2006 | Euro3
|
2.0 TS | I4 2 BS TS |
1,970 cc (120 cu in) | 16 DOHC VVT VLIM | 155 PS (114 kW; 153 hp) at 6,400 rpm | 187 N⋅m (138 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm | 8.6 s | 216 km/h (134 mph) | 1997–2000 | Euro2 |
2.0 TS | I4 2BS TS | 1,970 cc (120 cu in) | 16 DOHC VVT VLIM | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 6,300 rpm | 181 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm | 8.8 s | 214 km/h (133 mph) | 2001–2002 | Euro3 |
2.0 JTS | I4 2BS DI | 1,970 cc (120 cu in) | 16 DOHC VVT VLIM | 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp) at 6,400 rpm | 206 N⋅m (152 lb⋅ft) at 3,250 rpm | 8.2 s | 220 km/h (137 mph) | 2002–2006 | Facelift |
2.5 Q-System | V6 |
2,492 cc (152.1 cu in) | 24 DOHC | 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) at 6,300 rpm | 222 N⋅m (164 lb⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm | 8.5 s | 227 km/h (141 mph) | 1997–2000 | Euro2 |
2.5 Q-System | V6 | 2,492 cc (152.1 cu in) | 24 DOHC | 192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp) at 6,300 rpm | 218 N⋅m (161 lb⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm | 8.5 s[42] | 227 km/h (141 mph) | 2001–2006 | Euro3 |
2.5 V6 | V6 | 2,492 cc (152.1 cu in) | 24 DOHC | 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) at 6,300 rpm | 222 N⋅m (164 lb⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm | 7.3 s | 230 km/h (143 mph) | 1997–2000 | Euro2 |
2.5 V6 | V6 | 2,492 cc (152.1 cu in) | 24 DOHC | 192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp) at 6,300 rpm | 218 N⋅m (161 lb⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm | 7.3 s[43] | 230 km/h (143 mph) | 2001–2006 | Euro3 |
3.2 GTA | V6 | 3,179 cc (194.0 cu in) | 24 DOHC | 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) at 6,200 rpm | 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 4,800 rpm | 6.3 s | 250 km/h (155 mph) | 2002–2005 | Euro3 |
Note: 2.0 TS, 2.0 JTS and GTA Selespeed versions have same performance statistics as manual transmission. | |||||||||
Diesel engines | |||||||||
1.9 JTD | I4 | 1,910 cc (117 cu in) | 8 SOHC |
105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 4,000 rpm | 255 N⋅m (188 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm | 10.4 s | 188 km/h (117 mph) | 1997–2000 | |
1.9 JTD | I4 | 1,910 cc (117 cu in) | 8 SOHC | 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) at 4,000 rpm | 275 N⋅m (203 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm | 10.3 s | 191 km/h (119 mph) | 2000–2001 | |
1.9 JTD | I4 | 1,910 cc (117 cu in) | 8 SOHC | 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) at 4,000 rpm | 275 N⋅m (203 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm | 10.3 s | 191 km/h (119 mph) | 2001–2006 | Facelift |
1.9 M-Jet | I4 | 1,910 cc (117 cu in) | 16 DOHC | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 4,000 rpm | 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm | 9.3 s | 209 km/h (130 mph) | 2002-2006 | |
1.9 M-Jet | I4 | 1,910 cc (117 cu in) | 16 DOHC | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 4,000 rpm | 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm | 9.1 s | 212 km/h (132 mph) | 2004–2007 | (*) |
2.4 JTD | I5 |
2,387 cc (145.7 cu in) | 10 SOHC | 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 4,200 rpm | 310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm | 9.5 s | 203 km/h (126 mph) | 1997–2000 | |
2.4 JTD | I5 | 2,387 cc (145.7 cu in) | 10 SOHC | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 4,000 rpm | 304 N⋅m (224 lb⋅ft) at 1,800 rpm | 9.4 s | 205 km/h (127 mph) | 2000–2001 | |
2.4 JTD | I5 | 2,387 cc (145.7 cu in) | 10 SOHC | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 4,000 rpm | 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft) at 1,800 rpm | 9.4 s | 212 km/h (132 mph) | 2002–2003 | Facelift |
2.4 M-Jet | I5 | 2,387 cc (145.7 cu in) | 20 DOHC | 175 PS (129 kW; 173 hp) at 4,000 rpm | 385 N⋅m (284 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm | 8.3 s | 225 km/h (140 mph) | 2003–2006 | Second facelift |
Note (*): Crosswagon Q4 topspeed is 192 km/h (119 mph) and acceleration 0–100 km/h (62,5 mph) is 10.5 seconds, for Sportwagon Q4 numbers are 200 km/h (124 mph) and 10.2 seconds. |
Use in law enforcement
The Alfa 156 sedan and the station wagon were widely used by the Italian and other police and other law enforcement forces. In Italy it was used by
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One of the two Alfa 156 III series of Polizia di Stato, equipped with a 2.5 V6 engine.
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A 156 Crosswagon of Polizia provinciale.
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156 2nd series Crosswagon of Guardia di Finanza.
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The 156 of Corpo de Polizia Civile (Civil Police of San Marino).
Awards
In 1998, an international jury of 56 journalists (40 of whom voted for the 156) representing 21 countries awarded the Alfa 156 the European Car of the Year award;[6] it was described as having a "very refined suspension layout so to offer an impeccable roadholding".[44] The 2.5 V6 engine was awarded with the International Engine of the Year award in 2000.[45] The 156 has won more than 35 awards,[46] including:
- Technical Innovation Award – Common Rail 1998 – (Autocar – Great Britain)
- Best Compact Executive 1998 – (What Car? – Great Britain)
- Best Compact Executive Car 1998 – (Auto Express – Great Britain)
- Die Besten Autos 1998, Paul Pietsch Preis – Innovation prize for Common Rail, (Auto, Motor und Sport– Germany)
- Auto 1 Europa 1998 – (panel of engineers, drivers, and journalists from the eleven European magazines, headed by Auto Bild)
- Auto Trophy 1998 – (Auto Zeitung – Germany)
- Trophee Du Design 1998 – (Automobile Magazine – France)
- European Award for Automotive Design – (Belgium, 1998)
- Car of the Year 1998 in Denmark, Spain, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Portugal, France, and Croatia
- Car of the Year in South Africa 1999 – (South African Guild of Motoring Journalists)[47]
- Prix de l’Innovation Technique pour le Common Rail 1997 (France)
- L’automobile più bella del mondo ("The most beautiful car in the world") 1997 (Italy)
Motorsport
The 156 competed in various motor racing championships including the
In 1998, the 156 Group N version was offered for sale to the public.[12] The 156 Group N had no carpets, seats or upholstery, but included additional track safety devices.
The following titles have been won by 156 drivers:
- 1998 Italian Super Touring Car Championship - Alfa Romeo 156 D2, Fabrizio Giovanardi
- 1999 Italian Super Touring Car Championship - Alfa Romeo 156 D2, Fabrizio Giovanardi
- 2000 European Super Touring Car Cup Winner - Alfa Romeo 156 D2, Fabrizio Giovanardi
- 2000 South American Super Touring Car Championship, Oscar Larrauri
- 2001 FIA European Touring Car Championship - Alfa Romeo 156 D2, Fabrizio Giovanardi
- 2002 FIA European Touring Car Championship - Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Super 2000, Fabrizio Giovanardi
- 2003 FIA European Touring Car Championship - Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Super 2000, Gabriele Tarquini
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GTA Racing Team Nordauto Alfa Romeo 156 GTA, Gabriele Tarquini in Donington Park 2003 ETCC
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A 156, driven by N.Technology driver James Thompson, during the Curitiba round of the 2007 World Touring Car Championship
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Snetterton round of the 2007 British Touring Car Championship
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The Alfa Romeo straight-4 Twin Spark racing engine used in 156 in the European Touring Car Championship
Specifications for touring car versions:
Model | Displacement | Max. power output |
---|---|---|
Alfa Romeo 156 D2 | 1,997 cc (121.9 cu in) | 310 PS (228 kW; 306 hp) at 8,200 rpm |
Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Super 2000 | 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in) | 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) at 8,450 rpm |
Alfa Romeo 156 Super 2000 | 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in) | 275 PS (202 kW; 271 hp) at 8,450 rpm |
Coloni S1 Alfa Romeo 156
Italian race car constructor
References
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External links
- Alfa Romeo 156 resources (International) Archived 24 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine
- Alfa Romeo 156 at the Internet Movie Cars Database