Alfa Romeo Alfetta
Alfa Romeo Alfetta | |
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Alfa Romeo GTV (916) |
The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (Type 116) is a front-engine, five-passenger
The Alfetta was noted for the rear position of its
The Alfetta name, which means "little Alfa" in Italian, derived from the nickname of the
Design and dynamics
The Alfetta introduced a new drivetrain layout to the marque. Clutch and transmission were housed at the rear of the car, together with the differential for a more balanced weight distribution, as used on the Alfetta 158/159 Grand Prix cars. The suspension relied on
The rear de Dion transaxle found on the Alfetta and derivatives- GTV, 90 and 75- provided these cars with excellent weight distribution. The handling advantages were noted in contemporary reviews.
Engines
Model | Engine | Volume | Power | Torque | Note |
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1.6 | I4 | 1,570 cc | 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) at 5,600 rpm | 142 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft) at 4,300 rpm | |
1.8 | I4 | 1,779 cc | 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 167 N⋅m (123 lb⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm | |
2.0 | I4 | 1,962 cc | 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp) at 5,300 rpm | 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | |
2.0 | I4 | 1,962 cc | 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) at 5,400 rpm | 178 N⋅m (131 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | |
2.0 Turbo | I4 | 1,962 cc | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 5,500 rpm | 231 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm | GTV 2000 Turbodelta |
2.5 V6 | V6 | 2,492 cc | 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) at 5,600 rpm | 213 N⋅m (157 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | GTV 6 |
3.0 V6 | V6 | 2,934 cc | 186 PS (137 kW; 183 hp) at 6,700 rpm | 222 N⋅m (164 lb⋅ft) at 4,300 rpm | GTV 6 3.0 South Africa homologation model |
2.5 V6 Twin Turbo | V6 | 2,492 cc | 233 PS (171 kW; 230 hp) at 5,600 rpm | 332 N⋅m (245 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm | GTV 6 Callaway |
2.6 V8 | V8 | 2,593 cc | 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) at 6,500 rpm | 270 N⋅m (199 lb⋅ft) at 4,750 rpm | GTV8, Autodelta limited edition |
2.0 Turbodiesel | I4 | 1,995 cc | 82 PS (60 kW; 81 hp) at 4,300 rpm | 162 N⋅m (119 lb⋅ft) at 2,300 rpm | saloon only |
2.4 Turbodiesel | I4 | 2,393 cc | 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) at 4,300 rpm | 196 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) at 2,300 rpm | saloon only |
Berlina
Alfa Romeo Alfetta | |
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Overview | |
Also called | Alfa Romeo 159i Alfa Romeo Sport Sedan[4] |
Production | 1972–1984 |
Designer |
|
Body and chassis | |
Class | Executive car |
Body style | 4-door saloon |
Powertrain | |
Engine | |
Transmission | 5-speed manual 3-speed ZF automatic[5] |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,510 mm (98.8 in) |
Length | 4,280–4,385 mm (168.5–172.6 in) |
Width | 1,620–1,640 mm (63.8–64.6 in) |
Height | 1,430 mm (56.3 in) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Alfa Romeo 1750 and 2000 |
Successor | Alfa Romeo 90 |
History
The Alfetta
In 1977 a 2.0-litre model was added. Launched at the March
A
In 1981
Fuel injected, US-specification versions of the Alfetta were sold as limited editions in some European countries; one example was the 1981 Alfetta LI America for the Italian market, based on the North American Sport Sedan.[16]
In November 1981 the updated "Alfetta '82" range was launched, comprising 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.0 Turbo Diesel models. All variants adopted the bodyshell and interior of the 2.0-litre models; standard equipment became richer.[17] All Alfettas had black plastic rubbing strips, side sill mouldings, tail light surround and hubcaps; the 2000 sported a satin silver grille and a simulated mahogany steering wheel rim.
July 1982 saw the introduction of the range topping Alfetta Quadrifoglio Oro (meaning Gold Cloverleaf, a trim designation already used on the Alfasud),[18] which took the place of the discontinued 2000 L. The Quadrifoglio Oro was powered by a 128 PS (94 kW; 126 hp) (DIN) version of the usual 1,962 cc engine, equipped with the SPICA mechanical fuel injection used on US-spec Alfettas; standard equipment included several digital and power-assisted accessories like a trip computer, check control panel and electrically adjustable seats.[18] Visually the Quadrifoglio Oro was distinguished by twin round headlights, concave alloy wheels, and was only available in metallic grey or brown with brown interior plastics and specific beige velour upholstery.
Version | Years | Produced |
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Alfetta | 1972–74 | 104,454 |
Alfetta ( RHD ) |
1972–78 | 2,011 |
Alfetta 1.8 | 1975–83 | 67,738 |
Alfetta 1.6 | 1975–83 | 77,103 |
Alfetta 2000 | 1976–77 | 34,733 |
Alfetta 2000 ( RHD ) |
1977 | 1,450 |
Alfetta 2000 L | 1978–80 | 60,097 |
Alfetta 2.0 | 1981–84 | 48,750 |
Alfetta 2.0 LI America | 1978–81 | 1,000 |
Alfetta 2000 Turbo Diesel | 1979–84 | 23,530 |
Alfetta Quadrifoglio Oro | 1982–84 | 19,340 |
Alfetta CEM | 1983 | 991 |
Alfetta 2.4 Turbo Diesel | 1983–84 | 7,220 |
Total | 448,417 |
In March 1983 the Alfetta received its last
In April 1984 the successor of the Alfetta debuted, the larger Alfa Romeo 90. At the end of the year the Alfetta Berlina went out of production, after nearly 450,000 had been made over a 12-year production period.
Official use
The Alfa Romeo Alfetta was used as police car by the Carabinieri[21] as well as by Polizia di Stato. It became well known throughout the world since it was Italian former Prime Minister Aldo Moro's official escort car when he was kidnapped by the Red Brigades.
Production and marketing
South African market
South African models were first assembled at the Rosslyn manufacturing plant located outside
North American market
The four-door Alfetta was sold in the United States from 1975 through 1977 under the name "Alfetta Sedan". From 1978 to 1979 a mildly restyled version, known in Italy as "Alfetta 2.0 LI America", was sold under the name "Sport Sedan".
GT
| ||
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Kerb weight 1,110 kg (2,447 lb) (GTV 2.0) | 1,210 kg (2,668 lb) (GTV 6 2.5) | |
Chronology | ||
Predecessor | Alfa Romeo 105/115 Series Coupés | |
Successor | Alfa Romeo GTV (916) |
Alfetta GT and GTV
The Alfetta saloon was the base for the Alfetta GT, a 2-door, 4-seater
In 1979, some minor revisions, including a revised engine with new camshaft profiles and a change to mechanical-and-vacuum ignition advance, saw the 2.0-litre redesignated the Alfetta GTV 2000L.
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Alfetta GTV 2.0
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Rear view of an Alfetta GT 1.6
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Alfetta GTV C-pillar logo
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Alfetta GT interior
GTV 2.0 and GTV6
In 1980, the GT received a restyling. Outside there were new one-piece tail lights, grey plastic bumpers, C-pillar vents and side skirts; all bright stainless steel save for the Alfa Romeo triangular grille was changed to matte-black trim. The 1.6-litre version was discontinued and the Alfetta GTV became known simply as Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0; the Alfetta name was dropped, but the two-litre coupé retained its type designation of 116.36 for left-hand drive and 116.37 for right-hand drive. 15-inch disc-shaped alloy wheels and Pirelli Cinturato CN36 tyres were now standard, as opposed to the earlier cars' 14-inch pressed steel or optional 14-inch alloy units.
Later in the same year, the GTV 6 2.5, a version of the GTV with the SOHC
The GTV 6 was also a fairly successful racing car; the 116 type chassis developed for racing since its first outing in the 1974 San Martino di Castrozza rallye. The racing successes included winning the European Touring Car Championship an unprecedented four years in succession (1982–85),[27] the British Touring Car Championship in 1983 driven by Andy Rouse, as well as many other racing and rallying competitions in national championships as France and Italy.[27] A Group A GTV 6 driven by French driver Yves Loubet won French Supertouring Championship in succession from 1983 to 1984, and Yves Loubet won the third position in the Tour de Corse of 1986 round of the World Rally Championship.[27]
The GTV 6 Grand-Prix was introduced in 1985 in some European markets (most notably Switzerland and Germany). It featured a body kit designed by
A GTV 6 was driven to victory by Greg Carr and Fred Gocentas in the 1987 Australian Rally Championship.
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Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0
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Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5
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Rear view of a GTV6
Version | Years | Produced |
---|---|---|
Alfetta GT (1.8) | 1974–76 | 21,947 |
Alfetta GT (1.6) | 1976–80 | 16,923 |
Alfetta GTV (2.0) | 1976–78 | 31,267 |
Alfetta GTS (1.6) | 1976–80 | |
Alfetta GTV Strada (2.0) | 1976–80 | |
Alfetta GTV 8 2.6 | 1977 | 20 |
Alfetta GTV L (2.0) | 1978–80 | 26,108 |
Alfetta GTV 2000 America | 1979–80 | |
Alfetta 2000 Turbodelta | 1979–80 | 400 |
GTV 2.0 | 1980–83 | 10,352 |
GTV 2.0 | 1983–87 | 7,296 |
GTV 2.0 Grand Prix | 1981–82 | 650 |
GTV 6 2.5 | 1980–83 | 11,468 |
GTV 6 2.5 | 1983–87 | 10,912 |
GTV 6 3.0 V6 | 1984–85 | 200 |
GTV 6 2.5 Twin Turbo | 1985–86 | 36 |
Total | 137,579 |
South African market
South African models were first assembled at the Rosslyn manufacturing plant, located outside
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The first 100 GTV6 2.5 sold in South Africa in 1982 were imported fully built-up, this is #55
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South African GTV6 3.0, this car has different bonnet than the 2.5 V6.
GTV 6 3.0
The GTV 6 3.0 was billed as the most powerful production sports car ever built by Alfa Romeo. The car was a co-operative effort by Alfa Romeo South Africa and
North American market
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The Alfetta GT received a few different types of federalized bumpers; this is the 1976 version
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The federalized GTV 6 received the tipo 116.69 model code and can be recognized by its larger bumpers
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A Callaway Twin Turbo GTV 6, showing the prominent hood scoop
The four-cylinder coupé was available from 1975 to 1977 under the moniker Alfetta GT, renamed the Sprint Veloce for the final two years of availability in 1978 and 1979. The Sprint Veloce received an engine upgrade as Alfa Romeo were coming to grips with the American emissions regulations, with power increased marginally to 111 hp (83 kW; 113 PS) at 5,000 rpm from 110 hp (82 kW; 112 PS) at 5,500 rpm. The engine was catalyzed and had a new intake manifold, based on alterations originally developed for California-market cars.[11] It was one of Road & Track's 10 Best Cars For a Changed World.[30] Finally, the V6 version was marketed from 1981 to 1986 as the GTV-6.
For the US market, two limited production GTV-6 models stand out. The GTV6 Balocco (named after the famous Alfa Romeo's Balocco test track in Italy) appeared in 1982 with a production run of only 350 cars. The Balocco was available only in red with sunroof and black interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel and red piping on the seats. There were also two green Quadrifoglio badges fixed on the rear quarter trim pieces above a badge with the "Balocco SE" designation. A plaque inset in the glove box door designated the number of the car out of the series of 350 (XXX of 350). Later there was the GTV 6 2.5 Maratona, of which only 150 were built. The Maratona model included a more aggressive aerodynamic trim package, lightweight Speedline wheels, clear engine view port, sunroof, wood steering wheel and shift knob, rear louvers and Carello fog lamps. All 150 cars were available only painted silver and with a black leather interior; and came with "Maratona" badging on the rear decklid, front fenders and glove box door. (The most notable feature of the Maratona, its aerodynamic kit, was also available as a dealer-installed option on other GTV-6 models.)
GT, GTV and GTV 6 racing versions by Autodelta
Racing versions of the Alfetta GT and GTV were built by Autodelta, initially with the naturally aspirated engines from the earlier GTAm racer based on the 105 series coupé, for homologation under FIA Group 2. There were some variations ranging from the Alfetta GT 1800 cc engines with twin-plug or even 16-valve heads up to the powerful 2-litre GTAm engine. In this form they were rallied with moderate success in 1975, winning the Elba and Costa Brava rallies overall,[33][34] as well as winning the Group 2 category in the World Rally Championship's Corsican event.
The next year Autodelta shifted its focus to circuit racing the Alfettas, which won the under 2.5-liter Group 2 division of the European Touring Car Championship, scoring a remarkable second place overall at the
At the end of the 1975 season, Autodelta also rallied an Alfetta GTV with a 3.0-litre V8 engine, derived from the 2.6-litre V8 of the Alfa Romeo Montreal coupé and sharing the same mechanical fuel injection by SPICA. This version was driven by Ballestrieri in the relatively minor Valli Piacentine Rally, but development of the V8 Alfetta as a competition machine was not pursued when the plan to produce 400 roadgoing units of this model for homologation was abandoned. Around twenty 2.6-litre V8-engined Alfetta GTVs were built by Autodelta at the request of the German Alfa importer in 1977, where they were sold for DM50,000, considerably more than the DM20,990 charged for an Alfetta GTV2000.[35]
In 1980 the Alfetta GTV Turbodelta was already homologated in FIA
Despite scoring a win at the Danube Rally, development of the Gp.4 Alfetta Turbodelta was not pursued as Carlo Chitti, Autodelta chief engineer, had more interest in SportsCars and F1. Other consideration were the introduction of the
In 1986 Alfa Romeo GTV 6 was one of the fastest Group A rally cars.[36] In 1986 production of the GTV 6 ceased and Alfa Romeo turned its Group A racing and rallying efforts to the 75/Milano saloons, which were based on the same rear transaxle chassis. However, 1986 also saw the GTV 6 post one of its finest rallying victories when Yves Loubet's example won the Group A in the tragic 1986 Tour de Corse and placed 3rd overall among the monstrously powerful four-wheel-drive Group B cars, while in 1987 Greg Carr, win the Australian rally Championship with the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV V6.
References
- ^ "Auto test—Alfa Romeo Alfetta". Autocar: 20–25. 20 April 1974.
- ^ C. R. (June 1974). "The Alfa Romeo Alfetta". Motor Sport. L (6): 576–578. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
- ^ Cars and Vehicle Magazine, May 1973
- ^ Alfa Romeo Sports Sedan, Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1978, page 74
- ^ "1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta Sport Sedan". sportscarmarket.com. Archived from the original on 16 July 2007. Retrieved 4 July 2007.
- ^ F. C. (14 January 1975). "Alfetta "millesei" col ruolo anticrisi". Stampa Sera (in Italian). p. 11. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ Villare, Renzo (25 January 1975). "L'Alfetta 1,6 come la "1800" ma più "austera" nei consumi". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 13. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ Bernabò, Ferruccio (17 March 1977). "Oggi a Ginevra si apre il Salone". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 13. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ Cinti, Fulvio (25 February 1977). "La signora Alfetta". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 21. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ Villare, Renzo (1 July 1978). "Più cavalli per l'Alfetta". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 11. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ a b "Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce & Sport Sedan", Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1979, Greenwich, CT: CBS Publications, p. 46, January–February 1979
- ^ "Automotive/Past vehicles/Alfa Romeo Alfetta". VM Motori. Archived from the original on 10 December 2012. Retrieved 4 July 2007.
- ^ a b Costa, André; Fraichard, Georges-Michel, eds. (September 1981). "Salon 1981: Toutes les Voitures du Monde". L'Auto Journal (in French) (14 & 15). Paris: Homme N°1: 88.
- ^ a b c Sabadin, Vittorio (15 April 1983). "L'Alfa riduce i consumi "staccando" i cilindri" [Alfa reduces consumption by knocking out cylinders]. La Stampa (in Italian). p. 25. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
- ^ a b Fenu, Michele (7 May 1982). "Alfa, il motore modulare per contenere i consumi". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 19. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
- ^ "America, Alfa esportazione (più ricca e più completa)". Stampa Sera (in Italian). 23 March 1981. p. 19. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
- ^ Villare, Renzo (25 November 1978). "Da oggi le nuove Alfetta". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 6. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
- ^ a b M. Fe. (9 July 1982). "Quadrifoglio Oro pure per Alfetta". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 19. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
- ^ a b Fenu, Michele (22 April 1983). "L'Alfetta adotta turbodiesel 2400". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 13. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
- ^ De Leener, Philippe (13 October 1983). "Gedetailleerde Test: Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0TD" [Detailed Test]. De AutoGids (in Dutch). 5 (106). Brussels, Belgium: Uitgeverij Auto-Magazine: 40.
- ^ "I Mezzi - Dalla fine del secondo conflitto mondiale ai nostri giorni". carabinieri.it - Arma dei Carabinieri official website. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
- ISBN 88-7212-012-8.
- ^ Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce, Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1978, page 75
- ^ Röthig, Gernot (July 1977). "Die 100 Träume des Herrn Reiff" [Mister Reiff's 100 dreams]. Auto Zeitung (in German): 61–67. Archived from the original on 28 March 2012.
- ^ "Alfa Romeo Alfetta & GTV". carsfromitaly.net. Archived from the original on 31 July 2007.
- ^ Hogsten, Dag E. (6 October 1982). "Alfa med ny spänst" [Alfa with new vitality]. Teknikens Värld (in Swedish). Vol. 34, no. 21. Stockholm, Sweden: Specialtidningsförlaget AB. p. 44.
- ^ a b c Cironi, Davide (1 February 2016). "Why The Alfa Romeo GTV6 Is Pornography For Engineers". Petrolicious. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
- ^ a b "Alfa Romeo GTV6-3,0". CAR South Africa. April 1984. Archived from the original on 15 September 2010.
- ^ Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1985, p. 38
- ^ "10 Best Cars For a Changed World", Road & Track's Road Test Annual & Buyer's Guide 1979, Greenwich, CT: CBS Publications, pp. 25, 79, January–February 1979
- ^ "An afternoon with Reeves Callaway". alfacentro.com. Archived from the original on 15 July 2007. Retrieved 4 July 2007.
- ^ Lamm, John. "A most unreluctant dragon". Road & Track. Archived from the original on 17 April 2019.
- ^ Final results Rally dell'Isola d'Elba 1975: Final results Rally dell'Isola d'Elba 1975, accessdate: 3. May 2019
- ^ Final results Rally Costa Brava 1975: Final results Rally Costa Brava 1975, accessdate: 3. May 2019
- ^ Taylor, Bruce. "Montreal GTV". The Alfa Romeo Montreal Website. Retrieved 15 December 2010. (click "Montreal GTV" in the Index)
- ^ "Alfa Romeo GTV 6 Specifications & History". rallye-info.com. Archived from the original on 12 April 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2007.