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Monday, March 28, 2011
At the 81st Geneva International Motor Show, the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept will make its debut, a compact "supercar" which represents the true essence of a sports car, according to the brand's values: performance, Italian style and technical excellence aimed at maximum driving pleasure in total safety.
The new concept presents the classic formula of the two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupé with its engine at the centre, a length of approximately 4 metres and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres: dimensions which serve both to emphasise the compact size of the car and to accentuate its agility. Distinguished by its graceful and clean external lines, the same principles are also applied to the inside, with the Concept's specific on-board design maintaining features and devices which directly reflect the car's sporting spirit.
On the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept technology and materials derived from the 8C Competizione find a home - carbon, aluminium, rear-wheel drive - and technology derived from Alfa Romeo models currently on sale: the 1750 turbo petrol engine with direct injection, the "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA dynamic control selector.
Quite simply, this vehicle screams Alfa. Its sports car soul creates a unique driving sensation, both on the road and when racing, where its velocity and transverse acceleration become even more demanding.
Born from the experience acquired through the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and 8C Spider models, the new concept car shares its rear-wheel drive with the exclusive supercars as well as its philosophy based on achieving maximum driving pleasure and the proverbial Alfa Romeo road handling. This is an objective which the 8C Competizione and the 8C Spider pursue mainly through their increased power, while the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept follows the route of limited weight, made possible by extensive use of carbon, which also plays a structural role and guarantees exceptional agility with a weight/power ratio which is lower than 4 kg/HP. The chassis supports a body crafted completely from carbon, inside which there is space for the driver and passenger, while the rear frame structure and the crash boxes use aluminium extensively. The final result is a significant reduction in weight, limited to less than 850 kg, as well as the optimisation of the vehicle's centre of gravity, which gives the advantage of increased agility and drivability on the most challenging roads.
The name "4C Concept" is suggestive of the sports driving pleasure which only the spectacular "4 cylinder" 1750 Turbo Petrol engine which offers over 200 HP can bring. Already featured on a number of models in production, for example the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde, the engine boasts cutting-edge technical solutions such as direct injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, turbocharger and the revolutionary scavenging control system which eliminates turbo lag.
Located centrally in the rear of the vehicle, the engine in the Alfa Romeo 4C Concept ensures performance which matches or exceeds that of a 3 litre engine whilst still delivering the moderate fuel consumption which is typical of a compact, 4 cylinder engine. Coupled with the new automatic "Alfa TCT" twin dry clutch transmission, launched only a few months ago on the MiTo and which will soon be available on the Giulietta, the powerful 1750 Turbo petrol engine allows the 4C Concept to reach a top speed of over 250 km/h and to accelerate from 0 to 100km in under 5 seconds. The vehicle integrates its Alfa DNA technology perfectly, a true philosophy which brings together all of the on-board technology, making it enjoyable and customisable for the driver and further accentuating the "competitive" nature of the Concept compared to other vehicles currently on sale.
The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept has an extremely sophisticated suspension layout (high quadrilateral at the front, MacPherson at the rear) to ensure maximum agility and road handling. This solution, along with the rear-wheel drive and the extraordinary weight/power ratio, ensures Alfa Romeo driving pleasure, enhanced even further by the weight distribution (40% on the front axle and 60% on the rear axle). The Concept takes up the Brand's sporting tradition, taking us back to its origins, when agility and the weight/power ratio were the keys to a successful racing vehicle, and combining these aspects with the Alfa Romeos which take to the road every day.
This car is not simply an exercise in style created for the Motor Show; it will be on sale in 2012 and is set to reinforce Alfa Romeo's global growth.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Alfa Romeo in collaboration with stylish goods brand Italy Independent has release a special Alfa Romeo Brera model, the Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent Special Edition.
The Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent comes with a 18-inch matt black alloy wheels with a turbine design, an aluminium fuel cap, and red brake callipers help distinguish it from normal stock. The interior features a sports steering wheel covered in black leather with red stitching, aluminium pedals and footrest, as well as the optional Poltrona Frau leather upholstery in black with red stitching. Buyers can either specify the 2.2 JTS or the 3.2 V6 with 138kW (185bhp) and 194kW (260bhp) respectively. Drive selectors will either be a 6-speed manual or the Selespeed automatic Q-Tronic.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
As part of the company’s centenary year, Alfa Romeo teamed up with young British fashion designers to present two concept designer bags for the MiTo model. These specially commissioned bags are chosen from 15 sketches submitted by students from the prestigious MA Fashion course at Central Saint Martins College.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
A famous Italian automobile engineer Giuseppe Merosi who worked for Alfa Romeo (then named A.L.F.A.) in the beginning of the previous century, the prototype presented by Marco Procaccini from MPcardesign is a four-seater sports coupe designed to feature a much missed by Alfa Romeo fans, rear-wheel drive layout.
The styling of the Giuseppe Merosi has a similar feel to Marco's previous work, the Vittorio Jano, combining hard edges with curved surfaces and a pronounced Alfa Romeo grille. According to the designer, the car would measure around 4,300mm in length, 1,810mm in width and 1,320mm in height.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
INTRODUCTION:TZ3 Corsa is based on a mono shell carbon fibre tubular chassis, coupled with a tubular frame and a lightweight aluminium body. It boasts Technical Partners such as OMP and Pirelli.
HIGHLIGHTS:The TZ3 Corsa is not a design exercise. It does not take inspiration only from the 90 year collaboration between the two brands, neither only from the Milanese conjunction between Alfa Romeo and Zagato. The TZ3 Corsa is a race car, honouring 100 years of races and victories across the whole 20th century.
SPECIFICATIONS:
* The engine used for the TZ3 Corsa is an earlier version of the quad-cam V8 found in Alfa Romeo's 8C Competizione. Originally used in the Maserati GT and Spyder models, the engine displaces just over 4.2 litre. In the current trim, the all-alloy V8 is good for a hefty 420 bhp. This power is transferred to the rear wheels through a sequential six-speed gearbox. Pirelli has provided custom slick tires to fit the 18 inch wheels.
* The lightweight mechanical package is clothed in a carefully crafted aluminium body. The design has clearly been inspired by the TZ with its low profile, long nose and cut-off tail. The paint used for the car is identical to the red found on the original. Also typically TZ is the blacked out tail section. To honour Alfa Romeo the car sports big stickers with company's badge on the sides and nose as well as Autodelta badges on the A-panels.
DESIGN:Even the grandiose Quadrifoglio Verde was placed on the bodies of Zagatos of the Alfa Corse team numerous times. Among the most glorious moments is the victory of the Formula 1 championship of Juan Manuel Fangio, aboard his Alfa Romeo 159 bodied by Zagato, as well as the victorious Alfa Romeo 3000 CM bodied in 3 samples by Zagato.
CONCLUSION:The Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa was officially unveiled at the 2010 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. A day later, during the Concorso d'Eleganza at the nearby Villa Erba, it received the 'Design Award' for the best concept car or prototype picked by public referendum
Available following the launch of the 105 and 135 hp MultiAir engines, the world premiere of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi takes place in Frankfurt. The exclusive trim brings back a legendary symbol that over the years has appeared on some of Alfa Romeo’s sportiest cars. Having always been synonymous with heritage, racing and victory, the “Quadrifoglio Verde” (four-leaf clover) now represents a new kind of sportiness that combines maximum driving pleasure with improved environmental qualities.
Bearing the Quadrifoglio Verde is this MiTo with the most powerful 170 hp MultiAir engine and innovative solutions that accentuate the existing qualities of the model: hold, agility, active safety and driveability are heightened by an engine with one of the highest specific power values in the world and a chassis with features hitherto unthinkable for a car in this class.
This engine’s best feature is its outstanding weight/power ratio, which has always been one of the key factors behind Alfa Romeo’s success on the road and the racetrack. The class-leading ratio of 6.7 kg/hp is almost 10 per cent better than the already excellent performance of the current 155 hp 1.4 TBi. At 124 hp/litre, this engine is also one of the world leaders in specific power. In fact, this is the highest value ever recorded for an Alfa car, affirming the excellent engineering heritage of the Alfa MiTo.
This is a particularly important value because it proves the effectiveness of downsizing, aimed at producing high-tech engines to get better performance allied with sharp reductions in fuel consumption and emissions. Indeed, it is this latter area which provides the most surprising evidence of the technical level achieved: 4.8 l/100 km and 139 g/km of CO2 (in the extra-urban cycle) are closer to what you would expect from an economy car than a compact sports car that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds.
On the back of these exceptional power qualities and the unbeatable performance/consumption ratio, Alfa Romeo decided to give a sporty and technological feel to this Quadrifoglio Verde version with high-quality finishes, attention to detail and a raft of features. One example is the 17" satin titanium-finished wheels (based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione supercar). The same colour is used for the headlight frames and the wing mirrors, while the dark finish of the headlight parabolas is achieved by a brand new metal sublimation technology. The interior also has a refined sporty feel thanks to the all-black environment that ensures no reflections or distractions while driving. The technological aspect of this car is further enhanced by the sporty fabric used to upholster the seats, the modern dashboard and the white lighting on the instrument panel.
It should also be stressed that Alfa Romeo has developed an innovative chassis upgrade to further emphasise the dynamic qualities of the MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde.
Bearing Mito Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Verde is the most powerful car engine 170 hp MultiAir innovative solutions and maintaining the quality of the model are: endurance, agility, active safety and driveability are reinforced by a machine with one of the highest specific power values in the world and chassis with features that until now unthinkable for cars in this class.
This machine’s best feature is the extraordinary weight / power ratio, which has always been one of the key factors behind the success of Alfa Romeo on road and racetrack. Class-leading ratio of 6.7 kg / hp almost 10 percent better than the already good performance of the current 155 hp 1.4 TBI. At 124 hp / liter, this engine is also one of the world leaders in a particular power. In fact, this is the highest value ever recorded for the Alfa, affirmed heritage very good technique Alfa Romeo Mito.
This is a very important value because it proves the effectiveness of downsizing, which aimed to produce high-tech machines to get better performance allied to a sharp reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. Indeed, this latter area provides the most startling evidence of the technical level achieved: 4.8 l/100 km and 139 g / km of CO2 (in the extra-urban cycle) is closer to what you’d expect from the economy car than a compact sports car that moves from 0 to 100 km / h in just 7 seconds.
Force behind this extraordinary quality and unbeatable performance / consumption ratio, Alfa Romeo decided to give a sporty feel and technology into the Mito Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Verde high-quality finish, attention to detail and features a raft. One example is the 17 “titanium satin-finished wheels (based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione supercar.) The same color is used for lamps and mirror frames, while the dark finish of the parabolic light is achieved by a new brand of metal sublimation technology. This section also has a sporty soft felt thanks to all the black neighborhood to make sure there are no reflections or distractions while driving. aspects of car technology is further enhanced by the sporty fabric used to upholster a chair, modern dashboard and white lighting on the instrument panel.
Also must be stressed that Alfa Romeo has developed an innovative chassis upgrades to further emphasize the dynamic quality of Mito Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Verde.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Originally unveiled as a concept car in 2004, Alfa have confirmed that the model will go into production in 2007 as a limited edition model, although that has yet to be confirmed.The planned debut of the production version is for the Paris show in late September so keep your eyes peeled and remember to check back for full production details shortly.
Designed with the intention of giving the venerable Italian performance car company a sports car designed to compete with Ferrari and Lamborghini, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is an impressive feat of automotive engineering, while also maintaining the classic Alfa looks and performance.
Under its hood is a 90-degree, cross-plane 4.7-liter V8 assembled by Ferrari that features wet sump lubrication and has 444 horsepower from the factory, and runs 0-60 in only 4.2 seconds. With styling harkening back to the days of the Alfa Romeo Duetto convertible, right down to the triangular grille, the 8C is a gorgeous car, worthy of all the design awards and acclaim it has received. Only 500 8C Competizione coupes were ever built, but what’s even rarer is the one police version available in Need for Speed Hot Pursuit.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Alfa Romeo claims that the 8C Spider's top speed is 290 kilometres per hour (180 mph), which makes it slightly slower than the coupe version. The brakes on the Spider are carbon-ceramic units. The 8C Spider has a two-layer electrically operated. The windshield frame is made of carbon fiber to try to maintain a 50/50 weight distribution. The first American-market 8C spider was seen in November 2008, wearing "001 USA" registration plates.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Alfa Romeo Giulietta Brochure
Alfa Romeo has just announced the 2010 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Brochure, formerly known as Milano (or maybe 149).The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Brochure has brand–new architecture, designed to meet the expectations of the most demanding customers in terms of road holding, agility and safety.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Brochur guarantees top level performance and next–generation technology in terms of technical solutions, performance and environmental friendliness. Four Turbo engines will be available at launch, all Euro 5 compliant and fitted with a standard ‘Start&Stop’ system for reducing consumption and emissions: two petrol engines (1.4TB – 120 HP and 1.4TB MultiAir – 170 HP) and two diesel engines (1.6 JTDM – 105 HP and 2.0 JTDM – 170 HP, both belonging to the second generation of JTDM engines).
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Mito car is a small front wheel drive two door hatchback car. It comprises four coil springs front struts and a rear twist beam axle. while the steering is conventional rack and opinion, albeit with gas saving electrohydraulic assist.Having 4 wheel ABS disc brakes, 16 inch wheels, and an antiskid system with traction control, the last unusual among mini cars.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Derived from Giorgetto Giugiaro's multiple award-winning Alfa Romeo Brera design, the new Alfa Romeo Spider was developed by Pininfarina in collaboration with Alfa Romeo Centro Stile. Winner of the Cabrio of the Year award at the 2006 Geneva Motorshow, the new Alfa Romeo Spider combines superlative engineering with outstanding performance and handling characteristics appropriate to the pedigree of one of the world's most famous sporting marques. Four versions of the new Alfa Romeo Spider UK Version, priced from £25,995 on-the-road, are available from launch, with a choice of two petrol powerplants: a 2.2 litre 185 bhp 4-cylinder unit, and a 3.2 litre 260 bhp V6; together with Alfa Romeo's widely acclaimed 2.4 litre 20v 200 bhp MultiJet (JTDM) turbodiesel. The 2.2 JTS powerplant is mated to an M32.6 6-speed manual gearbox, whilst 3.2 JTS and 2.4 JTDM engines are equipped with the F40 6-speed manual transmission. Completing the launch range, the 3.2 JTS V6 unit may be ordered with Alfa Romeo's QTRONIC 6-speed automatic transmission, featuring a manual sequential-shift override facility, and optional gearshift 'paddles'. With specific power outputs of over 80 bhp/litre, and almost 90% of maximum torque available at just 2000 rpm, both the advanced JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) petrol units feature direct injection and continuously variable valve timing governing both inlet and exhaust camshafts. They offer outstanding performance, yet provide significant fuel savings and readily comply with stringent Euro Stage 4 exhaust emission limits. Continuing the company's on-going pre-eminence in the field of diesel engines, the latest example of Alfa Romeo's renowned JTD MultiJet (JTDM) common rail direct injection diesel engine technology joins the UK range. This version's 2.4 litre 20-valve 200 bhp 5-cylinder powerplant, features variable geometry turbocharging and incorporates a 'for life', maintenance-free particulate trap (DPF) in anticipation of Euro 5 emissions regulations. The 3.2 JTS Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped, as standard, with Alfa Romeo's Q4 permanent four-wheel drive system. Q4 employs three differentials, with a self-locking Torsen C unit at the centre of the system which divides drive torque by a ratio of 57% to the rear wheels and 43% to the front. Torque split between front and rear axles is constantly modulated by the central Torsen differential on the basis of available grip, with a bias towards the rear axle promoting handling characteristics appropriate to a sporting Alfa Romeo. Sharing platform and components with the Alfa Brera, on an identical 2528 mm wheelbase, the suspension of the new Alfa Romeo Spider combines a proven high double wishbone system at the front, with a sophisticated multilink rear configuration. The combination promotes smooth, accurate steering response, exceptional stability and controllability - even when close to adhesion limits - and first class body control allied to remarkable comfort over all road surface conditions. The 2.2 JTS Alfa Romeo Spider's braking system comprises powerful, 305 mm ventilated front discs and 278 mm solid discs at the rear. Versions powered by the 3.2 JTS petrol and 2.4 JTDM turbodiesel engines feature larger, 330 mm ventilated discs and Brembo four piston monobloc aluminium callipers at the front, with 292 mm ventilated discs at the rear. The Alfa Romeo Spider offers direct, lively and responsive speed-sensitive power assisted steering, with a rack requiring just 2.25 turns lock-to-lock; the most direct steering in its class. The turning circle is just 10.7 m between kerbs. Both passive and active safety features are comprehensively represented in the new Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition to up to six airbags, five of which are fitted as standard, seatbelt pre-tensioners and a fully integrated Fire Prevention System, the new car comes with a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art electronic braking, traction control and stability systems fitted as standard. ABS anti-lock braking is combined with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution over all four wheels, and a sophisticated, switchable Vehicle Dynamic Control unit enhances cornering stability. VDC is further augmented by ASR to limit wheelspin during acceleration, MSR to modulate braking torque when changing down through the gears, and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts. The Alfa Romeo Spider is fitted with a fully automatic, double-layer fabric roof which may be retracted via a single dashboard mounted control switch in less than 25 seconds. A separate dedicated roof storage compartment ensures that the Alfa Romeo Spider's generous stowage capacity is not compromised. The luggage compartment offers a 200 litre capacity - 36% more than the previous Alfa Romeo Spider - even with the roof folded away. The storage compartment is concealed beneath a flush-fitting body panel incorporating aerodynamic blisters which adopt the profile of individual, driver and passenger roll-over bars. A transparent wind break installed between the roll-over bars significantly reduces air turbulence within the passenger compartment during high speed driving. As with all Alfa Romeo models, driver orientated ergonomics, superior passenger comfort and lavish standard equipment levels are fundamental to the interior design of the new convertible. The Alfa Romeo Spider offers one, extremely generous standard equipment specification across the model range, including many features only available as expensive options on rival models, including automatic Dual Zone climate control, cruise control, 'Follow-Me-Home' headlights, rear parking sensors, a multi-function display and trip computer, fog lights, 17" spoked alloy wheels and an RDS 6-speaker stereo radio with CD player. A leather interior is standard on 3.2 V6 versions. Optional equipment includes xenon headlights, satellite navigation, electrically adjustable front seats, a Bose® sound system, Blue&Me™ hands-free mobile phone connectivity and 18" alloy wheels.
The Spider or convertible has an important place in Alfa Romeo tradition (starting with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider in the 1950s and going on to the Duetto and the Spider launched in the 1990s), because it has always embodied the 'free emotive' expression of the car. And the new model reiterates the same theme, a natural evolution of the convertibles created by Alfa Romeo in its long history, cars that have always produced strong emotions, guaranteeing extremely entertaining driving and combining superb styling with the performance of powerful, elastic engines. And the new Alfa Romeo Spider is no exception: it has the same 'essentially simple' character of a true sports car, combined with the technological superiority of the 'new Alfa breed.
The Alfa Romeo range line-up is completed by two cars with powerful sporting personalities equipped with lively four and six cylinder engines: the Alfa Romeo Spider and the Alfa Romeo GTV.
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a roadster produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1966 to 1993 (190 Spiders were badged as 1994 Commemorative Editions for the North American market). Widely regarded as a design classic, it remained in production for almost three decades with only minor aesthetic and mechanical changes.
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a roadster produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1966 to 1993 (190 Spiders were badged as 1994 Commemorative Editions for the North American market). Widely regarded as a design classic, it remained in production for almost three decades with only minor aesthetic and mechanical changes. Based on an Giulia 105 series chassis, the Alfa Romeo Spider was launched in 1966. Unnamed at launch, the name "Duetto" was chosen in a write-in competition in Italy. The Italian firm of Pininfarina was responsible for the design of the body, as well as being involved in the manufacture of the vehicle's monocoque construction (designed with the relatively new principles of crumple zones incorporated into the front and rear). The engine was a 1570cc variant of the Alfa Romeo twin camshaft four cylinder engine, and produced 109 hp. Sparsely fitted inside but including five speed transmission, disc brakes and independent front suspension, the price on launch in Italy was 2,195,000 lire.
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a roadster produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1966 to 1993 (190 Spiders were badged as 1994 Commemorative Editions for the North American market). Widely regarded as a design classic, it remained in production for almost three decades with only minor aesthetic and mechanical changes. Based on an Giulia 105 series chassis, the Alfa Romeo Spider was launched in 1966. Unnamed at launch, the name "Duetto" was chosen in a write-in competition in Italy. The Italian firm of Pininfarina was responsible for the design of the body, as well as being involved in the manufacture of the vehicle's monocoque construction (designed with the relatively new principles of crumple zones incorporated into the front and rear). The engine was a 1570cc variant of the Alfa Romeo twin camshaft four cylinder engine, and produced 109 hp. Sparsely fitted inside but including five speed transmission, disc brakes and independent front suspension, the price on launch in Italy was 2,195,000 lire. The original Alfa Romeo Spider was only in production for a year, replaced in 1967 by the 1750 Spider Veloce, powered by a 118 hp 1779cc engine. In Europe this was fitted with two twin carburettors, whereas models for the North American market had Spica mechanical fuel injection. Modifications were also made to the suspension, brakes, electrics and wheels and tyres though the car looked effectively the same. Visible differences were limited to the rear-view mirror repositioned to the door, and different badging on the tail. During the production run, the front repeater lights were moved ahead of the wheelarches. The car's official title was 1750 Spider Veloce, the name Duetto being dropped from this point on. A new Alfa Romeo Spider 1300 Junior, with a 1290cc engine producing 89 hp, was introduced in 1968. This lacked various features of the 1750, including the plastic headlight fairings, the brake servo, hubcaps and opening quarterlight. In 1970 the first significant change to the exterior styling was introduced on the 1750 Spider Veloce, with the original's distinctive elongated round tail changed to a more conventional cut-off tail, called the Kamm tail, which arguably made the car look more modern, as well as improving the luggage space. Numerous other small changes took place both inside and out, such as a slightly different grille, new doorhandles, a more raked windscreen, top-hinged pedals and improved interior trim. 1971 saw the Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce get a new, larger powerplant - a 1962cc, 132 hp unit - and consequently the name was changed from 1750 Spider Veloce to 2000 Spider Veloce. The 1600 Spider restarted production a year later as the Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 Junior, and was visually identical to the 1300. The 1300 and 2000 cars were modified in 1974 and 1975 respectively to include two small seats behind the front seats, becoming a "two plus two" four seater. The 1300 model was discontinued in 1977. The Alfa Romeo Spider underwent a major revamp in 1983 which saw the introduction of black rubber front and rear bumpers. The front bumper incorporated the grille and a small spoiler was added to the trunk lid. The change altered the exterior appearance of the car considerably and was not universally praised by enthusiasts. Various other minor mechanical and aesthetic modifications were also made, and the 1600 car dropped the "Junior" name. The Quadrifoglio Verde (Green Cloverleaf) model was introduced in 1986, with many aesthetic tweaks, including sideskirts, mirrors, new front and rear spoilers, and optional removable hardtop. It was otherwise mechanically identical to the standard Spider Veloce model (which many Alfa enthusiasts felt was better looking than the QV with all its external styling geegaws), with a 1962 cc double overhead cam, four-cylinder engine (twin two-barrel carburetors in Europe, electronic fuel injection in North America) and five-speed manual transmission. The interiors were also similar, with a high level of luxury available, including multi-speaker sound systems, electric window lifts and mirrors, air conditioning, alloy wheels, and leather seats. For the North American market a model dubbed the Graduate was added in tribute to the car's famous appearance in the 1967 film, The Graduate, starring Dustin Hoffman. The Graduate was intended as a less expensive "entry-level" Alfa. Thus, while it had the same engine and transmission as the QV and SV, it lacked the handsome alloy wheels and luxury options of the other two models. The Graduate model had manual windows, basic vinyl seats, a vinyl top, and steel wheels as standard. It first appeared in 1985 in North America and continued until 1990. The final major change to the Alfa Romeo Spider came in 1990. The primary mechnical change was that the European model was given the North American's Bosch electronic fuel injection. Externally, the Spider lost its front under-bumper spoiler and the rear trunk-lid spoiler and picked up Alfa Romeo 164-style rear lights stetching across the width of the car as well as plastic bumpers the same color as the car. There is debate among the marque's enthusiasts as to whether this last set of styling changes improved or detracted from the car's classic looks. In North America, these changes didn't appear until the 1991 model year. Power steering and a driver-side airbag also appeared as standard for North American Spiders. Production of the original Alfa Romeo Spider ended in 1993. An all-new Alfa Romeo Spider arrived one year later. A limited edition Alfa Romeo Spider Commemorative Edition was produced for the North American market in 1993 and was badged as a 1994 model. Each of the 190 Spider CEs imported to the United States had a small plaque affixed to the dashboard that identified which of the 190 cars it was. The CEs differed from previous Spiders in that they had a special badge on the nose, a "CE" script badge below the "Spider Veloce" badge on the tail, unique gold center caps on the "phonedial" 15" wheels, and burled wood interior trim. Each model came with a leather portfolio, numbered keychain, and documentation. The cars followed the VIN sequence 008276 to 008460, although there does not appear to be any systematic order numbering. It appears that all of the 1994 Spider Commemorative Editions were produced in May 1993
The Alfa Romeo SZ (ES-30 or Experimental Sportscar 3.0 litre) was a high performance limited production sports car/road-concept car built between 1989 and 1991 with partnership via Centro Stile Zagato, Centro Stile Alfa Romeo and Centro Stile Fiat. Robert Opron of the Fiat design studio was responsible for the initial sketches while Antonio Castellana was largely responsible for the final styling details and interior. Only the 'Z' logo of Zagato was kept.
Alfa Romeo RM was produced between 1923-1925, it was based on RL model. Car was introduced first time in 1923 Paris Motor Show and total production was around 500 cars. RM had 2.0 L straight-4 engine, which produced between 40 bhp (30 kW) to 48 bhp (36 kW). As most of Alfa Romeo cars this was also used in racing purpose. Three versions was made: Normal, Sport and Unificato. Sport had raised compression ratio and Unificato had longer wheelbase and slightly bigger engine. RM top speed was around 90 km/h (56 mph).
The Alfa Romeo RL was produced between 1922-1927. It was Alfa's first sport model after World War I. The car was designed in 1921 by Giuseppe Merosi. It had a straight-6 engine with overhead valves. Three different versions were made: Normale, Turismo and Sport. The RLTF (Targa Florio) was the race version of RL - it weighed half of normal versions, the engine had seven main bearings instead of four and double carburetors.
Alfa Romeo Nuvola Concept not only oozes style, it also conveys a whole different approach to car construction. In fact the car is based on a load-bearing, mechanised chassis, as in the early days of car manufacture. This architecture allows different bodies to be built onto the same base in order to offer a wide-ranging response to users, who are increasingly attracted by niche models. The first styling idea has come from the Alfa Romeo Style Centre which proposes a car certain to stir the emotions. This is an extreme version of a coupé with two bucket seats, which is svelte and aggressive. The car measures 4286 mm in length and 1859 in width. The wheelbase is 2600 mm while the track is 1577 mm at the front and 1602 mm at the rear. The smooth body lines suggest tautly muscled, thoroughbred wings and side panels. Overall, the Alfa Romeo Nuvola Concept displays a few pleasing retro touches (reminiscent of the 8c 2900, the 6c 2500 "Villa d'Este", the Giulietta Sprint Speciale and the 1900 Sprint) set against the backdrop of extremely up-to-date styling, honed to a perfect finish. The slender, horizontal tail-lights, for example, adopt state-of-the-art light-emitting diode technology. Big Michelin 235/40 ZR tyres are fitted on 18 inch wheels with a tread motif designed exclusively for Alfa Romeo. The bumpers are incorporated in the body (where they seem to vanish altogether) for a clutter-free line. The true appeal of this prototype lies in its return to the principle of a load-bearing chassis complete with mechanicals. Alfa Romeo could homologate its chassis in the future and make it available to body shops as a base for different bodies. These true custom-built or limited series cars satisfy the increasing demand for vehicle personalisation demonstrated by the success of niche models such as coupés, spiders, cabriolets, station wagons and MPVs. This configuration can be used as a foundation for a host of different shapes (coupés, 2+2 coupés, sport wagons, cabriolets, spiders and speedsters) and different materials can also be employed. Resulting vehicles would be easy to homologate because the chassis and mechanicals have already been guaranteed by the Manufacturer itself (in the past, homologation problems brought about the demise of the custom-built car market). Any interesting models deemed to be in keeping with the Alfa Romeo spirit could end up bearing an Alfa badge and be marketed through the sales network. A return to the past naturally does not mean a return to the classic chassis with rails and crossmembers. It means a return to the layout used on the very first cars but re-interpreted to allow for new technologies. The extremely sporty body proposed by Alfa Romeo Style Centredesigners conceals a computer-designed grid-shaped spaceframe chassis built by welding together high strength steel sections. The solution ensures great lightness, high torsional rigidity, excellent driving comfort and maximum protection for occupants in case of impact. This type of structure may be built using simple, inexpensive technologies such as spot welding and also lends itself to easy modification with little investment. The Alfa Romeo Nuvola Concept is more than a mere concept car or styling exercise. It is an engineering model that can be used to examine the possibility of offering a quick, inexpensive response to changing market needs for new niche and off-road vehicles. It is the ideal forerunner of a new generation of limited series sports cars, which could differ greatly from one another. It is no mere chance that the model has been designed using the working and engineering methods employed when developing standard-production models.
