Dawn of the new millennium
Passion
The Alfa 147’s successes
8 November 2000: the Alfa 147 is awarded the 2000 “Golden Steering Wheel”, the most prestigious prize in Germany for the compact car category. The competition, organized by the magazine “Bild am Sonntag”, has been running now for 25 years. In 1995 the prize went to the Alfa Romeo GTV.
Alfa 147 becomes Car of the Year 2001. The prize was awarded by an international jury composed of 56 specialist journalists representing 21 European countries.
Alfa Romeo celebrates 90 years
2000: Alfa Romeo celebrates its 90 year history with a series of spectacular events. Beginning with the touring Cuore Sportivo exhibition. The Sustaining Beauty exhibition premièred in Dublin, before moving on to Warsaw and Vienna.
Then there was the London-Sidney Marathon 2000, for cars produced before 1970, where the Portello Scuderia participated with a Giulia Ti Super from 1967. The competition, over a distance of 18 thousand kilometers, set off from London and finished in Sidney, Australia. The XXI Alfa Romeo International Vintage Car Rally, organized by RIAR – La Sicilia and the Targa Florio, with a parade of 50 Alfa Romeos, all built before 1965, passing through several Sicilian cities.
The legend of the GTA is born again
In September 2001 two cars are launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show with exhilarating performance: the Alfa 156 GTA and the Sportwagon GTA. Stylistically it was decided not to completely revolutionize the basic saloon and station wagon styles, but rather to give the model an even more sporty feel. The real innovation in these cars lies in their technical content: the new GTAs mount a brand new 3.2 liter engine, giving a power output of 250 bhp at 6400 rpm and a peak torque of 30 kgm at 5000 rpm.
The Alfa 156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA have been on sale since February 2002. The sporting legend is alive and well.
January 2003. Beauty is not enough.
“Beauty is not enough” is the underlying concept of Alfa Romeo’s new advertising strategy, and expresses the importance of substance over form. Alfa Romeo is synonymous with style and elegance, but also for technological innovation and unparalleled driving pleasure.
March 2003, Autodelta forty years on.
Auto-Delta was founded on 5 March 1963 to prepare Alfa cars for international championships. In those years, with the Giulia TZ, Alfa Romeo claimed victories in all sporting competitions. Now, forty years on, Autodelta has rediscovered its role with the victorious European Touring Car Championship team, driving the Alfa 156 GTA, with Gabriele Tarquini winning the FIA ETCC Drivers Title 2003 on 21 October 2003.
March 2003. The Kamal at the Geneva International Motor Show.
A project influencing the future. The Alfa Romeo Style Center created the Concept Car Kamal in 2002: 435 cm long, 186 cm wide and 162 cm high. Unique in its kind, it has the brand’s traditional compactness, ensuring maneuverability and balance, but also versatility and greater sportiness than you would find in a normal of-road vehicle, combining driving pleasure with the comfort of a saloon.
September 2003. ‘8C Competizione’ at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The new Alfa Romeo Concept Car is called the “8C Competizione”. The initials ‘8C’ represent the initials used in the Thirties and Forties on those cars fitted with the famous “8 cylinder” engine created by the designer Vittorio Jano. “Competizione”, on the other hand, is a tribute to the 6C 2500 Competizione, a sporting saloon driven in 1950 by the legendary duo Fangio-Zanardi in the famous Mille Miglia race.
With attractive, original styling for this “2-seater”, constructed mostly in carbon-fiber, and with generous proportions: it is 1,900 mm wide, 4,278 mm long and 1,250 mm high, with a wheel base of 2,595 mm. The large tires (245/40– R20 at the front R20 and 275/35 – R20 at the rear) and powerful “muscles” of the rear fenders accentuate the impression of great personality.
March 2004. Crosswagon and 156 Autodelta at the Geneva International Motor Show.
Alfa Romeo is at the 74th Geneva Motor Show with a stand full of new features. Making its world première is the Alfa Crosswagon, the very latest offering from Alfa Romeo that takes pride of place and marks Alfa’s return to four-wheel drive cars. And there is talk of ‘cuore sportivo’, well-deserved by the brand-new prototype of the Alfa 156, derived directly from the race version in which Gabriele Tarquini won the 2003 ETCC Drivers Title; it mounts a 3.5-liter, V6 engine, with a lightened body thanks to the fiber hood.
The Cars
Alfa Sportwagon
The sports wagon, Alfa Romeo style. The station-wagon version of the Alfa 156 is launched in 2000: the Alfa Sportwagon. It takes its technical content and engines from the 156: four petrol engines, and two turbodiesel JTD. The 2.0 Twin Spark is also available with Selespeed sequential transmission, with controls on the steering wheel, plus the completely automatic City function, for driving in city traffic. The 2.5 V6 24v offers the 6-speed version, or there is the Q System, allowing the driver to choose between automatic and manual at any time. The dual wishbone suspension at the front and Mc Pherson at the rear ensure the tires have the best possible grip, improve grip even in the most difficult conditions and make the steering more precise and sensitive. As an optional extra the car offers rear Nivomat suspension, capable of compensating in real time for any trim variations caused by a load. The latest generation ABS system with integrated EDB ensures the best distribution of the braking force over all four wheels. The car also offers great stability at all speeds, with precision and smoothness when taking bends. It combines a sheer sporty feel with the freedom and versatility of an estate.
Alfa 147, 3-door
The compact saloon for the future. Launched at the 2000 Turin International Motor Show. 4.17 meters long and 1.72 meters wide, the Alfa 147 is a beautiful, assured car, with performance, safety systems, equipment and comfort you would expect to find in models from much higher categories. For anyone looking for a compact, sporty car that is as much fun to drive and as comfortable to travel in as the cars that have ensured the success of the brand’s latest generation of models.
The stylistic set-up makes many subtle references to stylistic features typical of Alfa Romeo’s most recent models. Alongside hints of tradition, such as the V on the bonnet, which tapers under the lights, evoking the classic 6C 2500 Villa d’Este of 1949, and the triptych created by the arrangement of the two separate air inlets and the shield. It has four engines, and the mechanical content more than matches the car’s engine and sporting personality. The Alfa 147 is the only car in its segment to mount high dual wishbone front suspension. Derived from Formula 1, this increases the stability of the front-wheel drive by anticipating the axle angle on bends to ensure the very best roadholding. There is McPherson independent wheel suspension at the rear, with lateral levers and reaction rods, and stabilizing bar mounted on spherical joints.
The Alfa 147 also offers unmatched safety features, both active and passive. In addition to a powerful and modulated braking system, the car boasts not only ABS, but also a range of sophisticated electronic devices such as the system for distributing breaking force between the front and rear wheels (EBD), the system for limiting skidding when accelerating (ASR), the system for regulating torque when moving down the gears (MSR), and the dynamic stability control on bends (VDC). Lastly, the Alfa 147 can be fitted with the CONNECT on-board information-IT system, which is a complete telematic instrumentation system, including telephone, navigator, voice commands and a color TFT screen.
Alfa 147, 5-door
The same character, the same style but with two extra doors. The Alfa 147 range is completed in 2001 with the 5-door version. This version offers greater versatility and ease of access, but still retains the personality and style of the 3-door.
Stylistically the five-door adopts a solution that becomes an exclusive style feature: the black rear door handle is flush with the frame of the window. This stratagem means that the visual focal point remains the front handle, thus conjuring up an image of a sporting coupé. The version is available with CONNECT, a sophisticated on-board IT system, available in 2 levels which include an RDS radio-CD player, GSM dual band ‘hands free’ telephone, GPS and a CONNECT key, which is the gateway to a host of services enabling the driver to get in touch with the Contact Center and receive help or information.
The GTAs
“Pure sportiness is reborn and is evolving”. The essence of evolved sportiness, the GTA (Gran Turismo Aleggerita) returns in 2002, in the 147, 156 and 156 Sportwagon. The strong, muscular forms and aggressive style of the bodywork convey all the character of a sporting thoroughbred, while retaining the character of the basic versions. The thrilling performance provided by a 250 bhp engine, roadholding that keeps the car glued to the road and an improved braking system all increase driving pleasure with a strong element of safety. The GTA has special style details, top-quality equipment, and exclusive colors and forms. From the 156 wagon and saloon, to the compact 147, the GTA models offer a range of cars that meet different needs for power and character. For those who want sportiness without making sacrifices.
Alfa CROSSWAGON
Making its world première at the 74th Geneva Motor Show, the new Alfa Crosswagon marks Alfa Romeo’s return to four-wheel drive cars. Alfa Romeo thus joins this particular segment with the goal of getting away from current interpretations of “multi-purpose” cars. Designed by the Arese Style Center, the model offers unmistakable Alfa styling with a distinct “crossover” quality, in that it combines the off-road performance of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) with the driving pleasure and handling of a compact Alfa Romeo. The strong point on the new Alfa Crosswagon is its innovative permanent 4-wheel drive system, a system designed to offer the highest possible performance even in critical situations.
The heart of the project is the Torsen C system, a permanent four-wheel drive system with three differentials, where the central differential is mechanically self-blocking, which enables variable torque to be distributed between the front and rear wheels.
More than ever on a multi-purpose vehicle, driving comfort and the car’s behavior must be at the very top level. The Alfa Crosswagon is no exception. It mounts high wishbone front suspension, with a McPherson setup at the rear, with transverse rods of different lengths to ensure better absorption of bumps, greater steering linearity and precision, and tremendous roadholding.
Alfa GT
A new concept in sportiness that perfectly blends elegance and comfort. Original Italian styling in the wonderful Alfa tradition. Designed by the Bertone Style Center in collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Style Center. A distinctive shield, which is a veritable gem set between the spare, wraparound lights, is the perfect focus for a strong, aggressive style. A feeling reinforced by the sleek sides, dynamic lines and a clean profile on the road. The slightly sloping, tapered tail is a perfect expression of solidity and strength. Unusual and original, created to astound: the best expression of the Alfa GT’s spirit. All in a car that refuses to compromise: it is a sleek coupé, a comfortable, spacious saloon – with all the comfort of 5 real seats – and a comfortable station wagon, with its huge luggage compartment whose capacity places it at the very top of the category.
Alfa 156 and Sportwagon Face Lift
Strength. Power. Control. Driving pleasure in complete safety. This is the essence of driving, Alfa Romeo style. A unique feeling that finds its utmost expression in the new Alfa 156 and Sportwagon, cars that make driving a sheer pleasure, in complete safety and comfort. Cars that are a delight to look at as well as to drive. The impact made by the Alfa 156 and Sportwagon strikes all 5 senses: Sight, captivated by the elegant, sporty styling, designed by Giugiaro; Hearing, through the unmistakable sound of an Alfa engine; Touch, with a combination of cloths and materials that offer new sensations every time; and then there is the smell of speed and the unique taste of perfectly controlled performance.
The only thing missing is your sixth sense, to make the new Alfa 156 and Sportwagon something even more unique. The unmistakable ‘made in Italy’ styling, the most sophisticated engineering, peerless engines, the most exclusive materials and the utmost attention to details, such as the new 17” wheels or the parking sensor: the Alfa 156 and Sportwagon are all this and more. Because Alfa Romeo has always sought to make its cars fun to drive. The sporty TI version is also available.
Alfa 166 Face Lift
A true “alfista” immediately recognizes the feeling of driving pleasure in complete safety that only Alfa Romeo can offer. In the new Alfa 166, functionality and elegance merge in a form of beauty and power, where every detail is just where it should be and nothing appears superfluous. An executive saloon, one to be enjoyed, for those who, in life and in business, prefer to drive, not to be driven. It is also a highly contemporary project, made even more attractive and up to date by countless improvements in terms of styling, engines, equipment and detail.
On the restyled front, the triangular radiator grill acts as the starting point for two sleek lines that radiate out over the hood, hinting at the power of the engine underneath, and that then sweep smoothly back along the entire length of the car. The headlights have an even more dynamic design, while the clean, spare style of the side conveys prestige and quality through the elegant, restrained use of chrome elements. There are three specifications, Impression, Progression, Distinctive and Luxury, and a range of 11 colors, including four new shades, designed to satisfy the modern, refined taste of those who appreciate the highest expression of sporting elegance in a car.
Alfa GTV e Spider restyling
Alfa Spider. Driving on an open road under the sun, with a cloudless sky overhead. The energy of the open air, the pleasure of absolute freedom. Soft, sensual forms, designed by Pininfarina. Sleek styling, strong elements expressing speed and power. An imposing front, with the large shield, deep grooving running the entire length of the side, and a profile plunging forward. A thin, slender tail, wide body and broad fenders underline the physical power of a car that is practically welded to the road. A wedge-shaped profile, enhanced by the shortened tail, conveying the image of an agile car, ever ready for action. The Alfa Spider represents the joy of living, but also genuine power, to be enjoyed in total control.
Alfa GTV.
Alfa GTV, Alfa Romeo’s version of a sporting coupé. Power and technology in their purest forms, encapsulated in thrilling forms, the handiwork of Pininfarina. An imposing, aggressive front, large shield, with chrome bars and large air intakes, tangible expressions of an exuberant personality. The curved hood is enhanced by the traditional V-shape grooving, and hints at the presence of a powerful engine beneath. The image is of an agile car, ever ready for action. The windscreen is steeply sloping and there are deep grooves along the side, synonymous with speed and dynamism. The wide body and broad fenders underline the physical power of a car that is practically welded to the road. A strong personality, tremendous performance, thrilling handling, in complete safety: these are the strong points on the Alfa GTV.
Racing
2000
Since its debut in 1998, the 156 and the Nordauto Team have chalked up a series of successes. In 2000, car and Team win the European Super Touring Cup (Euro STC) with 5 victories, 2 pole positions, 3 fastest laps and 7 podium finishes.
2001
In 2001 Alfa Romeo Nordauto comes first in the FIA European Touring Car Championship. The Team claims the constructors title and Fabrizio Giovanardi leads the driver’s championship, with Nicola Larini in second place.
2002
Once again in 2002, Alfa Romeo with the GTA Racing team Nordauto and in collaboration with N.Technology, has rewarded fans with yet another formidable record in the FIA European Touring Car Championship. 10 races on some of the most legendary circuits in Europe. The undisputed star on the track is the Alfa 156 GTA. Always there at the finish, for a seemingly endless string of victories and pole positions, supported by the enthusiasm of the fans in the stands.
GTA: the legend goes on. And in 2002 it achieved a prestigious new record.
2003
Gabriele Tarquini takes over from the reigning Champion, Fabrizio Giovanardi, winning the ETCC 2003 with the Alfa 156 GTA. And for the fourth consecutive time Alfa Romeo wins the European Touring Car Championship, winning on the track, but also on the open road, because all the technology and passion behind the racing cars can also be found in the Alfa Romeo’s on the streets, and in the sporting hearts of their drivers.
Personalities
F. Giovanardi
Fabrizio Giovanardi 1966
Fabrizio Giovanardi was born in Sassuolo (MO) on 14/12/1966. He begins Kart racing in 1983, and in 1986 joins the top karting category 125 (Formula C) and becomes Italian and World Champion. In 1987 he begins his Formula 3 career, claiming a third and fifth place. In 1992 he wins the Italian Speed Touring Championship with Peugeot. In 1995 he becomes an official Alfa Romeo driver and takes part in the Italian Supertouring Championship, finishing third. In 1997, still with Alfa Romeo, he finishes second in the Championship, claiming 5 victories and the most pole positions. In 1998 and 1999 he wins the Italian Supertouring Championship in an Alfa 156. In 2000, in an Nordauto Alfa 156, he wins the European Super Touring Cup (Euro STC) with 5 victories, 2 pole positions, 3 fastest laps and 7 podium finishes, while in 2001 he takes the FIA European Touring Car Championship. He also wins the prestigious Autosprint “Casco d’Oro” (Golden Crash Helmet) award. Fabrizio Giovanardi is the driver with the most wins in the Super Touring category.
Gabriele Tarquini
Gabriele Tarquini was born in Giulianova Lido (TE) on 02/03/1962.
He begins Kart racing in 1976 and, four years later, claims his first victory in the 125 cc category Italian Karting Championship. In 1983 he becomes Italian Champion and wins the European Cup for class C. The following year he wins both the Italian and World Championship and begins his Formula 3 career, claiming a noteworthy seventh place. In 1987 he takes part in the World Touring Car Championship at the wheel of an Alfa 75 Turbo, finishing third. In the same year he competes in some prestigious races in the Formula 1 World Championship. In 1993 he joins the Official Alfa Romeo Team, finishing third in the Italian Super Touring Car Championship and, the next year, he deservedly wins the British Touring Car Championship and 2 major awards: “Best new Driver of the Year” and “Best Italian Driver of the Year”. At the same time, Alfa Romeo wins the Constructors and Team title. In 1996 Tarquini claimed a victory in an Alfa 155 V6 Ti in the Intercontinental Touring Car Championship. He concluded his illustrious career by taking part in 2002 and 2003 in the FIA European Touring Car Championship in an Alfa 156 GTA Super 2000.
Augusto Farfus
Augusto Farfus was born in Paranà (Brazil) on 03/09/1983. He begins racing mini-bikes in 1991, becoming Champion in the standard and Free Force category. In 1993 in San Paolo he becomes Karting Champion in the Cadet category and the following year in the Junior Minor category. In the following years, he becomes Formula Parilla Champion in the Junior / Minor and Junior categories. In 1999 in Italy he wins the ‘Coppa Campione d’Inverno Formula A’ and third place overall in the Italian Championship. He then picks up prestigious finishing positions in the Cup of Japan, in the first Brazil Karting Cup and in the European Formula A Karting Championship. Most recently, he is been a star of 2001 and 2003. Farfus becomes European Formula Renault Champion and European Formula 3000 Champion.
The Company
The last stages of Alfa Romeo’s history are on today’s roads.
Starting with the 5-door version of the Alfa 147, which offers greater versatility and easier access. 2002 is entirely dedicated to the GTAs with the 156, Sportwagon and 147 models. Alfa Romeo’s spirit is also in evidence in 2003 with face-lifts for the Alfa 156, 166, GTV and Spider, cars that make driving a sheer pleasure, in complete safety and comfort. In 2004, the stars have been Alfa’s two latest models: the plucky Alfa GT and the quintessential sports car, the Alfa Crosswagon Q4.