Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0 24V burnout.
Dragan burns with Alex´s GTV on the camera.

The Alfa Romeo Competizione is a sports car produced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo. It was firstly presented as a concept car at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and later released for sale for the 2007 model year.

The 8C Competizione was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003. The lines of the twin seater are meant to echo the styling of Alfas of the 1930s and 1940s, and the “Competizione” name is a pointer to the 1948 6C 2500 Competizione, which competed in the 1949 and 1950 Mille Miglia race, coming third both times. In the 1950 Mille Miglia Juan-Manuel Fangio and Augusto Zanardi drove. It won the 1950 Targa Florio. A 3.0 litre prototype was built but not produced. These 6C 2500 models were among the last vehicles with links to the pre-war cars.

2007 production version

During the Mondial de l’Automobile 2006, Alfa Romeo announced the production of a limited series 500 units of 8C Competizione. The production version is very similar to the concept, biggest difference exterior-wise is the rear-hinged hood in the production model. It was possible to choose from four different exterior color: 8C Red, Competition Red, black or yellow. The bodyshell is made of carbon fibre, produced by ATR Group. The carbon fibre body is then fitted to steel chassis made by Italian company ITCA Produzione. Final assembly is then made in Maserati factory in Modena, Italy.

Powertrain

The car uses modified Maserati platform and powertrain (Maserati Quattroporte, GranTurismo) and also features a Ferrari/Maserati derived 90° cross-plane dry-sump lubricated 4.7-litre V8 assembled by Ferrari. The top engine performance figures may be summarized as a maximum power of 331 kilowatts (450 PS) at 7000 rpm, a peak torque of 480 newton metres (354 lbf·ft) at 4750 rpm (80% at 2500 rpm) with an engine redline of 7500 rpm and rev limiter of 7600 rpm. The V8 engine has variable timing in intake valves and compression ratio of 11.3.

The six–speed transaxle gearbox has computerized gear selection by means of levers behind the steering wheel and may be used in Manual-Normal; Manual-Sport; Automatic-Normal; Automatic-Sport and Ice modes. The gearbox can shift in 175 milliseconds when using Sport mode. The 8C has also a limited slip differential.

Performance

It is fitted with specially developed 20 inch tyres: 245/35 at the front and 285/35 at the rear, fitted on perforated rims in fluid moulded aluminium. The 8C brakes have been called phenomenal by Road & Track magazine, with a stopping distance being from 60-0 mph (97-0 km/h) in 105 feet (32 m). The official top speed is announced to be 292 km/h (181 mph) but it might be higher around 190 mph (306 km/h) according to the Road & Track magazine. An Alfa Romeo engineer also stated that it is faster.

Specifications Top speed 292 km/h (181 mph)
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 4.2seconds
1/4 mile (~400 m) 12.4seconds @ 115.4 mph (186 km/h)
Type V8
Displacement 4.7L (4691cc) (286.8 cu in)
Power 331 kW (450 PS) @ 7000rpm
Torque 480 N·m (354 ft·lbf) @ 4750rpm
Lateral Acceleration
(200 feet (61 m) skidpad) 1.02g

Those who love to drive will find this small Alfa is a compact car capable of outstanding performance over any route and one that always rewards its driver with that ultimate thrill.

Now imagine an Alfa 147 that maintains these attributes but also offers better performance, better braking capacity and the dynamic performance of a racing car. Imagine the GTA version.This aptly-chosen name identifies a range of vehicles that constitute the absolute quintessence of Brand sporting values. Models with a spirit that harks back to a great tradition of races and victories, coupled with a highly sophisticated, up-to-date engine and mechanical specification.

Today, a few short months after the launch of the 156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA, we welcome the Alfa 147 to the same family: the new car extends the product range of this type of car into a segment typified by a higher proportion of women and young people.The model has been produced with the aim of creating an everyday car that can still offer its driver race-track performance and sensation under the right circumstances. For this reason, apart from a few tweaks to add dynamism and aggression, the body of the Alfa 147 GTA retains the original vehicle’s acclaimed cool, stylish lines. But everything else has been radically changed.

The engine has been swapped for a sizzling 3.2 V6 24v unit. The suspension geometry and settings have been altered. And VDC – a highly sophisticated vehicle dynamic control system – has been added as standard.

The result is a car that is the most powerful and fastest representative of its segment (250 bhp – 184 kW) and capable of thrilling performance: 246 km/h top speed; 6.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and 26.1 to cover a kilometre from a standing start. Not to mention outstanding dynamism, ride and handling. These are the telling differences that ensure your Alfa will deliver a unique driving experience.

On the outside, the Alfa 147 reveals new features that reflect the changes to its chassis and mechanicals. These are also important stylistically because they make the vehicle look broader, closer to the ground and more beefy while still ensuring instant recognisability.

The sophisticated mechanical array had to be complemented by styling that conveys an idea of strength and sportiness in a few brief but telling lines. This had to be achieved without altering the car’s original, stylish shape that is known and loved by our customers. Changes that affected the external appearance had to be limited to parts affected by technical changes to the chassis and mechanicals.

The outcome is the Alfa 147 GTA, an out and out sporty model that borrows the clean, spare design (yet also elegant and full of appeal) that assured the basic model such success. The natural tension set up between the rounded surfaces and ridges is resolved in an ideal balance. The design also hints at historical brand motifs, albeit in a very modern and understated way. For example, the bonnet is drawn out lengthways to suggest a mighty engine apable of far from ordinary verve and alacrity. The tail tapers when viewed from top or side to make the car look more slender and dynamic.

The Alfa 147 GTA has borrowed all these exterior features from the basic model. The new model differs in its broad wings that stand out at the front to accommodate the generous 17 inch wheels (225/45); in the black headlight ground that adds to the air of sportiness and the foglights that have been shifted toward the outside of the car to free the air intakes and allow the mighty power unit to breathe more easily.

The resulting image is of a strong, compact car with mastery of the road and a pronounced personality of its own. This is also borne out by a beefy side view underscored by a new moulding linking the two broad wings. New five-ringed wheels exclusive to the GTA range add a clean, highly engineered feel (customers can also choose the spoked wheels more typical of cars used for motorsport).At the rear, the new version features a bigger bumper. This feature is hardly apparent from the side but is apparent when the car is viewed from behind. The lower part of the 147 GTA’s rear end looks completely different from the original model from boot floor level downward. One reason is that the rear bumper contains a big extractor that is visibly divided by the metal panels into one long horizontal opening and two smaller side openings. The extractor serves the aerodynamic function of carrying airflow from the front of the car to the back of the car, i.e. of extracting the airflow. The final touch is provided by two oval exhaust tailpipes in line with one of the brand’s classic styling cues.

Ten body colours are available on the GTA, including the outstanding Nuvola White, an iridescent shade exclusive to the model.

In a car of great temperament, the interior always revolves around the driver’s cockpit. The Alfa 147 GTA is no exception, as you would expect from a car created for irrepressible performance. The GTA complements the basic Alfa 147 package with a few sporty styling details exclusive to the version.

These include a brand-new three-spoked steering wheel, gear lever with leather gaiter and surrounds in Puma grey, a darker shade than that of other Alfa 147 versions. The out and out sporty pedals include aluminium pedal covers and footrests with rubber inserts and ergonomic shapes. These are complemented by a mat in the central storage compartment made out of metalluro with rubber detailing.The seats are sports-configured and cloth trimmed. The model offers three exclusive colours: red, silver and blue. Leather upholstery is also an option: this comes in one shade (black) or as a two-tone combination. The latter offer black leather side bands while the central cushion and backrest insert may be in natural, grey or blue as required by the customer. The seat design displays the horizontal ridged design made famous by so many Italian sports cars of the past. The front seats come with a built-in head-restraint and adjustable seat. They are divided by an armrest with storage compartment. The rear seat offers the same sports configuration but all the comfort of a true five-seater.

The Alfa 147 GTA interiors may also be distinguished from other model versions by other features. The door panels, for example, come with cloth and leather inserts that reflect the same motifs and colours as the central part of the seats. The ceiling is grey-black, while the boot trim is completely black. The same applies to the sun visors, courtesy light and pillars. One more distinctive trait that has become a standard feature on the Alfa 147 GTA is a mat fastened mechanically to the carpet. The sill plates come with a satinised metal insert bearing the wording GTA in bright metal.

The control panel also displays new features, with special gauges and a black background. The reading scales also look different, while a screen on the multifunction display shows engine oil temperature.

The Alfa 147 GTA suspension layout is based on the formidable combination of high double wishbones at the front (the only car in its segment to offer this configuration) and an advanced MacPherson arrangement at the rear. This engineering option has already brought the Alfa 147 great success and has been specially adapted to the upgraded features of the new car to assure the Alfa 147 GTA outstanding dynamic performance coupled with superlative comfort.

The suspension is the final outcome of a long and thorough development process carried out on the basic layout with the aim of achieving the highest levels of driveability and handling. These features allow the person behind the wheel maximum mastery of the new car’s great sports performance for the best possible results on the road. From the customer’s viewpoint, the new version:
# is responsive;
# is smooth and accurate in its steering;
# is very stable and easy to control even when close to the grip limit;
# features highly contained body movements;
# and offers great comfort in all service and road surface conditions.

The Alfa 147 GTA offers its drivers the great control typical of front wheel drive cars plus outstanding sportiness and driving precision. This is particularly evident over mixed routes. The credit for this goes first and foremost to the high double wishbone front suspension. The new front suspension was developed specifically for the model by the Fiat Research Centre and Alfa Romeo Research. It departs from the configuration used on the Alfa 147 in offering a reinforced lower beam, lower ride, new shock absorber and spring settings, a special wheel strut that is fastened to the steering link in a different position – and a larger diameter stabiliser bar.

These engineering improvements increase the dynamic performance of the high double wishbone suspension – known as a quadrilateral suspension because the arms (two overlapping triangles with their bases hinged to the car body and their tips to the wheel unit) create a four-sided figure.The device structure consists of a cast iron lower arm, a steel strut and an upper light alloy arm. The coaxial spring-shock absorber unit is connected to the body via a flexible mount and to the lower arm via a light alloy fork. For reasons of space and structural stiffness, the upper arm is jointed to an aluminium shell (anchored to the body) which acts as a support to the upper spring-shock absorber attachment. From a dynamic viewpoint, the high double wishbone layout ideally combines broad wheel travel with outstanding control of tyre service conditions. This is achieved because the upper arm is located higher than the wheel centre: this means that the area between wheel and power unit accessories can be exploited to the full. And more. Other benefits of this configuration include excellent tyre grip, improved traction even under extreme conditions, a self-alignment effect proportional to the side acceleration applied on a bend, greater steering precision and sensitivity, gradual and even steering wheel effort to the grip limit – and also cancelling of lift (lifting of the front during acceleration) and antidive effect (dipping of the front end when braking).

Great attention has also been devoted to the absorption of minor roughness. Hence the choice of fluid dynamic bushes to hinge the upper triangle to the shell; split gaskets and bushes in Teflon loaded with fibreglass for the shock absorber stems – plus a Teflon seal for the shock absorber piston.

The rear suspension has also undergone many technical improvements. The geometry and the constructional details of the tried and tested MacPherson configuration have both been revised. The outcome is a different body attachment position; special spring setting; different shock absorber and bush stiffness; antiroll bar with bigger diameter.

The GTA’s MacPherson suspension also adopts innovative construction features. For example, the coil springs not only offer a different stiffness and lower ride to those of the Alfa 147 but also rest on a lower and upper plate with an interposed rubber ring to reduce noise levels. And a stabiliser bar (connected directly to the shock absorber via plastic connecting rods and jointed on steel ball joints) with a Cellasto upper end travel block (closed cell polyurethane

that maintains its flexible properties over time). The double-acting hydraulic shock-absorbers, also new, are pressurised and built in high strength steel with reduced thickness. Lastly, the side levers, suspension arm and rear beam bushes are all made especially for the Alfa 147 GTA. The upper shock absorber attachment also displays a new tapered block fastening system. Assembly is easier and the system is more reliable because the attachment need not be bolted to the body.

These significant technical innovations and features are bound to improve performance and driving comfort still further. Suffice it to say that the modified rear suspension can absorb obstacles more easily because the wheels withdraw lengthways to keep the car on its trajectory. The system also assures maximum directional stability when the car meets obstacles such as tram lines, dilation joints on motorway bridges. And more. The Alfa 147 GTA rear suspension increases the smoothness and alacrity of steering response and means the car is more able to align itself automatically, even under extreme conditions. This is achieved by ensuring the wheel steers consistently under side load. Not to mention the fact that the Alfa 147 GTA gains negative wheel camber during roll due to the new rear suspension. In other words, cornering grip is increased to ensure the roll centre position is more accurate to improve the car’s general balance.

The Alfa 147 GTA power unit is the same 3.2 V6 24 valve engine fitted to the Alfa 156 and Alfa Sportwagon GTA. It is a spirited, well-rounded engine as befits a six-cylinder unit and is derived from the now classic three-litre V6 24 valve unit fitted to top of the range Alfa 166 and GTV models.

The Alfa 147 GTA engine differs from its predecessor in certain respects. First and foremost, power has been increased by making radical mechanical changes. The power could simply have been increased by adjusting the timing, fuel system and electronics. But instead the engineers changed the crankshaft and pistons on the GTA to increase the cylinder capacity to 3.2 litres and lengthened the stroke to 78 millimetres. This was done with one very specific aim: to

ensure absolute performance and high power and torque peaks combined with smooth, gradual delivery from low speeds. For this reason, the 3.2 V6 24v unit can deliver thrilling performance – and that means a top speed of 246 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds – but can also be used as an everyday car. The self-confessed goal of the GTA is this: to offer sensations unique to a racing car yet still be perfectly serviceable for everyday use.

The 3.2 V6 24v unit fitted to the Alfa 147 GTA develops 250 bhp at 6200 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 kgm (30.6 kgm) at 4800 rpm. These figures are all it takes to achieve exciting performances and are complemented by a torque curve that permits high values at low speeds. The car can also travel in sixth gear at less than 2000 rpm and unleash speed spurts without changing gear. Extremely satisfying behaviour, therefore, even during daily use.

The increased cylinder capacity naturally required further changes. For example, the control unit software has been rewritten, the cooling system has been upgraded with the addition of an engine oil radiator – and the intake and exhaust ports have been tuned by applying a new timing pattern.

The transmission has also been reinforced: the half-axles are new, while the clutch is bigger and the six-speed gearbox offers new, sturdier components. The current manual gearbox will be joined in 2003 by a Selespeed version. Developed by Magneti Marelli, this sophisticated device has a Formula 1-derived operating system that makes for swifter gear shifts at both low and high speeds. The 3.2 V6 24 valve unit fitted on the Alfa 147 GTA already meets the tough Euro

Alfa Romeo 147 GTA

Engine & transmission
Type: V6
Layout: Front Engine / FWD
Displacement (cm3): 3179
Power (bhp): 250@6200
Torque (nm): 300@4800
Gearbox: 6-Speed Manual, Selespeed automatic with paddle shift
Performance
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.3 sec
Acceleration 0-200 km/h: n/a
1/4 mile: n/a
Top speed: 246 km/h
Dimensions & Weight
Lenght: n/a
Width: n/a
Height: n/a
Weight: 1434 Kg

Very nice and fast car from Italy..

The Alfa Romeo 147 is a compact automobile produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo since 2000.

The 147 was launched at the 2000 Turin Motorshow as a replacement for the aging 145 & 146 hatchbacks, and is based on the running gear of the larger 156 saloon. It is available with 1.6- and 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder gasoline engines and a 1.9-litre diesel engine. The 147 received considerable praise for its styling on launch, and is still considered to be one of the best-looking cars in its class. Its handling was also praised, in spite of criticism regarding the light (sensitive) steering, which makes some drivers feel less involved. However, light steering does help during parking maneuvers. Other criticisms of the 147 included a cumbersome gearshift, unsupportive seats and the lack of interior space compared to its rivals. The car became well-known for its engine note, which is unusually mellifluous for a car of its class. The 147 was also voted European Car of the Year for 2001.

The 147 suffers from poor resale value. One of the main reasons for this is the bad reputation Alfa Romeo and Italian marques in general have for reliability and durability, though the 147 has so far proven itself to be considerably more reliable than previous generations of Italian cars. However, this is mostly because customers usually opt for manual transmissions and avoid the V-6 powered GTA. Nevertheless, even though major breakdowns are not a serious problem for the 147, smaller, mostly electronic faults are (e.g., warning lights unnecessarily coming on and engine oil being burned even in brand-new engines).

The high-performance 147 GTA model was launched in 2002. The GTA used a 3.2 V6 engine, produced 250bhp and could exceed 150mph. Its competitors in Europe include the Audi A3 3.2 and the Renault Sport Clio V-6 (a car that pioneered the concept of the powerful V6 hot hatch in 2001). The GTA is lighter than both of these rivals, despite producing around the same level of power.

The entire 147 range was revamped in 2004, with the exterior styling changed considerably to be more reminiscent of the new 159 and Brera models.

Alfa Romeo GTV 156

The 156 was a highly developed front-wheel drive car (the Cross/Sport Wagon Q4 offered four-wheel drive in left-hand drive markets) with a double wishbone front suspension and McPherson type rear suspension.

The engine range encompassed 4-cylinder Twin Spark (1.6 120 PS, 1.8 144 PS and 2.0 155 PS) 16 valve engines with variable valve timing, along with the L4 1.9 8v (105, 110 and 115 PS) and L5 2.4 10v (136, 140 and 150 PS) JTD turbodiesel engines. Until January 2002, the range-topping engine was the venerable DOHC 2.5 L 24-valve V6 engine rated at 190 and after 2001 192 PS. 2002 saw the introduction of the 2.0 L JTS engine, a common rail direct injection unit offering more low end torque and more power (165 PS) than the Twin Spark.

A significant addition to the 156 range was the Sportwagon station wagon in 2000, a first attempt at an estate car of this size for the company. Sportwagon was also available with Boge-Nivomat self-levelling hydropneumatic rear suspension.

In 2001 engines were upgraded, engines complied with Euro3 norm and outputed 120 PS (1.6), 140 PS (1.8), 150 PS (2.0) and 192 PS (2.5).

Alfa Romeo 156 GTA

In February 2002, the 156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA were launched. Equipped with a 3.2 L V6 with six-speed manual transmission or Selespeed (paddles in steering wheel, hydraulically operated clutchless manual gearbox), the GTA variants were aimed at the performance market. The GTA subsequently stopped production in October 2005, citing poor sales and the upcoming replacement to the 156, the Alfa Romeo 159. The GTA variants boasted at least 250 PS, had a lowered and stiffened suspension, a distinctive body kit and leather interior.

2002 also saw the arrival of a facelifted interior with different matte-finish surfacing and chrome highlights. The 165 PS (2.0 JTS) replaced the 2.0 L Twin Spark engine, diesel engines were also uprated. New version used the 147’s dual-zone digital climate control and CanBus serial wiring system. A wider range of options including xenon lighting, tele-informatics and a Bose stereo system were available. Also ESP and slip control ASR came as standard.

2nd series (2003) Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon

Late 2003 saw the launch of a facelifted 156, with new front and rear fascias designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. There was also a wider range of interior colour options from this date. This mid-life facelift divided opinion with some preferring the prettier pre-facelift look with others singing the praises of the newer more aggressive demeanour of the latter models. The GTA models never received the exterior update. Diesel engines suffered a major re-working, new 4v/cylinder heads were added, second stage common rail injection with 1400bar maximum injection pressure with up to 5 injections per cycle for lower noise, consumption and higher performance. They were rated at 140/150 PS for L4 1.9 16v and 175 PS for L5 2.4 20v.

In 2004, four-wheel drive versions arrived to some markets, which were known as the Crosswagon Q4 and Sportwagon Q4 (both using the 1.9L 150 PS JTD engine). These cars were equipped with a Torsen four-wheel drive system and raised ride heights (Crosswagon 65 mm higher and Sportwagon 20 mm).

The 156 sedan was discontinued late in 2005 in Europe, Q4 Crosswagon is still in production, 156 is to be phased out in other markets in 2006 with the forthcoming 159, which also spawned the Brera, the 2-door coupe that replaces the GTV along with its convertible sister the new Spider.

Ferrari Race Car.

Honda S2000 Race Car.

Europen Race Car DTM.

Vauxhall Race Car DTM.

Seat Toledo Race Car DTM.

The Alfa Romeo 156 (known internally as the type 932) is a compact executive car introduced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show as the replacement for the Alfa Romeo 155. Cars were assembled at Fiat Group factory in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy and General Motors facility in Rayong, Thailand (production in Thailand started March 2002 and lasted couple of years, cars were targeted for Asia Pacific markets). Between 1997 and 2005, 680,000 examples of the 156 were produced, a huge success for the brand.

The 156 was available in saloon and estate ‘Sportwagon’ bodystyles with seven engine configurations and it went through two facelifts, first in 2002 and second in 2003.
Development

At the beginning the engine range encompassed four cylinder Twin Spark (1.6 L 120 PS (88 kW), 1.8 L 144 PS (106 kW) and 2.0 L 155 PS (114 kW)) 16 valve engines with variable valve timing, along with the straight-4 1.9 litre 8-valve 105 PS (77 kW) and straight-5 2.4 litre 10-valve 136 PS (100 kW) JTD common rail turbodiesel engines. Until January 2002, the range-topping engine was the venerable double overhead camshaft 2.5 litre 24-valve Alfa Romeo V6 engine rated at 190 PS (140 kW).

Initially the 156 range was available with different options (packs) like a sport pack that could include either Blitz clothing , Momo leather interior or Recaro seats, it also included 16 inch wheels, lowered suspension and leather steering wheel and gear knob. There was also available De-Luxe pack with Momo’s mahogany steering wheel and gear knob and for Nordic countries special winter pack consisting of fog lights, headlight washers and heated seats.

The Alfa Romeo 147 is a compact automobile produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo since 2000.

The 147 was launched at the 2000 Turin Motorshow as a replacement for the aging 145 & 146 hatchbacks, and is based on the running gear of the larger 156 saloon. It is available with 1.6- and 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder gasoline engines and a 1.9-litre diesel engine. The 147 received considerable praise for its styling on launch, and is still considered to be one of the best-looking cars in its class. Its handling was also praised, in spite of criticism regarding the light (sensitive) steering, which makes some drivers feel less involved. However, light steering does help during parking maneuvers. Other criticisms of the 147 included a cumbersome gearshift, unsupportive seats and the lack of interior space compared to its rivals. The car became well-known for its engine note, which is unusually mellifluous for a car of its class. The 147 was also voted European Car of the Year for 2001.

The 147 suffers from poor resale value. One of the main reasons for this is the bad reputation Alfa Romeo and Italian marques in general have for reliability and durability, though the 147 has so far proven itself to be considerably more reliable than previous generations of Italian cars. However, this is mostly because customers usually opt for manual transmissions and avoid the V-6 powered GTA. Nevertheless, even though major breakdowns are not a serious problem for the 147, smaller, mostly electronic faults are (e.g., warning lights unnecessarily coming on and engine oil being burned even in brand-new engines).[4]

The high-performance 147 GTA model was launched in 2002. The GTA used a 3.2 V6 engine, produced 250bhp and could exceed 150mph. Its competitors in Europe include the Audi A3 3.2 and the Renault Sport Clio V-6 (a car that pioneered the concept of the powerful V6 hot hatch in 2001). The GTA is lighter than both of these rivals, despite producing around the same level of power.

The entire 147 range was revamped in 2004, with the exterior styling changed considerably to be more reminiscent of the new 159 and Brera models.