Alfa Romeo 2000 GT Veloce - Front Angle

2007 Autodelta Alfa Romeo GT Super Evo

(from Alfa Romeo Press Release) THE AUTODELTA GT SUPER EVO ARRIVES IN DUBAI

Alfa Romeo enthusiasts’ attention worldwide has over the last year has been firmly focused on the “new breed” of exciting Alfa Romeo models. And at the same time the attention of Autodelta’s design and engineering team has been on working through the rapidly-growing order book for the new 340bhp Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C, as well as finalizing bespoke high-performance versions of the 159, 159 Sportwagon and Spider to be added to the range this year.

And although it has slipped somewhat from the public’s attention, the stylish Alfa GT Coupé continues to find a niche market, buyers continuing to be seduced by its excellent chassis, gorgeous Bertone-styled looks, and of course the availability of the classic Alfa 3.2 “V6” engine. Autodelta introduced its exclusive, bespoke version of the Alfa GT, the Autodelta GT 3.2 Super, at the MPH04 Motor Show in December 2004, before exactly a year later at MPH05, it introduced a new, more extreme version that pushed the performance and dynamic envelope out even further. This model, the awesome Autodelta GT 3.2 Super Evo, has proved to be hugely popular with customers with a steady stream of orders being fulfilled over the last year-and-a-half.

The 320bhp Autodelta GT Super had featured a bespoke Rotrex C30-94 supercharger utilised through a compact cooling and lubrication system developed by the firm’s talented engineers for the Alfa GT, along with chassis, suspension, transmission, electronics, braking and aerodynamic upgrades. The new Autodelta GT Super Evo then pushed the performance envelope out even further, offering increased levels of torque (287 lb/ft at 4800 rpm) and more power (341bhp at 6,450rpm) through the incorporation of a larger intercooler and higher-flow injectors, with boost raised from 0.45 to 0.55 bar, and utilising an evolutionary engine re-mapping programme. The 0-60 mph time was shaved to 5.2 seconds, while the main change apparent to the driver was in the substantial improvement in mid- and high-range acceleration as well as a more noticeable (and louder) sound emitted by the revised exhaust system, which was created specially for this “Evo” model in close conjunction with Autodelta’s exhaust development partner, Ragazzon.

While a growing number of Autodelta GT Super Evo models have since been built at the firm’s London HQ and by its authorized dealers worldwide, a customer in the United Arab Emirates recently approached Autodelta to convert his Alfa GT Coupé to full Evo specification. With a growing demand for Autodelta products in the Gulf region, Autodelta is currently putting a localized distribution network together, but for this project specially commissioned by Walid Shihabi and his brother Wissam – the first fully bespoke model programme to be carried out in the UAE - factory Autodelta engineers were to be dispatched to carry out the conversion using the excellent facilities of Gargash Motors LLC, the country’s official Alfa Romeo importer and distributor.

“Walid and I recently decided to upgrade our 3.2-litre Alfa Romeo GT Coupé to a supercharged version; and we chose Autodelta for their huge experience both with supercharging and with tuning Alfa Romeos,” says Wissam. “Getting the maximum performance possible out of the Alfa GT – without considering any compromises - was our main objective; any other issues were regarded as secondary.

"We flew to London just before Christmas to test-drive an Autodelta GT 3.2 Super Evo demonstrator and we ordered the conversion on the spot,” he adds.

Autodelta air-freighted all the parts required for the conversion to the UAE last month, including the new body panels, and its engineers flew over to Dubai shortly afterwards to carry out the conversion. The Autodelta team was pleased to use the workshops of Gargash Motors LLC to carry out the conversion.

"It was an amazing decision,” adds Wissam, “because the outcome was a car that we both really love. The GT’s drive was always one to enjoy but with the extra 100 bhp and the superbly aggressive noise the new exhaust system makes, Autodelta has managed to make the car into what it is really supposed to be, the type of car that totally speaks to you and says ‘please drive me to the limit’. We have also driven the car on the new Dubai race track several times, exploring its potential fully, and it has always been a fun experience with the car setting very fast times. In the UAE it is often difficult for a car to stand out as there are many distinctive and expensive, luxury and supercars on the road – but the Autodelta GT Super Evo always captures attention wherever it goes.”

2007 Autodelta Alfa Romeo GT 3.7 Super

(from Autodelta Press Release) Autodelta present the world’s fastest Alfa GT – the 293 km/h 405 bhp Autodelta GT 3.7 Super

Autodelta is pleased to present for its world première the most dynamic and powerful version of the Alfa GT Coupé yet – the 405 bhp supercharged Autodelta GT 3.7 Super. With its top speed of 293 km/h (182 mph) and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 4.9 seconds the Autodelta GT 3.7 Super offers the driver supercar level performance coupled with the car’s famous driveability and practicality.

Introduced four years ago, the Alfa GT Coupé, styled by famed historic Italian design house Bertone, is a gorgeous, sleek and very agile, yet at the same time truly practical, four-seat coupé which immediately won plaudits and awards as well as a loyal following worldwide: a true Alfa Romeo in every sense of the word. Now the new Autodelta GT 3.7 Super takes the GT Coupé theme to the ultimate performance level. It follows on from the market success of the firm’s previous work with the 3.2-litre Alfa GT model: the 320 bhp Autodelta GT 3.2 Super (2004) and the 341 bhp Autodelta GT 3.2 Super Evo version (2005), by raising the Alfa V6 engine and chassis package to even more extreme performance levels.

“Our customers continually push us forward, demanding ever more performance from Alfa Romeo models, and following the 3.2 Super and Evo versions we have had many requests to maximise the Alfa GT’s potential with a 3.7-litre supercharged version,” says Autodelta Managing Director Jano Djelalian. “We have a vast experience with the chassis of this car, and knew it was more than capable of handling the serious power and torque increases that would result from this project – and then transmitting them to the road in a useable and effective manner.”

The new car sees the Alfa GT’s 3.2-litre engine’s capacity increased to 3,750cc, and harnessed with the space-efficient Rotrex C38-81 centrifugal supercharger. The engine development includes extensive cylinder head improvements, new larger fuel injectors with revised spray patterns to optimise combustion and emissions, and a Ferrari-derived throttle body. The car also receives new tubular exhaust manifolds and a complete exhaust system specially designed for the requirements of this upgrade. The result, combined with further chassis, transmission and aerodynamic developments is earth shattering. The Autodelta GT 3.7 Super boasts maximum power of 405 bhp at 6,800 rpm and 508 Nm (375 lb/ft) of torque at 4,800 rpm. The standard Alfa GT 3.2 V6 by comparison offers 240 bhp and 300 Nm (221 lb/ft).

The new Autodelta GT 3.7 Super can reach a maximum speed of 293 km/h (182 mph) and boasts a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 4.9 seconds – blistering performance from what is a perfectly sorted car. (Standard Alfa GT Coupe V6 top speed is 243 km/h while the 0-100 km/h time is 6.7 seconds). The torque availability of the Alfa V6 engine – one of the most famous units in the brand’s almost century long history – is truly impressive, the power curve running smoothly from tickover to the redline at 7,400 rpm.

“The Arese-built Alfa V6 is an excellent engine,” says Jano, “we have more than twenty years of experience developing it to the maximum, and it quite simply responds to everything we want to do to it. The Alfa GT Coupé provides us with all the right ingredients to work with – in the engine and chassis area – and we are all delighted with the results we have achieved with the Autodelta GT 3.7 Super.”

The improvements made to the engine are complimented by extensive remapping to the ECU, while the front-wheel-drive car is able to effectively put the additional power down on the road through the incorporation of an Autodelta-developed and specially manufactured Limited Slip Differential (LSD). Autodelta also fit different gearbox ratios, depending on the customer’s specific requirements.

This is not just a very powerful machine for trackdays or special occasions, but an effective, practical car ready for day-to-day use, fully able to use all its 405 bhp and 508 Nm to enhance the owner’s sensory experience under all driving scenarios. Most Autodelta customers’ demand a high performance Alfa Romeo which is suitable every use, and Autodelta’s engineers regard it as their priority to fulfil this demand.

The Autodelta GT 3.7 Super comes with the enhanced aerodynamic package of the GT Super, including a deeper spoiler that supplies and optimises airflow to the intercooler. The rear bumper assembly incorporates a ‘diffuser’. Interior trim upgrades are optional, including Alcantara trim on the dashboard and panels, as well as bespoke leather packages.

The full Autodelta GT 3.7 Super package is now available for immediate ordering from the London factory or from our worldwide network of authorised dealers.

2007 Autodelta Alfa Romeo Brera J5 3.2 C

(from Autodelta Press Release) The Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C (C stands for “Compressore”) is a cutting-edge blend of Italian fashion and the pursuit of ultimate performance through advanced technology. It redefines Autodelta’s never-ending quest to draw the maximum dynamics and driving pleasure from Alfa Romeo’s exciting production models, and is the culmination of more than a year’s intense research and development as well as hard work and innovative thinking put into application.

Announcing that this new car is supercharged brings another strong Autodelta tradition into the equation, one that has become very central to their engineering philosophy in recent years. With a huge wealth of experience in supercharging – including its application on the famous ‘Arese V6’ with a 400bhp step arriving in final stages of its development, as well as on the direct-injection JTS engine, where Autodelta is the only company worldwide to offer forced induction on this Alfa Romeo unit (and in fact of all the major carmakers only VW have a production supercharged direct-injection engine) – it was logical that Autodelta would turn to this tradition as they looked to raise the Brera’s bite in the power stakes. The Brera J5 3.2 C’s dedicated supercharger unit is supplied by Rotrex to Autodelta; in fact the Rotrex C30-94 is considered to be the most compact supercharging unit available today noted for its durability, light inherent weight and compact form; Rotrex superchargers were also chosen by Koenigsegg to power their CCX supercar, which set the record for the fastest production car in the world. The Rotrex C30-94 properties make it perfect for installation in the Brera’s engine bay which offers little excess room, its installation and that of its dedicated oil cooler being positioned in an optimum manner to allow maximum air flow via the new Autodelta-designed front bumper.

The Autodelta Brera offers 348 bhp and 430 Nm torque, the additional 88 bhp over the standard model turning this into a powerful four wheel drive 2+2 sportscar easily capable of fulfilling its driver’s innermost demands and desires. 0-100 km/h is achieved in 5.3 seconds while top speed is 260 km/h. However an Autodelta model is always an all-round player, and the Brera J5 3.2 C is the complete package, fully developed in every area, the result of much of hard work which focused in detail on every aspect of the sports car. The Brera’s engine electronics have been significantly re-mapped to make sure that power is put down in an optimum manner, with smooth delivery and in perfect synergy with the car’s capabilities. A brand new stainless-steel exhaust system, created in conjunction with Autodelta’s exhaust development partner Ragazzon, offers optimum gasflow properties as well as a distinct Alfa Romeo exhaust “note”, and is immediately recognisable by its quad-oval tail pipes which are each engraved with the Autodelta legend. The suspension has been re-worked with new Autodelta Sport Line Dampers with Coil Over springs being specially developed for the car; while an upgraded braking system perfectly manages the additional requirements demanded of it by all the extra power.

Autodelta is also about style, and this area of the car has not been neglected by our experienced design team. A typical Alfa Romeo driver demands performance with inherent Italian styling; understated but individual. An Autodelta driver also makes these demands, but pushed to a further level; understated charms combined with aggression, sleek yet with the exclusive handcrafted Autodelta tradition instantly recognisable. To achieve these core requirements Autodelta’s designers have evolved the “F1 look” that they first introduced on the Autodelta GT Super in 2004 and then the Autodelta 147 GTA AM Super (2005). With this dashing styling treatment, the front bumper arches upwards to meet the traditional “heart” grille, that most famous of all Alfa Romeo symbols, and one which sets an Alfa Romeo apart from the crowd. This remains the most distinctive feature of the car that Autodelta’s designers seek to amplify, but never challenge. The new front bumper at the same time has been optimised to provide maximum delivery of air to the new supercharger oil cooler via the introduction of extra cooling slots on the bumper’s flanks. At the rear, the customary Autodelta splitter enhances the curving rump of the Brera. The subtle but distinctive looks of the Brera J5 3.2 C are finally completed by 19-inch OZ Racing Ultraleggera wheels and Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres; OZ Racing and Dunlop tyres are also development partners in the Brera J5 3.2 C project.

2007 Alfa Romeo Alfa 147 Murphy&Nye

(from Fiat Group Press Release) Launch of the Alfa 147 Murphy&Nye

On June 9 and 10 the public will be able to examine and try out the Alfa 147 Murphy&Nye, the new version that has resulted from collaboration between Alfa Romeo and the company famous for its brand of nautical clothing and sportswear designed for the racing world.

Powered by the sparkling 120 bhp 1.9 JTDM, the car has exclusive Light blue Crystal bodywork, 17” alloys and a chrome-plated exhaust terminal. The grille, whiskers and wing mirrors all have the same satin-effect finish, while the Murphy&Nye logo, a name of great distinction in the yachting world, decorates the pillar and rear end.

Inside, the sporty effect is even more refined, underlined by an original leitmotiv that links the car world to the world of yachts. The result is a blue and cream colour combination that lightens the interior, sporty leather seats with blue side strips and a cream seat, and the Alfa logo embroidered in red on the head restraints. The red coulisse on the gaiters of the gear lever and hand brake knobs and on the document pockets of the seats gives an extra touch of refinement. The kick-panels decorated with the M&N logo and the rope and frogging pattern on the mats underline the bond between this 147 and the sailing world. There is a generous range of M&N accessories that includes a large bag, a key-ring and a document folder with the company logo. Standard equipment on the Alfa 147 Murphy&Nye also includes foglights, dual zone automatic climate control, Cruise Control, a trip computer, VDC, ASR, 6 airbags and a radio complete with CD player and 6 speakers.

Available with a 5-door body and a list price of ¤ 24.690 on the road, the Alfa 147 Murphy&Nye perfectly embodies the values shared by the two companies: a passion for racing, for a challenge and for freedom. Alfa Romeo models have always combined unique, typically Italian style, with a high technological content, at the top of their class for performance and capable of guaranteeing strong emotions, an exciting drive and total safety. Murphy&Nye similarly boasts a long tradition in the yachting world. Its years of experience began with sail production before they moved on to the creation of technical clothing designed and made for the racing world, constantly experimenting with new hi-tech fabrics.

The elegant, sophisticated Alfa 147 Murphy&Nye is metropolitan and sporty, dedicated to people who like to live on the move, and who demand beauty combined with practicality and convenience. The worlds of the car and of the yacht meet on board the Alfa 147 with an unprecedented appeal. The launch of the new Murphy&Nye version will be preceded by a special initiative on the http://www.alfa147game.it/ site from June 3.

2007 Alfa Romeo Spider

(from Alfa Romeo Press Release) The Spider or convertible has an important place in Alfa Romeo tradition (starting with the 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 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.

Developed by Pininfarina in conjunction with the Alfa Romeo style centre, the model turns heads for its unmistakable Italian elegance, an absolutely unique and unrepeatable style that promises the satisfaction of a sporty drive with full respect for Brand traditions. While maintaining a front end compatible with the latest generation of Alfa Romeos, the new car is nevertheless the latest stylistic development of the Alfa Romeo convertibles that have written the history of world motoring. Take for example the car’s penetrating lines that invite the eye to run over the entire length of the clean-cut perimeter. The side is made more dynamic by the concave surface that runs across it. Brawny wheelarches express the car's sporty vocation while maintaining its stylistic elegance and lightness. The rear is also made lighter by fins and the round plan view of the boot and bumpers.

Inside, the Alfa Spider offers a welcoming and highly sophisticated environment due to the use of top-quality materials and the adoption of opulent features (standard on some versions). From dual-zone automatic climate control to steering-wheel-mounted radio controls, VDC and Cruise control, a map navigator with bird-view function and the Blue&Me system.

The car is offered in a choice of two outfits, and the customer can also choose between two JTS petrol engines (2.2 delivering 185 bhp and 3.2 V6 Q4 delivering 260 bhp), combined with a sporty, mechanical, 6-speed gearbox. The new car guarantees the temperament of an Alfa and excellent dynamic performance thanks to high double wishbone suspension at the front and a Multilink system at the rear. The Alfa Spider combines superb comfort with a sporty trim and an evolved ‘Alfa Romeo Q4’ four-wheel drive system (on the 260 bhp 3.2 V6 Q4 version). And in the safety field, the new Alfa Romeo is fitted with the most sophisticated electronic devices to control the car’s dynamic behaviour: from braking to traction.

These are the winning features that allowed the new model to run off with the ‘Cabrio of the Year 2006’ prize at its first outing (at the recent Geneva Motor Show). This prestigious title was awarded by a Cabriolet Committee made up of 23 motoring journalists from 12 different countries. With its safety, power and attractive styling, the Alfa Spider marks step forward in the convertible field, a specific segment where Alfa Romeo has always played a leading role. The new vehicle has been designed for quality without compromise. This concept has been pursued throughout all stages of the car’s development process, from product design and including the innumerable tests that the car underwent before production. The Alfa Spider’s quality is also expressed in the choice of opulent interior materials; in the tuning of its Alfa Romeo engines to achieve top-level performance, engine note and driving comfort – and in the optimisation of the sophisticated suspension systems. The term ‘quality’ also describes a world of financial services and products to meet all needs.

2006 Alfa Romeo Spider

(from Alfa Romeo Spider) The forthcoming Geneva Motor Show will see the world debut of the Alfa 159 Sportwagon and the Alfa Spider, thus completing the range set to take Alfa Romeo into the future.

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon represents a consummate blend of Italian style with the performance and handling of a genuine sportscar, combined with the flexibility of use and versatility of space you would expect from a high class estate. Like the saloon – the total length (4,660 millimetres) is exactly the same – the new model has been given a decidedly sporty look, without that look of ‘added-on volume’ which characterises the typical station wagon. The sleek lines of the long roof give it a coupé feel, as does the roof spoiler and the edgy aerodynamic styling, while the superbly functional interior offers great load volume. All in all Alfa 159 Sportwagon guarantees the performance and dynamic handling of a sportscar with a size of boot in line with that of a high class station wagon, while also offering a versatility which satisfies the tastes and demands of the modern lifestyle.

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon is available in 2 or 3 versions (depending on the country), 12 bodywork colours and 5 interior colourways. It offers three new JTS engines with double continuous variable valve timing (the 260 bhp 3.2 V6 24v, the 185 bhp 2.2 and the 160 bhp 1.9) and three turbodiesel Multijet engines (the 200 bhp 2.4 JTDM 20v, the 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM 16v and the 120 bhp 1.9 JTDM 8v). All of these are fitted with new manual six-speed gearboxes, and some versions also offer automatic gears and robotised Selespeed gear lever, also six speed. Without counting the fact that the range offers all clients, even the most demanding, the opportunity to select from various different options and innovative features.

Also debuting in Geneva is the Alfa Spider. A complex, sophisticated creature which both recalls the glorious Alfa Romeo tradition in this sector (from the Giulietta Spider in the ‘50s to the Duetto and the Nineties model), and rolls out some cutting edge solutions in terms of mechanical specifications and engines.

The new Spider is a generously-sized two-seater – 1,830 millimetres wide, 4,396 long and 1,367 high – characterised by elongated rear lights and four exhaust terminals which accentuate the impression of great temperament. The interior of the Alfa Spider is inviting and gorgeously sophisticated, thanks to the use of sumptuous materials and added value features (as standard, depending on the version): from the automatic dual-zone climate control to the steering wheel mounted radio controls, from VDC to cruise control. Available in two versions, the client can choose his or her Alfa Spider to be fitted with the sparkling 185 bhp 2.2 JTS engine or the powerful 260 bhp 3.2 JTS.

Lastly, both Alfa Romeo models ensure outstanding dynamic performance thanks to high double wishbone suspension at the front and Multilink at the rear. Along with great ride comfort, the Alfa Spider and Alfa 159 Sportwagon boast a sporty configuration and the use of state of the art ‘Q4’ four wheel drive (available on the 260 bhp 3.2 versions). What’s more – like the saloon version which was recently awarded 5 prestigious Euro NCAP stars – the two Alfa Romeo models once more confirm the utmost attention which goes into all aspects regarding safety, as well as offering the most sophisticated electronic vehicle dynamic control devices.