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http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_alfa_romeo_8c_competizione-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_alfa_romeo_8c_competizione-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_alfa_romeo_8c_competizione-3.jpg Daniele Bandiera, President of the Alfa Romeo Business Unit, presented an exciting concept car to the international press this morning. It is called the 8C Competizione and it joins the other important novelties displayed on the Alfa Romeo stand at the 60th Frankfurt International Motor Show: the new Alfa 166 (also having its world preview), the Alfa GT, the new 156 and Sportwagon, and the GTV and Spider models with their recently revamped styling and features. Designed and developed at the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, this prototype will become a true brand icon, evoking a great sports car tradition of which the name is part. In the Thirties and Forties, the '8c' signature that returns here, identified the racing and road cars that were equipped with the new eight cylinder engine developed by the famous engineer Vittorio Jano. The term 'Competizione' on the other hand, is a tribute to the 6C 2500 Competizione, the sports coupe driven by Fangio and Zanardi in the famous Mille Miglia race in 1950. So '8c Competizione' is not an invented name, but a clear reference to Alfa's racing history. And of course the Alfa Romeo legend was created to a great extent by the victories its cars achieved on race courses all around the world. There were so many of them that alone they represent a long, fascinating chapter, made of men and competitive spirit, engines and cutting edge technical ideas. The protagonists of the inestimable human and technological heritage that is responsible for today's beautiful cars, full of character and, above all, capable of combining the beauty of the styling with the pleasure of driving them. Let us admire then the captivating, original lines of this carbon fibre 2-seater, and its extremely generous measurements: 1900 mm wide, 4278 mm long and 1250 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2595 mm. The body is given extra dynamism by the horizontal furrow cut into the side above the front wheelarch. In addition to this, the large tyres (245/40 - R20 at the front and 275/35 - R20 at the rear) and the powerful, muscular rear wings accentuate the impression the model gives of a strong, forceful personality. This does not detract in any way from the elegance of the lines that run smoothly from front to back, to the light clusters set into the integral bumpers. A stylistic balance that has its maximum expression in the daring design of the rear window that covers the rear and partially envelops the rear pillars. The front elements have been repositioned as they were on the most important Alfa racing cars of the past - the whiskers and shield are aligned at the same height - a decision of historical and evolutionary significance. But a rapid glance will reveal that the styling of the whole exterior is full of classical references, an ideal opportunity for a modern interpretation of traditional Alfa stylistic cues. For example, the front end recalls the former 33 Coupe Stradale, while the rear sports the characteristic round light clusters of the Giulia TZ. It is difficult to be indifferent to the 8C Competizione concept car, because it is the pure expression of Alfa Romeo's concept of the car. And with this new model, Alfa's stylistic language takes a further step forward. Compared to another concept car, the 'Nuvola', which also featured the shapes and surface treatment of the new Alfa Romeo aesthetics, the styling approach of the Alfa 8c Competizione enhances the brand's DNA with a modern hi-tech interpretation of the most famous designs in Alfa Romeo history. Nor can we forget that the Alfa Romeo sports cars of past and present all share a particular feature: the ability to thrill even the most experienced drivers when they take the wheel. And the Alfa 8c Competizione is no exception. Suffice it to say that under the bonnet lurks a 4.2 litre V8 (90) turbo engine with a volumetric compressor. This powerful unit delivers over 400 bhp at 7000 rpm and together with a 6-speed manual rear transmission, takes the prototype to a top speed above 300 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometres in just 4.5 seconds. This engine commands not only absolute performance and outstanding peaks of power and torque (over 45 kgm at 4500 rpm), but also smooth, effortless delivery even at low speeds. The result is a car capable of exciting performance, that is perfectly at home on everyday roads and not only on the racetrack. The 8c Competizione combines this brilliant performance with extraordinary roadholding and the handling of a true thoroughbred. The merit goes to the dual wishbone suspension at front and rear, which ensures extremely enjoyable handling, combining the control you would expect of front-wheel drive with an exceptionally sporty drive and pinpoint response, which are particularly important on mixed routes. We must underline that Alfa Romeo chose rear-wheel drive on the 8c Competizione to support the exuberant engine and to deliver truly unbeatable emotions. Story by Alfa Romeo

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2002_alfa-romeo_146_gta-2.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2002_alfa-romeo_146_gta-3.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2002_alfa-romeo_146_gta-1.jpg Today, a few short months after the launch of the 156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA, we welcome the Alfa 147 to the same family. This car is based on the Alfa 147 compact car. The new model differs in its broad wings that stand out at the front to accommodate the generous 17 inch wheels. 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. 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. This is neccessary as the 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. The GTA complements the basic Alfa 147 package with a few sporty interior 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 Alfa 147 GTA suspension layout is based on the formidable combination of high double wishbones at the front and a MacPherson arrangement at the rear. 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. 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. 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 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 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.

Here is a Sportwagon version of Alfa Romeo 159....... Check out here: http://www.auto-power-girl.com/specificati..._sportwagon-176

Another Italian beau on the way....... Check out here: http://www.infomotori.co.uk/a_4_EN_18308_1.html

On next September Alfa Romeo will decide whether to produce a small B-segment coup

More photos of the diva. What a diva.

guys, am really have the itch for this car... now doing more research till i head down to test drive the car. anyone here own a 147?

Just went to the Australian International Car Show. Saw Alfa Romeo Bera... Nice! Even better than 147 i'd say...

Any good local Alfa Forum to recommend? One that is similiar to this, free to use by all and popular?

something i took from AROC http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/jsp/ma...40&storyid=2440

The finally built a group A car with the 147!!! This thing has 210bhp... at 1075kg!!! http://www.italiaspeed.com/2005/motorsport.../alfa/2607.html

Hey all, I went down to look at Alfa Romeo at Jalan Kelulut. Its an authorized dealer for AR cars. place look so cool and cozy. The guy around was real nice and friendly. Like not walking into a showroom. More like walking into a boutique of your favourite fashion brand. feel like home kind of thing. you guys should check it out. It's Pretazi'One Automobile. can find the add in any euroautomobile ad. Tell me if you have more info on this while i go for more 'adventure'. cherios!

Alfa back to perform Neil Dowling For a 90-year-old, the face of Alfa looks surprisingly young. NEIL DOWLING takes its newest model for a quick run. ALFA Romeo is reclaiming the word that formed its backbone. Performance. It is the one word on which Alfa's history was based, becoming its philosophy through to the 1970s before buyers started demanding room for their children and the focus on performance became blurred. But there have been some exceptions

Designed and developed at the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the 8c Competizione will become a true brand icon, evoking a great sports car tradition of which the name is part. In the Thirties and Forties, the '8c' signature identified the racing and road cars that were equipped with the new eight cylinder engine developed by the famous engineer Vittorio Jano. The term 'Competizione' on the other hand, is a tribute to the 6C 2500 Competizione, the sports coup

Hi all brothers, Got a shock of my life when I was driving along TPE heading towards Hougang just now. Saw a blue Alfa Romeo and was thinking of having some fun. We both exit at Hougang and was stuck at the traffic light. Thinking that my modified 205bhp SiR (dyno-tested) should be able to beat him flat. When the light turned green, I go on at full throttle thinking that it will be another victory over a conti. To my atonishment,the alfa romeo effortlessly leave me behind and the next moment, I lost him!!!!! How the hell would a Alfa be so fast? I clocked my century sprint at 7 sec flat and he can beat me FLAT!!!!! Any brothers here know who is him? I'm really interested to know what he has done to his car OR if you are the driver who is reading now,let's meet for a coffee.

I don't know why, but I feel a strange need to apologise to the many Alfisti in the forum for the following review. Not because I'm going to make literary mincemeat of the car, just that I'm not sure of the hype being lived up to. But let's not jump the gun... This was actually my second time driving a 147. The first was with a 2.0 Selespeed, which a few of you know I didn't get along too well with Anyways, always keep an open mind they say, so it was time for Yttirum and I to see how the manual 1.6 Twin Spark would compare. I won't bore you guys with descriptions of the appearance, the pictures are testament enough to it's looks. What I will have to mention is the fact that this 5 door hatch still gets mistaken for a 3 door, as was seen when a certain someone was seen looking for a way to squeeze between the paper-thin gap between the front seat and b-pillar Something old, something new... The 147's pedals are closely spaced, as they should be on a machine with sporting pretenses. A decent driving position was also easy to find, with adjustability in the wheel and seats. Oh, and enough lower back support for this back-pained ah pek. Didn't fiddle with most of the instrument controls, so no reports on the internal ergonomics. No, let's jump straight to the heart of the matter - the drive. And central to that is the engine. 120 bhp is more than decent for a 1.6l. I know that certain Civics punt out more than that, but the delivery is quite different. Surprisingly, with a torque figure almost identical to a Focus' (146Nm vs 145Nm for the Ford), the Alfa manages to feel every bit of 120 horses. Despite the on-paper specs that suggest a peaky engine, there's plenty of pull right across the power band. In fact, if you've not got your eye on the dial, you'll hit the redline without knowing it, there's absolutely no letup. Comparatively my Focus feels like it's on a heavy dose of sleeping pills - lethargic and slow-witted. I'd somehow expected more of a raspy note from an Alfa, but I suppose the attempt at growling is pleasant enough, and leagues better than the boomy soundtrack on any number of old Jap-mobiles. Out on the highway, 100kmh comes at just over 3,000rpm in 5th gear, which may or may not make long distances an aural chore. I guess a Civic Type R driver certainly won't complain Unfortunately, the rubbery, long throw gearchange fails to impress. It's almost a chore a make snappy shifts, which is something quite out of character with the other input devices in the car. I'm not sure if this is supposed to make the potential customer yearn for the Selespeed more, but there's no denying it's one of the Alfa's weak points. So, away from the straights, we head into a medium speed roundabout, which shows up good body control. There's no initial body roll (which I suspect is a uniquely Focus trait), just flat straightfoward cornering, with a hint over oversteer - nothing hairy, and very controllable. But what's this? Tyres screeching? We defnitely weren't anywhere close to the limits - I was tailing a van, for goodness' sake! Powering out of another corner later, the same sqealing resurfaces. Most odd. Could the tyres be worn? Fuel saver model? A check shows both to be negative - the test car's running on fairly new 195/60/15 Pirelli P6000, hardly a runt of a tyre. Can't put my finger on it, but it definitely dampens a playful mood... I have to say the drive has left me in an awkward position. I still can't find an Alfa engine I can fault, and the littlest one on sale now is no exception. Sweet, powerful, always on call, it's making me look into heart transplants. On the other hand, I can't say I'm terribly excited about much else, and this is the second time I've stepped out of a 147 feeling this way. The handling is without a doubt, up to expectations, and the interior is both well-specced and beautiful. but I just can't help thinking in terms of value, and there's the crunch. In the UK, the 147 is 10% dearer than an equivalent Focus, but over here, it's more like a $25k difference, which works out to be more than 30%. Ok, you get climate control, cruise control and a couple of other things, but ultimately is all that worth twenty-five grand? There are things that can hit you so hard in the chest, cause your eyeballs to pop, your spouse to walk out on you, and make you forget all about small things like value for money, but the Alfa 147 just doesn't do it for me. That yellow piece of sin they call the Lamborghini Gallardo (conveniently sitting in the adjacent showroom) however...

No matter. This car is indeed fast!! N.B: Both pix resized to 680 -- Assassin

When the Alfa Romeo 166 was launched in 1998, it came as a bit of a shock. The company had a reputation for making beautiful cars, but its flagship saloon looked rather bizarre, with its drooping headlamps and a pointed nose. Finally, five years later, the flagship Italian has had a significant makeover to sharpen up its appearance. Gone is the sad front, and in its place is the attractive family grille and bigger lights, similar to those on the 156 and 147. But while the front is all-new, the rest of the sharp exterior has been left alone. Inside, changes include better materials and lighter colours. The 3.0-litre V6 petrol model we drove featured attractive beige leather seats and matching hide dash which, coupled with the stylish facia and instrument dials, create an upmarket feel. But while the cabin looks good, it doesn't feel as robust as those in some rival machines. In addition to the cosmetic tweaks, the 166's suspension has been revised as well. The result is much improved handling, with very little body roll through corners or driving under braking. However, the downside is that the car can feel slightly fidgety over poor surfaces, while the front wheels have a tendency to tramline at low speeds. But Alfas are bought for their engines, and this 3.0-litre proves why. As well as being powerful and sounding great, it works perfectly with the four-speed auto box to make overtaking effortless. For swifter progress, you can select sports mode or change manually using the console-mounted gearlever. With 220bhp on tap and a healthy 265Nm of torque, the 166 sprints from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds. But for breathtaking performance, you'll want the all-new 3.2-litre flagship. Taking its tuneful 240bhp engine from the scorching 156 GTA and fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, it covers the 0-62mph dash in only 7.4 seconds, and pulls eagerly throughout the rev range. When the new 166 goes on sale next month, prices will start from around

Hmmm... don't the headlights now look like a Waja's?... >>>> Face-lifted versions of Alfa Romeo

Just for Pauly75ts...the GTV...

The Italdesign Brera prototype takes centre stage on the Alfa Romeo stand for the first time since it has been confirmed that the 4x4 Grand Tourer is to be put into production with a limited run of 1,000 examples expected to cost around

Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0 JTS ge is no barrier to beauty - take Alfa Romeo's GTV Coup

I know little of this 'Classic', except that it was based on the 75 (I think) and remembered that its design created quite a stir in the early 90s. It was called SZ for 'Sports or Sprint Zagato', and RZ for the 'Roadster Zagato' model. Paul, or anyone, with more 'stories' on this Beauty???

Calling all Alfa Romeo affecionados/fans/owners! Any stories to tell about this model???