Search the Community

Alfa Romeo recently unveiled 2 new variants of the Brera and Spider models in the UK, namely the 1750 TBI petrol and the 2.0 JTDM diesel. Both the engines are turbocharged, with the petrol and diesel versions generating 200hp and 170hp respectively. The 1750 TBi generates 320Nm of torque, propelling the Brera from zero to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds. In the Spider, it takes 0.1 second slower but is still impressive considering that it is a cabriolet. Top speed for both models is 235 km/h. The 2.0 liter JTDM diesel unit pumps out 360Nm of torque, allowing the Brera to hit 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds. The diesel powered Spider does the century sprint in 9.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 217 km/h, a similar figure for the Brera. At the same time, the UK division also revealed a new trim line called the Italia Independent, available with all engine options including the ones above. The trim level includes a matt black titaniuim finish, 18-inch black alloys that hide red brake calipers as well as an Alfa 8C inspired aluminium fuel cap. On the inside, one can find black leather bound steering wheel, gear knob with red stitching and black sports leather seats with Italia Independent branding on the headrests. There are also carbon-fibre trim inserts, aluminium sports pedals and foot rest as well as an audio plus navigation unit. Let

On 3 Jan 2010, there was a special section on The Straits Times featuring cars that will arrive in Singapore during 2010. I was abit disappointed not to see the Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBi. The 159 1750 TBi made its debut at the Geneva Motorshow in 2009. The 1750 TBi engine is actually a 1742 cc turbocharged gasoline engine, which replaces both the 1.9 and 2.2 JTS naturally aspirated engines. Alfa revived the legendary "1750" label for this engine, hoping it to get recognition from its fans. The engine is pretty advanced, featuring dual-continuous variable cam phasing, second-generation direct injection and a revolutionary "scavenging" technology. The latter utilizes valve overlapping to enable a momentary inrush of air directly from intake manifolds to exhaust manifolds (while precisely delay fuel injection and ignition during that moment). This helps in waking up the turbocharger at low rpm, reducing turbo lag. Its maximum torque of 236 lb-ft is delivered at an incredibly low 1400 rpm and packs the power of 200 horses. This giving the four-cylinder 159 vastly improved top speed and acceleration while reducing fuel consumption at the same time. It is a pity that this excellent engine is currently only mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox in the 159. In a country like Singapore where an automatic car is almost an automatic choice, this will spell bad news for sales figure. But never say never, let's pray that an automatic version will be offered and I am sure that it will attract a lot of attention at EuroAutomobile.