Alfa Romeo 156
Encyclopedia
The Alfa Romeo 156 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
http://www.bangkokpost.com/midyear2002/auto.html, 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 156s 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. The Sportwagon
advertising campaign was made with Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones
.
The 156 saloon was discontinued late in 2005 in Europe, the four-wheel drive Q4 Crosswagon was produced to the end of 2007. The 156 was replaced with 159
, which also spawned the Brera
, the two door coupe that replaces the Alfa Romeo GTV
along with its convertible sister the new Spider
.
(1.6 L 120 PS, 1.8 L 144 PS and 2.0 L 155 PS) 16 valve engines with variable valve timing
, along with the straight-4
1.9 litre 8-valve 105 PS and straight-5
2.4 litre 10-valve 136 PS 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.
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 inches (406.4 mm) 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.
Starting from 1999 five-speed Selespeed
sequential transmission came as an option to 2.0 litre Twin Spark version and four-speed automatic Q-System to 2.5 litre V6 version, the Q-system can be used as normal automatic or shift manually with H-pattern, it has three automatic modes: city, sport and ice.
A significant addition to the 156 range was the Sportwagon estate
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. The Sportwagon was marketed as lifestyle estate
without large carrying capacity.
The Sportwagon bodystyle filled a gap in the market that Alfa Romeo had distanced themselves from since the 33 SportWagon of the 1980s.
In 2001 engines were upgraded, engines complied with Euro3 norm and outputed 120 PS (1.6 L), 140 PS (1.8 L), 150 PS (2.0 L) and 192 PS (2.5 L).
. Its distinctive style with its high curved flanks, retro styled front door handles, hidden rear door handles, dramatic deep grille
and sweeping profile made it, to some, the best looking car in its class. The car was one of the first saloons to feature hidden rear door handles and prominent front door handles to give it a coupé look. The design was influenced by three historical Alfa Romeo models: the 1900, the Giulietta and the Giulia. The 156 achieved a drag coefficient
(Cd) of 0.31.
, with a deeply scalloped upper dashboard and simple centre console. All of the main controls and displays are angled towards the driver in typical Italian sports car style, although this can sometimes be awkward for passengers who will struggle to see the interior clock. Despite being a family car, the interior design lacks cup holders, which normally come standard in saloons. Typically, for a smaller executive car, there is ample room up front for the driver and passenger to sit comfortably, with very comfortable seats. However, rear seat passengers may find the design restrictive in overall room. The 156 is a car for four people, rather than five, although later models did add a full centre seatbelt in place of the lap belt in earlier models.
2002 saw an update to both the interior and exterior of the 156.
, which in turn was derived from the Fiat Group's "Tipo" platform
. However it is sufficiently different from the original "Tipo" one to be seen as a new platform. The 156 is a highly-developed front-wheel drive
car; (the Cross/Sportwagon Q4 offered four-wheel drive
in left-hand drive markets) with a double high wishbone
front suspension and all independent multi-link
rear suspension, which consists of a telescopic vertical strut
with coaxial spring
and two transverse links of different lengths and a longitudinal strut. This structure means that the rear wheels have a small passive steering ability. Weight saving material (aluminum) has been used in several parts both front and rear suspension. The weight saving materials were also used in many other parts like magnesium framed front seats.
interior with different matte-finish surfacing and chrome highlights.
New version used the 147's
dual-zone digital climate control
, the interior climate could also be controlled via air quality sensor. A different choice of colours were available for the interior, with the option of a two-tone interior very much like that BMW were introducing at the time. A wider range of options including xenon
lighting, tele-informatics (CONNECT and CONNECT NAV) and a Bose stereo system were available, the stereo system could now also be operated via buttons on the steering wheel. Also the Selespeed gearbox control system was updated, buttons at steering wheel were replaced by paddle shifters, like seen earlier on the Alfa Romeo 147
. In the center console was added multifunctional display with trip computer
, fault and service monitor. Also electronic stability control
VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and slip control ASR
(Anti Slip Regulation) came as standard. Passive safety was also made better, all versions got
window airbag
s as standard. The 2.0 L JTS
165 PS gasoline direct injection
engine replaced the 2.0 litre Twin Spark engine, offering more low end torque and more power than the Twin Spark, diesel engines were also uprated. Only notable difference exterior-wise was body coloured mirrors and bumper strips which were earlier black.
Late 2003 saw the launch of a facelifted 156, with new front and rear fascias
designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
. To the top of range was added new TI trim level (Turismo Internazionale) designating a sporty kit, this version was equipped with modified suspension, bigger wheels (215/45 17") and leather-trimmed interior. 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 underwent a major re-working, new four valve per cylinder head
s were added, second stage common rail injection with 1400 bar maximum injection pressure with up to five injections per cycle for lower noise, consumption and higher performance. They were rated at 140/150 PS (103/110 kW
) for straight-4
1.9 litre 16-valve and 175 PS for straight-5
2.4 litre 20-valve.
C four-wheel drive system and raised ride heights (Crosswagon height: 1497 mm (58.9 in), Sportwagon 1458 mm (57.4 in)). The Crosswagon version was made to look more like all-terrain vehicle; door sill aluminium protection, front and rear bumpers were equipped with aluminium inserts. The Sportwagon Q4 was a normal looking version with just slightly higher ground clearance than the front wheel drive Sportwagon.
the Frankfurt Motor Show. The GTA was named after the Alfa Romeo GTA
from the 1960s, the letters GTA meaning Gran Turismo Alleggerita (lightened Grand Tourer).
Even though the name suggests a light car, the GTA isn't any lighter than base 156. It was actually 91 kilograms (200.6 lb) heavier than 2.5 litre V6 engined version.
With its 3.2 litre engine its easy to get very varying fuel consumption figures, the EC urban fuel consumption is 15.6 mpgimp and combined 23.3 mpgimp, extra-urban consumption is 32.8 mpgimp.
The very first GTA was sold on-line auction from September 13 to 23, the duration of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Winning bid was 48,691.26 euros, which was donated to "Telethon" charity fund.
Equipped with a 3.2 litre V6 with six-speed manual transmission or six-speed Selespeed
(paddles in steering wheel, hydraulically operated clutchless manual gearbox), the GTA variants were aimed at the performance market. The GTA variants boasted 250 PS, had a lowered and stiffened suspension, a distinctive body kit and leather interior. The suspension was specifically made for the GTA by Fiat Research Centre and Fiat Auto Design and Development Department. Steering
was also made faster, only 1.7 turns from lock to lock compared to 2.1 in normal models. The GTA had also much bigger brakes
(Brembo
), at front 305 millimetres (12 in) discs and rear 276 millimetres (10.8 in). The front discs were later updated to 330 millimetres (13 in). The GTA subsequently stopped production in October 2005 citing the upcoming replacement to the 156, the Alfa Romeo 159
.
diesel engines, all produced at Pratola Serra
except the V6 engine , which was produced at Alfa Romeo's Arese plant
. The 1.9 JTD diesel was world's first common rail diesel engine in a passenger car.
-2.0 TS, 2.0 JTS and GTA Selespeed
versions have same performance statistics as manual transmission.
* Crosswagon Q4 topspeed is 192 kilometre per hour and acceleration 0–100 km/h (62,5 mph) is 10.5 seconds, for Sportwagon Q4 numbers are 200 kilometre per hour and 10.2 seconds.
. The GTA 3179 cc engine was bored to 3548 cc and power pushed to 300 PS. The car had widened wheel arches, 19 inch tyres and was equipped with N.Technology limited slip differential
. This car never reached production phase.
(Italian company) built 156 Sportwagon prototype equipped with a 3548 cc V6 engine that develops 300 bhp at 6800 rpm. The car was fitted with Bilstein adjustable shock absorbers and Eibach springs. The Brembo made front brakes had a diameter of 330 millimetres (13 in). The car was made lighter by using composite material to the bonnet.
London (United Kingdom) based aftermarket tuning company Autodelta
made also two high performance versions based on 156 GTA, in GTA AM version Alfa Romeo V6 engine
was bored to 3750 cc, which was capable to push 328 PS at 7300 rpm. With this power car can reach top speed of 280 kilometres per hour (175 mph).
The other one GTA AM Super was "upgrade" to the first version, now fitted with Rotrex supercharger
and pushing out 400 PS.
award; it was described as having a "very refined suspension layout so to offer an impeccable roadholding". The 2.5 V6 engine was awarded with the International Engine of the Year
award in 2000. The 156 has won more than 35 awards, including:
The Alfa Romeo 156 was as well vested in motorsport as its predecessor, the 155
. It ran in the
British Touring Car Championship
as well as various European championships, most notably the WTCC
and formerly the ETCC
where it was especially successful. The 156 sports car program was run by Fiat Group's partner
N.Technology S.p.A., originally founded as Nordauto Squadra Corse
to compete in Italian Touring Car Championship.
In 1994 name was changed to Nordauto Engineering and 2001 to N.Technology
. In 1998 Alfa Romeo also offered for sale the 156 Group N
version for the track. The 156 Group N had no carpets, seats or upholstery, but included additional track safety devices. The 156 has won the following titles:
Touring car versions:
made an one-off racing car prototype for FIA Group-E Formula Libre called the Coloni S1 Alfa Romeo 156, or 156 Maxiturismo. The car is a carbon fibre silhouette racing car
on a tubular frame, powered by a 3.0 litre Alfa Romeo V6 engine producing between 380 bhp and 500 bhp. The car has a 6-speed Hewland
-Coloni sequential gearbox and weighs around 900 kilograms (1,984.2 lb). It is capable of achieving over 310 kilometres per hour (192.6 mph).
Compact executive car
Compact executive car is a car classification term applied to premium cars smaller than executive cars. In European classification, compact executive cars are part of the D-segment. In North American terms, close equivalents are compact premium car, compact luxury car, entry-level luxury car and...
introduced by Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
automaker Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of cars. Founded as A.L.F.A. on June 24, 1910, in Milan, the company has been involved in car racing since 1911, and has a reputation for building expensive sports cars...
at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show as the replacement for the Alfa Romeo 155
Alfa Romeo 155
The Alfa Romeo 155 is a compact executive car produced under the Italian Alfa Romeo marque between 1992 and 1998.-Design:Built to replace the 75 and based on the parent Fiat Group's Type Three platform, the 155 was somewhat larger in dimension than the 75 but evolved its styling from that of its...
. Cars were assembled at Fiat Group factory in Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
and General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
facility in Rayong
Rayong
Rayong is a city located on the shore of the Gulf of Thailand, in the east coast region of Thailand. It is the capital of Rayong Province, and covers the tambon Tha Pradu and Pak Nam and parts of tambon Choeng Noen and Noen Phra, all within Mueang Rayong district...
http://www.bangkokpost.com/midyear2002/auto.html, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
(production in Thailand started March 2002 and lasted couple of years, cars were targeted for Asia Pacific markets). Between 1997 and 2005, 680,000 156s 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
Facelift (automobile)
The automotive facelift comprises changes to a car's styling during its production run — often including new sheetmetal and/or interior design) with minimal changes to its underlying mechanicals — allowing a carmaker to freshen a model without complete redesign.A facelift retains the...
, first in 2002 and second in 2003. The Sportwagon
advertising campaign was made with Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Catherine Zeta-Jones, CBE, is a British actress. She began her career on stage at an early age. After starring in a number of United Kingdom and United States television films and small roles in films, she came to prominence with roles in Hollywood movies such as the 1998 action film The Mask of...
.
The 156 saloon was discontinued late in 2005 in Europe, the four-wheel drive Q4 Crosswagon was produced to the end of 2007. The 156 was replaced with 159
Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa Romeo 159 is a compact executive car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo between 2005 and 2011. The 159 was introduced in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show as a replacement for the successful Alfa Romeo 156. The 159 uses the GM/Fiat Premium platform, shared with...
, which also spawned the Brera
Alfa Romeo Brera
The Alfa Romeo Brera is a sports car produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo between 2005 and 2010. The Spider roadster was produced between 2006 to 2010. Both cars were manufactured by Pininfarina. Only 12,488 units of Spider and 21,786 units of Brera were built. Production of both models...
, the two door coupe that replaces the Alfa Romeo GTV
Alfa Romeo GTV & Spider
The Alfa Romeo GTV and Alfa Romeo Spider were two sports cars produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1995 to 2006....
along with its convertible sister the new Spider
Alfa Romeo Brera
The Alfa Romeo Brera is a sports car produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo between 2005 and 2010. The Spider roadster was produced between 2006 to 2010. Both cars were manufactured by Pininfarina. Only 12,488 units of Spider and 21,786 units of Brera were built. Production of both models...
.
Development
At the beginning the engine range encompassed four cylinder Twin SparkAlfa Romeo Twin Spark engine
Alfa Romeo Twin Spark technology was used first time in Alfa Romeo Grand Prix car in 1914. In the early 1960s it was used in their race cars to enable it to achieve a higher power output from its engines...
(1.6 L 120 PS, 1.8 L 144 PS and 2.0 L 155 PS) 16 valve engines with variable valve timing
Variable valve timing
In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
, along with the straight-4
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
1.9 litre 8-valve 105 PS and straight-5
Straight-5
The straight-five engine or inline-five engine is an internal combustion engine with five cylinders aligned in one row or plane, sharing a single engine block and crankcase...
2.4 litre 10-valve 136 PS JTD common rail
Common rail
Common rail direct fuel injection is a modern variant of direct fuel injection system for petrol and diesel engines.On diesel engines, it features a high-pressure fuel rail feeding individual solenoid valves, as opposed to low-pressure fuel pump feeding unit injectors...
turbodiesel
Turbodiesel
Turbodiesel refers to any diesel engine with a turbocharger. Turbocharging is the norm rather than the exception in modern car and truck diesel engines...
engines. Until January 2002, the range-topping engine was the venerable double overhead camshaft 2.5 litre 24-valve Alfa Romeo V6 engine
Alfa Romeo V6 engine
Alfa Romeos in-house V6 engine design made its initial début in 1979 in the Alfa 6. Introduced in 2.5 L guise, production engines would eventually range from 2.0 L to 3.2 L displacement. With modifications it is possible to increase engine displacement to...
rated at 190 PS.
Initially the 156 range was available with different options (packs) like a sport pack that could include either Blitz clothing , Momo
MOMO (company)
MOMO Srl is a design company headquartered in Milan, Italy that makes accessories and parts for automobiles.- Company history :MOMO was founded by gentleman racer Giampiero Moretti in the 1960s. MOMO are the initials for Moretti-Monza. Monza is a region in the Province of Milan.In 1969 MOMO opened...
leather interior or Recaro
Recaro
RECARO GmbH & Co. KG, commonly known as Recaro, is a German company based in Kirchheim unter Teck in the vicinity of Stuttgart, known for their automobile bucket seats...
seats, it also included 16 inches (406.4 mm) wheels, lowered suspension and leather steering wheel
Steering wheel
A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles and vessels ....
and gear knob
Gear stick
A gear stick is the lever used to change gear in a vehicle, such as an automobile, with manual transmission or several common forms of automatic transmission.The device is used to change gear; in a manual transmission vehicle this will normally be done whilst depressing...
. There was also available De-Luxe pack with Momo
MOMO (company)
MOMO Srl is a design company headquartered in Milan, Italy that makes accessories and parts for automobiles.- Company history :MOMO was founded by gentleman racer Giampiero Moretti in the 1960s. MOMO are the initials for Moretti-Monza. Monza is a region in the Province of Milan.In 1969 MOMO opened...
's mahogany
Mahogany
The name mahogany is used when referring to numerous varieties of dark-colored hardwood. It is a native American word originally used for the wood of the species Swietenia mahagoni, known as West Indian or Cuban mahogany....
steering wheel and gear knob and for Nordic countries special winter pack consisting of fog lights, headlight washers and heated seats.
Selespeed
Selespeed is the name of an electrohydraulic manual transmission used in Alfa Romeo cars, developed by Italian company Magneti Marelli. The Selespeed is a robotized manual gearbox with electronic clutch. In its current incarnation it can be operated via paddle shifters from the steering wheel or...
sequential transmission came as an option to 2.0 litre Twin Spark version and four-speed automatic Q-System to 2.5 litre V6 version, the Q-system can be used as normal automatic or shift manually with H-pattern, it has three automatic modes: city, sport and ice.
A significant addition to the 156 range was the Sportwagon estate
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
in 2000, a first attempt at an estate car of this size for the company. Sportwagon was also available with Boge-Nivomat
Nivomat
Nivomat is the name for a vehicle suspension technology created by Mannesmann-Sachs. Compared to the common use of springs, struts, and shock absorbers in a car suspension, Nivomat replaces all of these components with a single unit per wheel which provides damping, ride control, and a...
self-levelling hydropneumatic rear suspension. The Sportwagon was marketed as lifestyle estate
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
without large carrying capacity.
The Sportwagon bodystyle filled a gap in the market that Alfa Romeo had distanced themselves from since the 33 SportWagon of the 1980s.
In 2001 engines were upgraded, engines complied with Euro3 norm and outputed 120 PS (1.6 L), 140 PS (1.8 L), 150 PS (2.0 L) and 192 PS (2.5 L).
Exterior styling
The 156 was designed by Alfa Centro Stile under control of head designer Walter de'SilvaWalter de'Silva
Walter Maria de'Silva is an Italian car designer who is currently Head of Volkswagen Group Design, and is currently responsible for oversight on the design of all Volkswagen Group passenger car brands including Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT, Škoda as well as Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti...
. Its distinctive style with its high curved flanks, retro styled front door handles, hidden rear door handles, dramatic deep grille
Grille
A grille or grill is an opening of several slits side by side in a wall or metal sheet or other barrier, usually to let air or water enter and/or leave but keep larger objects including people and animals in or out.-Spelling:In the United States, "grille" is used to differentiate the automotive...
and sweeping profile made it, to some, the best looking car in its class. The car was one of the first saloons to feature hidden rear door handles and prominent front door handles to give it a coupé look. The design was influenced by three historical Alfa Romeo models: the 1900, the Giulietta and the Giulia. The 156 achieved a drag coefficient
Drag coefficient
In fluid dynamics, the drag coefficient is a dimensionless quantity that is used to quantify the drag or resistance of an object in a fluid environment such as air or water. It is used in the drag equation, where a lower drag coefficient indicates the object will have less aerodynamic or...
(Cd) of 0.31.
Interior styling
The 1998 original interior builds on a benchmark set by Alfa Romeo in their previously released Alfa Romeo 166Alfa Romeo 166
The Alfa Romeo 166 is an executive car that was produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo between 1998 and 2007.The car was designed by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo under the control of Walter de'Silva, and was facelifted in 2003.- History :...
, with a deeply scalloped upper dashboard and simple centre console. All of the main controls and displays are angled towards the driver in typical Italian sports car style, although this can sometimes be awkward for passengers who will struggle to see the interior clock. Despite being a family car, the interior design lacks cup holders, which normally come standard in saloons. Typically, for a smaller executive car, there is ample room up front for the driver and passenger to sit comfortably, with very comfortable seats. However, rear seat passengers may find the design restrictive in overall room. The 156 is a car for four people, rather than five, although later models did add a full centre seatbelt in place of the lap belt in earlier models.
2002 saw an update to both the interior and exterior of the 156.
Platform and suspension
The 156 uses a platform derived from the Alfa Romeo 155Alfa Romeo 155
The Alfa Romeo 155 is a compact executive car produced under the Italian Alfa Romeo marque between 1992 and 1998.-Design:Built to replace the 75 and based on the parent Fiat Group's Type Three platform, the 155 was somewhat larger in dimension than the 75 but evolved its styling from that of its...
, which in turn was derived from the Fiat Group's "Tipo" platform
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
. However it is sufficiently different from the original "Tipo" one to be seen as a new platform. The 156 is a highly-developed front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and...
car; (the Cross/Sportwagon Q4 offered four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
in left-hand drive markets) with a double high wishbone
Control arm
thumb|right|300px|Double Wishbone SuspensionIn automotive suspension, an automobile's control arm or wishbone is a nearly flat and roughly triangular suspension member , that pivots in two places. The broad end of the triangle attaches at the frame and pivots on a bushing...
front suspension and all independent multi-link
Multi-link suspension
A multi-link suspension is a type of vehicle suspension design typically used in independent suspensions, using three or more lateral arms, and one or more longitudinal arms....
rear suspension, which consists of a telescopic vertical strut
Strut
A strut is a structural component designed to resist longitudinal compression. Struts provide outwards-facing support in their lengthwise direction, which can be used to keep two other components separate, performing the opposite function of a tie...
with coaxial spring
Coil spring
A Coil spring, also known as a helical spring, is a mechanical device, which is typically used to store energy and subsequently release it, to absorb shock, or to maintain a force between contacting surfaces...
and two transverse links of different lengths and a longitudinal strut. This structure means that the rear wheels have a small passive steering ability. Weight saving material (aluminum) has been used in several parts both front and rear suspension. The weight saving materials were also used in many other parts like magnesium framed front seats.
2002 facelift (1st series)
2002 also saw the arrival of a faceliftedFacelift (product)
A facelift is the revival of a product through cosmetic means, for example by changing its appearance while leaving its underlying engineering or design intact....
interior with different matte-finish surfacing and chrome highlights.
New version used the 147's
Alfa Romeo 147
The Alfa Romeo 147 is a small family car produced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 2000 to 2010. The 147 was voted European Car of the Year for 2001, beating the Ford Mondeo and the Toyota Prius....
dual-zone digital climate control
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
, the interior climate could also be controlled via air quality sensor. A different choice of colours were available for the interior, with the option of a two-tone interior very much like that BMW were introducing at the time. A wider range of options including xenon
Xenon
Xenon is a chemical element with the symbol Xe and atomic number 54. The element name is pronounced or . A colorless, heavy, odorless noble gas, xenon occurs in the Earth's atmosphere in trace amounts...
lighting, tele-informatics (CONNECT and CONNECT NAV) and a Bose stereo system were available, the stereo system could now also be operated via buttons on the steering wheel. Also the Selespeed gearbox control system was updated, buttons at steering wheel were replaced by paddle shifters, like seen earlier on the Alfa Romeo 147
Alfa Romeo 147
The Alfa Romeo 147 is a small family car produced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 2000 to 2010. The 147 was voted European Car of the Year for 2001, beating the Ford Mondeo and the Toyota Prius....
. In the center console was added multifunctional display with trip computer
Trip computer
A trip computer is an onboard computer device fitted to cars which can generally record distance travelled, average speed, average fuel consumption, and display real time fuel consumption information...
, fault and service monitor. Also electronic stability control
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and slip control ASR
Traction control system
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
(Anti Slip Regulation) came as standard. Passive safety was also made better, all versions got
window airbag
Airbag
An Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
s as standard. The 2.0 L JTS
JTS engine
The JTS engine is a gasoline direct injection engine produced by Alfa Romeo. It exists in two forms, straight-4 and V6, and was introduced into the Alfa lineup in 2002.-2.0:...
165 PS gasoline direct injection
Gasoline direct injection
In internal combustion engines, gasoline direct injection , also known as petrol direct injection or direct petrol injection, is a variant of fuel injection employed in modern two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines...
engine replaced the 2.0 litre Twin Spark engine, offering more low end torque and more power than the Twin Spark, diesel engines were also uprated. Only notable difference exterior-wise was body coloured mirrors and bumper strips which were earlier black.
2003 facelift (2nd series)
Fascia (car)
Confusingly, fascia is used for several different things in the automotive world. Many of these meanings are related to the appearance of the car....
designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
Giorgetto Giugiaro
Giorgetto Giugiaro is an Italian automobile designer responsible equally for a stable of supercars and several of the most popular everyday vehicles driven today...
. To the top of range was added new TI trim level (Turismo Internazionale) designating a sporty kit, this version was equipped with modified suspension, bigger wheels (215/45 17") and leather-trimmed interior. 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 underwent a major re-working, new four valve per cylinder head
Cylinder head
In an internal combustion engine, the cylinder head sits above the cylinders on top of the cylinder block. It closes in the top of the cylinder, forming the combustion chamber. This joint is sealed by a head gasket...
s were added, second stage common rail injection with 1400 bar maximum injection pressure with up to five injections per cycle for lower noise, consumption and higher performance. They were rated at 140/150 PS (103/110 kW
Watt
The watt is a derived unit of power in the International System of Units , named after the Scottish engineer James Watt . The unit, defined as one joule per second, measures the rate of energy conversion.-Definition:...
) for straight-4
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
1.9 litre 16-valve and 175 PS for straight-5
Straight-5
The straight-five engine or inline-five engine is an internal combustion engine with five cylinders aligned in one row or plane, sharing a single engine block and crankcase...
2.4 litre 20-valve.
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| Original version (black mirrors and bumper strips). | 2002 facelift version (body colored mirrors and bumper strips). | New front in 2nd series (2003) Sportwagon. | Rear end in 2002 facelift version. | New rear end in 2nd series (2003). |
2004 Q4 variants
In 2004, Q4 (short for Quadrifoglio 4) four-wheel drive versions arrived to some markets, which were known as the Crosswagon Q4 and Sportwagon Q4 (both using the 1.9 L 150 PS JTD diesel engine). These cars were equipped with a TorsenTorsen
Torsen is a type of differential used in automobiles. It was invented by American Vernon Gleasman and manufactured by the Gleason Corporation. Torsen is a contraction of Torque-Sensing...
C four-wheel drive system and raised ride heights (Crosswagon height: 1497 mm (58.9 in), Sportwagon 1458 mm (57.4 in)). The Crosswagon version was made to look more like all-terrain vehicle; door sill aluminium protection, front and rear bumpers were equipped with aluminium inserts. The Sportwagon Q4 was a normal looking version with just slightly higher ground clearance than the front wheel drive Sportwagon.
GTA version
In September 2001, the 156 GTA and Sportwagon GTA were launched atthe Frankfurt Motor Show. The GTA was named after the Alfa Romeo GTA
Alfa Romeo GTA
The GTA 1300 Junior had a 1300 cc engine that was based on the 1600 engine but with a short stroke crankshaft. The GTA Junior in stradale form did not have many of the light weight features of the 1600 GTA, such as the plastic windows, magnesium engine components and alloy wheels. At start...
from the 1960s, the letters GTA meaning Gran Turismo Alleggerita (lightened Grand Tourer).
Even though the name suggests a light car, the GTA isn't any lighter than base 156. It was actually 91 kilograms (200.6 lb) heavier than 2.5 litre V6 engined version.
With its 3.2 litre engine its easy to get very varying fuel consumption figures, the EC urban fuel consumption is 15.6 mpgimp and combined 23.3 mpgimp, extra-urban consumption is 32.8 mpgimp.
The very first GTA was sold on-line auction from September 13 to 23, the duration of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Winning bid was 48,691.26 euros, which was donated to "Telethon" charity fund.
Equipped with a 3.2 litre V6 with six-speed manual transmission or six-speed Selespeed
Selespeed
Selespeed is the name of an electrohydraulic manual transmission used in Alfa Romeo cars, developed by Italian company Magneti Marelli. The Selespeed is a robotized manual gearbox with electronic clutch. In its current incarnation it can be operated via paddle shifters from the steering wheel or...
(paddles in steering wheel, hydraulically operated clutchless manual gearbox), the GTA variants were aimed at the performance market. The GTA variants boasted 250 PS, had a lowered and stiffened suspension, a distinctive body kit and leather interior. The suspension was specifically made for the GTA by Fiat Research Centre and Fiat Auto Design and Development Department. Steering
Steering
Steering is the term applied to the collection of components, linkages, etc. which will allow a vessel or vehicle to follow the desired course...
was also made faster, only 1.7 turns from lock to lock compared to 2.1 in normal models. The GTA had also much bigger brakes
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
(Brembo
Brembo
Brembo S.p.A. is a manufacturer of automotive brake systems, especially for high-performance cars and motorcycles. It was established in Bergamo, Italy in 1961. Soon after the company was formed, it specialised in disc brakes, which were exclusively imported from the United Kingdom at the time...
), at front 305 millimetres (12 in) discs and rear 276 millimetres (10.8 in). The front discs were later updated to 330 millimetres (13 in). The GTA subsequently stopped production in October 2005 citing the upcoming replacement to the 156, the Alfa Romeo 159
Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa Romeo 159 is a compact executive car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo between 2005 and 2011. The 159 was introduced in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show as a replacement for the successful Alfa Romeo 156. The 159 uses the GM/Fiat Premium platform, shared with...
.
Model timeline
| Type | 1990s | 2000s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||||||||||
| Model year changes | 2002 facelift | 2003 facelift | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Saloon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sportwagon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GTA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crosswagon/Sportwagon Q4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Note:The GTA version never got the 2003 facelift | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Engines
The 156 offered various engines and power levels during its lifespan, four and six cylinder petrol engines and four and five cylinderdiesel engines, all produced at Pratola Serra
Pratola Serra
Pratola Serra is a town and comune in the province of Avellino, Campania, Italy.The area of the comune spread on the right bank of the Sabato river. The oldest part of the comune is the village of Serra di Pratola that lie on a hill overlooking the Sabato river valley. The village of Pratola was...
except the V6 engine , which was produced at Alfa Romeo's Arese plant
Alfa Romeo Arese Plant
The Alfa Romeo Arese Plant was a plant area where Alfa Romeo had its head office for more than two decades prior to 1986 was known to be. After Fiat Group purchased Alfa Romeo in 1986, Arese became one of the assembly plants of Fiat Group. The factory is in the Province of Milan in the Italian...
. The 1.9 JTD diesel was world's first common rail diesel engine in a passenger car.
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Petrol
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Max. power output | Peak torque | 0–100 km/h,s 0-62 mph,s |
Top speed | Years | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 TS | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... |
1598 cc | 88 kW Watt The watt is a derived unit of power in the International System of Units , named after the Scottish engineer James Watt . The unit, defined as one joule per second, measures the rate of energy conversion.-Definition:... (120 PS) @6300 rpm Revolutions per minute Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis... |
144 newton metre @ 4500 rpm | 10.5 | 200 kilometre per hour | 1997–2006 | |
| 1.8 TS | I4 | 1747 cc | 106 kW (144 PS) @6500 rpm | 169 newton metre @3500 rpm | 9.3 | 210 kilometre per hour | 1997–2000 | Euro2 |
| 1.8 TS | I4 | 1747 cc | 103 kW (140 PS) @6500 rpm | 163 newton metre @3900 rpm | 9.4 | 208 kilometre per hour | 2001–2006 | Euro3 |
| 2.0 TS | I4 | 1970 cc | 114 kW (155 PS) @6400 rpm | 187 newton metre @3500 rpm | 8.6 | 216 kilometre per hour | 1997–2000 | Euro2 |
| 2.0 TS | I4 | 1970 cc | 110 kW (150 PS) @6300 rpm | 181 newton metre @3800 rpm | 8.8 | 214 kilometre per hour | 2001–2002 | Euro3 |
| 2.0 JTS | I4 | 1970 cc | 121 kW (165 PS) @6400 rpm | 206 newton metre @3250 rpm | 8.2 | 220 kilometre per hour | 2002–2006 | Facelift Facelift (product) A facelift is the revival of a product through cosmetic means, for example by changing its appearance while leaving its underlying engineering or design intact.... |
| 2.5 Q-System | V6 | 2492 cc | 140 kW (190 PS) @6300 rpm | 222 newton metre @5000 rpm | 8.5 | 227 kilometre per hour | 1997–2000 | Euro2 |
| 2.5 Q-System | V6 | 2492 cc | 141 kW (192 PS) @6300 rpm | 218 newton metre @5000 rpm | 8.5 | 227 kilometre per hour | 2001–2006 | Euro3 |
| 2.5 V6 | V6 | 2492 cc | 140 kW (190 PS) @6300 rpm | 222 newton metre @5000 rpm | 7.3 | 230 kilometre per hour | 1997–2000 | Euro2 |
| 2.5 V6 | V6 | 2492 cc | 141 kW (192 PS) @6300 rpm | 218 newton metre @5000 rpm | 7.3 | 230 kilometre per hour | 2001–2006 | Euro3 |
| 3.2 GTA | V6 | 3179 cc | 184 kW (250 PS) @6200 rpm | 300 newton metre @4800 rpm | 6.3 | 250 kilometre per hour | 2002–2005 | Euro3 |
-2.0 TS, 2.0 JTS and GTA Selespeed
Selespeed
Selespeed is the name of an electrohydraulic manual transmission used in Alfa Romeo cars, developed by Italian company Magneti Marelli. The Selespeed is a robotized manual gearbox with electronic clutch. In its current incarnation it can be operated via paddle shifters from the steering wheel or...
versions have same performance statistics as manual transmission.
Diesel
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Max. power output | Peak torque | 0–100 km/h,s 0-62 mph,s |
Top speed | Years | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 JTD | I4 8v | 1910 cc | 77 kW (105 PS) @4000 rpm | 255 newton metre @2000 rpm | 10.4 | 188 kilometre per hour | 1997–2000 | |
| 1.9 JTD | I4 8v | 1910 cc | 81 kW (110 PS) @4000 rpm | 275 newton metre @1800 rpm | 10.3 | 191 kilometre per hour | 2001 | |
| 1.9 JTD | I4 8v | 1910 cc | 85 kW (115 PS) @4000 rpm | 275 newton metre @2000 rpm | 10.3 | 191 kilometre per hour | 2002 | Facelift |
| 1.9 JTDm | I4 16v | 1910 cc | 103 kW (140 PS) @4000 rpm | 305 newton metre @2000 rpm | 9.3 | 209 kilometre per hour | 2003 | |
| 1.9 JTDm | I4 16v | 1910 cc | 110 kW (150 PS) @4000 rpm | 305 newton metre @2000 rpm | 9.1 | 212 kilometre per hour | 2003 | |
| 2.4 JTD | I5 Straight-5 The straight-five engine or inline-five engine is an internal combustion engine with five cylinders aligned in one row or plane, sharing a single engine block and crankcase... 10v |
2387 cc | 100 kW (136 PS) @4000 rpm | 310 newton metre @2000 rpm | 9.5 | 203 kilometre per hour | 1997–2000 | |
| 2.4 JTD | I5 10v | 2387 cc | 103 kW (140 PS) @4000 rpm | 304 newton metre @1800 rpm | 9.4 | 205 kilometre per hour | 2001 | |
| 2.4 JTD | I5 10v | 2387 cc | 110 kW (150 PS) @4000 rpm | 305 newton metre @1800 rpm | 9.4 | 212 kilometre per hour | 2002–2007 | Facelift |
| 2.4 JTDm | I5 20v | 2387 cc | 129 kW (175 PS) @4000 rpm | 385 newton metre @2000 rpm | 8.3 | 225 kilometre per hour | 2003–2006 | 2nd facelift |
Special versions
Alfa Romeo 156 GTAm
The Alfa Romeo 156 GTAm was shown at Bologna Motor Show in December 2002. The car was built by Fiat Group's partner N.TechnologyN.Technology
N.Technology is an Italian auto racing team, founded by Mauro Sipsz and Monica Bregoli.- Team history :N.Technology were set up to manage the worldwide sporting activities of the Fiat Group...
. The GTA 3179 cc engine was bored to 3548 cc and power pushed to 300 PS. The car had widened wheel arches, 19 inch tyres and was equipped with N.Technology limited slip differential
Limited slip differential
A limited slip differential is a type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in angular velocity of the output shafts, but imposes a mechanical bound on the disparity...
. This car never reached production phase.
Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon GTA 3.5 Autodelta
At the 2004 Geneva Motor Show was unveiled AutodeltaAutodelta
Autodelta SpA was the name of Alfa Romeo's competition department. Established in 1961 as Auto-Delta, the company was started by Carlo Chiti, a former Alfa Romeo and Ferrari engineer, and Ludovico Chizzola, an official Alfa Romeo dealer. The team was officially made a department of Alfa Romeo on...
(Italian company) built 156 Sportwagon prototype equipped with a 3548 cc V6 engine that develops 300 bhp at 6800 rpm. The car was fitted with Bilstein adjustable shock absorbers and Eibach springs. The Brembo made front brakes had a diameter of 330 millimetres (13 in). The car was made lighter by using composite material to the bonnet.
Autodelta 156 GTA 3.7 V6
Autodelta (UK)
Autodelta is an after-market tuning company for Alfa Romeo cars, founded in 1987 by engineer Jano Djelalian. It is based in the Park Royal industrial area, northwest London, England. The company produces tuning parts and also full bodykits for various Alfa Romeo cars...
made also two high performance versions based on 156 GTA, in GTA AM version Alfa Romeo V6 engine
Alfa Romeo V6 engine
Alfa Romeos in-house V6 engine design made its initial début in 1979 in the Alfa 6. Introduced in 2.5 L guise, production engines would eventually range from 2.0 L to 3.2 L displacement. With modifications it is possible to increase engine displacement to...
was bored to 3750 cc, which was capable to push 328 PS at 7300 rpm. With this power car can reach top speed of 280 kilometres per hour (175 mph).
The other one GTA AM Super was "upgrade" to the first version, now fitted with Rotrex supercharger
Supercharger
A supercharger is an air compressor used for forced induction of an internal combustion engine.The greater mass flow-rate provides more oxygen to support combustion than would be available in a naturally aspirated engine, which allows more fuel to be burned and more work to be done per cycle,...
and pushing out 400 PS.
Awards
In 1998, an international jury of 56 journalists (40 of whom voted for the 156) representing 21 countries awarded the Alfa 156 the European Car of the YearEuropean Car of the Year
The European Car of the Year award was established in 1964 by a collective of automobile magazines from different countries in Europe. The current organisers of the award are Auto , Autocar , Autopista , Autovisie , L'Automobile Magazine , Stern and Vi Bilägare .The voting jury consists of motoring...
award; it was described as having a "very refined suspension layout so to offer an impeccable roadholding". The 2.5 V6 engine was awarded with the International Engine of the Year
International Engine of the Year
The International Engine of the Year is an annual competition for automotive industry internal combustion engines, judged by a panel of automobile journalists from around the world. It is organised by the United Kingdom's largest technical motoring, aerospace and traffic management publication...
award in 2000. The 156 has won more than 35 awards, including:
- Technical Innovation Award - Common Rail 1998 - (AutocarAutocarAutocar is a weekly British automobile magazine published by Haymarket Motoring Publications Ltd. It refers to itself as "The World's oldest car magazine".-History:...
- Great Britain) - Best Compact Executive 1998 - (What Car?What Car?What Car? is a long-running UK monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Fowler and published by Haymarket Motoring. First published in 1973, it is intended primarily as a magazine for consumers rather than dedicated automobile enthusiasts...
- Great Britain) - Best Compact Executive Car 1998 - (Auto ExpressAuto ExpressAuto Express is a weekly motoring magazine sold in the United Kingdom published by Dennis Publishing. The Editor-in-Chief is Steve Fowler.Launched in September 1988, its 1000th issue was published on 20 February 2008. It's only weekly competitor in Britain is the long established Autocar...
- Great Britain) - Die Besten Autos 1998, Paul Pietsch Preis - Innovation prize for Common Rail, (Auto, Motor und SportAuto, Motor und Sportauto motor und sport , often abbreviated to AMS, is a leading German automobile magazine. It is published fortnightly by Motor Presse Netzwerk subsidiary Motor Presse Stuttgart, a specialist magazine publisher that is 59.9% owned by the publishing house Gruner + Jahr.The magazine, originally...
- Germany) - Auto 1 Europa 1998 - (Panel of engineers, drivers and journalists from the 11 European magazines headed by Auto BildAuto BildAuto Bild is a leading German automobile magazine. It is published by Axel Springer AG, and first appeared in 1986.AUTO BILD with its worldwide licensed editions, of which more than 7 million copies are sold every month, is published in 36 countries. Foreign editions include France's Auto Plus...
) - Auto Trophy 1998 - (Auto Zeitung - Germany)
- Trophee Du Design 1998 - (Automobile Magazine - France)
- European Award for Automotive Design in Belgium 1998
- Car of the Year in Denmark, Spain, Holland, Luxembourg, Germany, Portugal, France and Croatia 1998
- Car of the Year in South Africa 1999 (South African Guild of Motoring Journalists)
- Prix de l’Innovation Technique pour le Common Rail 1997 (France)
- L’automobile più bella del mondo ("The most beautiful car in the world") in Italy 1997
Motorsport
Alfa Romeo 155
The Alfa Romeo 155 is a compact executive car produced under the Italian Alfa Romeo marque between 1992 and 1998.-Design:Built to replace the 75 and based on the parent Fiat Group's Type Three platform, the 155 was somewhat larger in dimension than the 75 but evolved its styling from that of its...
. It ran in the
British Touring Car Championship
British Touring Car Championship
The British Touring Car Championship is a touring car racing series held each year in the United Kingdom. The Championship was established in 1958 as the British Saloon Car Championship and has run to various rules over the years – "production cars", then FIA Group 1 or 2 in the late 1960s...
as well as various European championships, most notably the WTCC
World Touring Car Championship
For the video game, known as World Touring Car Championship in Japan, see TOCA World Touring CarsThe FIA World Touring Car Championship is an international Touring Car championship sanctioned by the FIA.-History:...
and formerly the ETCC
European Touring Car Championship
The European Touring Car Championship was an international touring car racing series organised by the FIA. It had two incarnations, the first one between 1963 and 1988, and the second between 2000 and 2004...
where it was especially successful. The 156 sports car program was run by Fiat Group's partner
N.Technology S.p.A., originally founded as Nordauto Squadra Corse
N.Technology
N.Technology is an Italian auto racing team, founded by Mauro Sipsz and Monica Bregoli.- Team history :N.Technology were set up to manage the worldwide sporting activities of the Fiat Group...
to compete in Italian Touring Car Championship.
In 1994 name was changed to Nordauto Engineering and 2001 to N.Technology
N.Technology
N.Technology is an Italian auto racing team, founded by Mauro Sipsz and Monica Bregoli.- Team history :N.Technology were set up to manage the worldwide sporting activities of the Fiat Group...
. In 1998 Alfa Romeo also offered for sale the 156 Group N
Group N
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group N refers to a set of regulations providing 'standard' production vehicles for competition, often referred to as the "Showroom Class"....
version for the track. The 156 Group N had no carpets, seats or upholstery, but included additional track safety devices. The 156 has won the following titles:
- 1998 Italian Super Touring Car Championship - Alfa Romeo 156 D2, Fabrizio GiovanardiFabrizio GiovanardiFabrizio Giovanardi is an Italian racing driver. During his career he has won eight touring car titles, including European and British crowns...
- 1999 Italian Super Touring Car Championship - Alfa Romeo 156 D2, Fabrizio Giovanardi
- 2000 European Super Touring Car CupEuropean Touring Car ChampionshipThe European Touring Car Championship was an international touring car racing series organised by the FIA. It had two incarnations, the first one between 1963 and 1988, and the second between 2000 and 2004...
Winner - Alfa Romeo 156 D2, Fabrizio Giovanardi - 2001 FIA European Touring Car ChampionshipEuropean Touring Car ChampionshipThe European Touring Car Championship was an international touring car racing series organised by the FIA. It had two incarnations, the first one between 1963 and 1988, and the second between 2000 and 2004...
- Alfa Romeo 156 D2, Fabrizio Giovanardi - 2002 FIA European Touring Car Championship - Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Super 2000, Fabrizio Giovanardi
- 2003 FIA European Touring Car Championship – Alfa Romeo 156 Super 2000, Gabriele TarquiniGabriele TarquiniGabriele Tarquini is a racing driver from Italy. He participated in 78 Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on May 3, 1987. He scored 1 championship point, and holds the record for the most failed attempts to qualify...
Touring car versions:
| Model | Displacement | Max. power output |
|---|---|---|
| Alfa Romeo 156 D2 | 1997 cc | 310 PS @ 8200 rpm |
| Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Super 2000 | 1998 cc | 260 PS @ 8450 rpm |
| Alfa Romeo 156 Super 2000 | 1998 cc | 275 PS @ 8450 rpm |
Coloni S1 Alfa Romeo 156
Italian race car constructor ColoniEnzo Coloni Racing Car Systems
Enzo Coloni Racing Car Systems, commonly referred to simply as Coloni, is an Italian motor racing team and former Formula One racing car constructor. While it has been successful in Formula Three and Formula 3000, the team was one of the least successful in Formula One history...
made an one-off racing car prototype for FIA Group-E Formula Libre called the Coloni S1 Alfa Romeo 156, or 156 Maxiturismo. The car is a carbon fibre silhouette racing car
Silhouette racing car
A silhouette racing car is a race car which, although bearing a superficial resemblance to a production model, differs mechanically in fundamental ways. The purpose of silhouette cars is to provide a manufacturer with a tangible link to their consumer product offering so as to derive maximum...
on a tubular frame, powered by a 3.0 litre Alfa Romeo V6 engine producing between 380 bhp and 500 bhp. The car has a 6-speed Hewland
Hewland
Founded by Mike Hewland in 1957, Hewland is a British engineering company specialising in racing-car gearboxes. Hewland was the first company to manufacture a bespoke racing-car gearbox....
-Coloni sequential gearbox and weighs around 900 kilograms (1,984.2 lb). It is capable of achieving over 310 kilometres per hour (192.6 mph).