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Alfa Romeo 33

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This article is about the 1980s–1990s family car. For the sports car, see Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. For the racing car, see Alfa Romeo Tipo 33.
Alfa Romeo 33
Alfa Romeo 33 second series
Overview
ManufacturerAlfa Romeo
Production1983–1995
AssemblyItaly: Pomigliano d'Arco plant, Campania[1]
Italy: Pininfarina Grugliasco plant, Piedmont [a][2]
DesignerErmanno Cressoni at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo[3]
Pininfarina (estate)
Body and chassis
ClassSmall family car (C)
Body style5-door hatchback
5-door estate
LayoutLongitudinal front-engine, front-wheel-drive/four-wheel-drive
RelatedAlfa Romeo Alfasud
Alfa Romeo Sprint
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,475 mm (97.4 in)
2,470 mm (97.2 in) (4x4)[4]
Length4,075 mm (160.4 in)
Width1,615 mm (63.6 in)
Height1,350–1,375 mm (53.1–54.1 in)
Kerb weight890–1,070 kg (1,962–2,359 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorAlfa Romeo Alfasud
SuccessorAlfa Romeo 145 and 146

The Alfa Romeo 33 (Type 905 and 907) is a small family car produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo between 1983 and 1995. From a mechanical standpoint it was essentially an evolution of its predecessor, the Alfasud, whose floorpan, chassis and drivetrain were carried over—albeit with modifications to the suspension and braking system. The Nissan-based Alfa Romeo Arna was launched shortly after, offering a similarly sized but lower priced car.

The 33 has a unique place in the Alfa Romeo history, as nearly 1 million of these cars were produced. During its 11-year lifespan the 33 saw a light facelift in 1986 and a significant restyle in 1989. The 33 was discontinued in 1994 and replaced by the Alfa Romeo 145 and 146, which used the same boxer engines but built around an entirely new platform based on the Fiat Tipo.

First series (1983–1986)

A first series (MY85) 33 1.5 Quadrifoglio Oro

Initially known as the Alfa 33 (Type 905), the 5-door hatchback was launched in 1983 and a station wagon version (initially badged Giardinetta, later badged Sportwagon) was introduced the following year at the same time as a four-wheel drive version of the hatchback. The hatchback was styled by Ermanno Cressoni at the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo,[5] while the station wagon was designed by Pininfarina.

The 33 became renowned for its nimble handling and powerful boxer engines, but also became equally well known for its unreliable electronics and tendencies to rust (a frequent complaint on Italian cars in general at the time).[citation needed] Another issue was its braking and increased unsprung weight—[citation needed]the Alfasud's inboard front disc brakes (mounted on the gearbox) had been moved to the more common outboard discs (mounted on the wheel hubs). The rear discs of the Sud's four-wheel disc arrangement had also been replaced with drums.

The car featured numerous innovations for the company, including an instrument binnacle that moved up and down with the adjustable steering wheel. The UK launch promoted the sleek design,[6] and the Daily Mail noted its low drag coefficient of 0.36,[7] and very impressive in 1983 with only bigger cars such as the Ford Sierra and Audi 100 able to better it.

At launch two models were available, 33 1.3 and 33 1.5 Quadrifoglio Oro.[8] Both engines were SOHC boxers fed by a twin-choke carburettor, carried over from the Alfasud along with its 5-speed gearbox: a 1,350 cc developing 76 PS (56 kW; 75 hp) at 6,000 rpm, and a 1,490 cc developing 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) at 5,800 rpm. Unlike on the Alfasud, fifth gear acted like an overdrive gear and top speed was reached in fourth.[8] The luxurious 1.5 Quadrifoglio Oro (Gold Cloverleaf in the UK)[9] was distinguished by a silver grille, two-tone paintwork (metallic paint upper body separated by a brown tape from the dark brown lower body and bumpers) and clear front turn indicator lenses outside; by beige Texalfa leatherette/cloth interior, a woodtone steering wheel and shifter knob inside. Standard equipment included bronze tinted glass, headlight wipers, passenger side wing mirror and a trip computer.

1984 33 1.5 Giardinetta
33 1.5 Quadrifoglio Oro (1985, Australia)

A four-wheel-drive variant, the 33 1.5 4x4, was introduced in at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show[10] and put on sale in December.[11] It was assembled by Pininfarina in Grugliasco, Turin.[11] Normally front-wheel drive, the four-wheel drive system could be engaged manually by the driver at any speed, via a handle in front of the gear lever. Like the Quadrifoglio Oro the 4x4 was characterised by two-tone paint, either metallic red or silver separated from a black lower body by a double white pinstripe; the grille matched the body colour. Equipment level was also the same as on the richer Quadrifoglio Oro; ride height was raised in comparison to standard 33s. The 33 1.5 Giardinetta (Estate in the UK), a 5-door estate designed and—like the 4x4 hatchback—assembled by Pininfarina, made its début at the March 1984 Geneva Motor Show.[12] The Giardinetta went on sale in 4x4 guise in June[13] and was joined later in the year by a front-wheel drive model, shown at the Turin Motor Show in November.[14]

Another Quadrifoglio top of the range model, this time the sporting 1.5 Quadrifoglio Verde (Green Cloverleaf in the UK),[15] was put on sale in June 1984.[16] It was powered by a 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) version of the 1,490 cc boxer, equipped with double twin-choke carburettors like on the Sprint 1.5 QV coupé; Alfa Romeo claimed a top speed of over 185 km/h (115 mph).[16] The Quadrifoglio Verde could be recognized from its specific grille, additional plastic spoilers under both body-colour bumpers, side skirts, and grey 8-hole alloy wheels with low profile 185/60 HR14 tyres; it was only available in two paint colours—Alfa red or optional metallic silver—highlighted by a light grey stripe in the body side indent.[17] In the cabin there were sport seats in black and grey cloth, a leather covered steering wheel and additional gauges for voltmeter and oil pressure.

October 1984 saw the introduction of the updated model year 1985 range,[18] later displayed at the 60th Turin Motor Show.[19] All models save for the base 1.3 were upgraded to one-choke-per-cylinder twin carburettor setups—as on the Quadrifoglio Verde. This gave birth to a sportier 1.3-litre model, the 33 1.3 S, which put out 86 PS (63 kW; 85 hp) at 5,500 rpm, or 10 PS more than the standard; the 1.5 on the estates and Quadrifoglio Oro now had 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp). Minor changes were made to the equipment of most models but the recently introduced 1.5 QV, such as the adoption of side skirts and a black grille on the Quadrifoglio Oro. With the arrival of the 1.3 S and front-wheel-drive Giardinetta, for 1985 the lineup included seven models: 1.3, 1.3 S, 1.5 Quadrifoglio Oro, 1.5 Quadrifoglio Verde, 1.5 4x4, 1.5 Giardinetta and 1.5 Giardinetta 4x4.

Engines

All flat-4 petrol engines:

Engine Years Displacement Fuel system Power Torque
1.2 1.2 L (1,186 cc) Single-choke carburettor 50 kW (68 PS; 67 bhp) at 6,000 rpm 92 N⋅m (68 lb⋅ft) at 3,200 rpm
1.3 1983–86 1.4 L (1,351 cc) Twin-choke carburettor 58 kW (79 PS; 78 bhp) at 6,000 rpm 113 N⋅m (83 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm
1.3 S 1984–86 2 twin-choke carburettors 63 kW (86 PS; 84 bhp) at 5,800 rpm 121 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm
1.5 1983–85 1.5 L (1,490 cc) Twin-choke carburettor 62 kW (84 PS; 83 bhp) at 5,800 rpm 123 N⋅m (91 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm
1.5 1984–86 2 twin-choke carburettors 70 kW (95 PS; 94 bhp) at 5,750 rpm 133 N⋅m (98 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm
1.5 (QV) 77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp) at 6,000 rpm

First series facelift (1986–1989)

1986–88 Alfa Romeo 33 1.7 Green Cloverleaf
1986–90 Alfa Romeo 33 estate

In autumn 1986 a mild facelift resulted in a revised range.[20] Exterior alterations were limited to clear instead of amber-coloured indicator lenses, new wheel covers and alloy wheels, the adoption of side skirts by all models, and a redesigned front grille; two-tone paint schemes were discontinued. If outside there were only detail changes, the interior was more deeply revised; starting from a more conventionally designed dashboard and steering wheel, which superseded the innovative moveable instrument binnacle.[20] All 1.5 variants now had the 105 PS engine from the now discontinued 1.5 QV; a TI (Turismo Interazionale, International Touring) trim level was exclusive to the front-wheel drive 1.5 hatchback. Changes were made to the suspension, brakes and gearbox, with closer-spaced ratios.[21]

A new 1,712 cc (104.5 cu in), 118 PS (87 kW; 116 bhp) engine was introduced on the 1.7 Quadrifoglio Verde, which replaced the 1.5 QV. The 1.7 engine was developed from the 1.5 by enlarging bore and stroke; it also used new cylinder heads, incorporating hydraulic tappets.[20] To cope with the increased power the new QV was equipped with vented front brake discs. The 1.7 QV looked close to its predecessor, but had lost the grey mid-body stripe and gained new alloy wheels, front side window wind deflectors, more pronounced side skirts and a rear body-colour spoiler on the boot lid. Inside it featured a leather-covered steering wheel, red carpets, and leatherette-backed sport seats upholstered in a grey/black/red chequered cloth.

On the Italian and some other markets a 1.8 TD turbodiesel variant was also available. Like all diesels fitted to Alfa Romeo passenger cars at the time, it was supplied by VM Motori.[20] In order to fit in an engine bay designed for the particularly short boxer engine, a straight-three layout had to be chosen; a balance shaft helped offset vibrations.[20] Fitted with a KKK turbocharger—but no intercooler—the 1,779 cc (108.6 cu in) diesel produced 54 kW (73 PS; 72 bhp). In all the 1986 models were nine: 1.3, 1.3 S, 1.5 TI, 1.5 4x4, 1.7 Quadrifoglio Verde and 1.8 TD Berlinas (hatchbacks), and 1.5, 1.5 4x4 and 1,8 TD Giardinettas.[20] In the United Kingdom only 1.5 and 1.7 Green Cloverleaf hatchback models were sold, as well as a market-specific 1.7 Sportwagon estate; all three were also available in "Veloce" versions, outfitted by Alfa Romeo GB with a colour-matching Zender body kit.[22][23]

Rear view of a facelifted first series 33

During 1988 the last updates before the major 1990 model revision were phased in. In April the Giardinetta was rechristened Sport Wagon, and became available in 1.3 S, 1.5 4x4, 1.7 Quadrifoglio Verde and 1.8 TD variants.[24] The first fuel injected petrol-engined 33, the 33 1.7 IE, was introduced a few months later, in July.[25] It was the 1,712 cc boxer from the 1.7 QV, fitted with Bosch 3.1 LE Jetronic electronic fuel injection and electronic ignition as well; it developed 110 PS (81 kW; 108 bhp), slightly less than the carburetted version.[25] In some countries it was also marketed in a catalytic converter-equipped variant. The 1.7 IE was distinguished from other models by the Quadrifoglio's side skirts, slate grey painted bumpers, and velour upholstery. At the same time all models got some cosmetic tweaks: the upper bar in the grille was now matched to body colour, there was Glen plaid cloth upholstery on base models, and Quadrifoglio Verdes sported red piping across the front end, where bumper and grille met.

Engines

Engine Years Type Displacement Fuel system Power Torque
Petrol engines
1.3 1986–90 flat-4 1,351 cc (82.4 cu in) Twin-choke carburettor 58 kW (79 PS; 78 bhp) at 6,000 rpm 111 N⋅m (82 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm
1.3 S 1986–90 flat-4 1,351 cc (82.4 cu in) 2 twin-choke carburettors 63 kW (86 PS; 84 bhp) at 5,800 rpm 119 N⋅m (88 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm
1.5 1986–90 flat-4 1,490 cc (90.9 cu in) 2 twin-choke carburettors 77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp) at 5,800 rpm 133 N⋅m (98 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm
1.7 IE cat 1988–90 flat-4 1,712 cc (104.5 cu in) 3.1 LE Jetronic EFI 77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp) at 5,500 rpm 149 N⋅m (110 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm
1.7 IE 1988–90 flat-4 1,712 cc (104.5 cu in) 3.1 LE Jetronic EFI 81 kW (110 PS; 109 bhp) at 5,800 rpm 151 N⋅m (111 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm
1.7 1986–90 flat-4 1,712 cc (104.5 cu in) 2 twin-choke carburettors 87 kW (118 PS; 117 bhp) at 5,800 rpm 152 N⋅m (112 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm
Diesel engines
1.8 TD[26] 1986–90 straight-3 1,779 cc (108.6 cu in) injection pump, KKK 14 turbocharger 53 kW (72 PS; 71 bhp) at 4,000 rpm 153 N⋅m (113 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm

Second series (1990–1995)

Alfa Romeo 33 (Series II)

The 33 was given a more extensive facelift in the end of 1989, the Series II or 'Nuova' 33 (Type 907), which went on sale in January 1990. This featured a revised interior, the introduction of fuel injection, the 1.7 litre engine upgraded to include a 137 PS (101 kW; 135 hp) 16 valve version, and a heavily restyled front and rear ends, in line with the new Alfa "family look" established by the flagship 164. Also new four wheel drive version was introduced called the Permanent 4, which was renamed to Q4 starting from 1992. Late production 33s also do not suffer from the rust problems of their ancestors, as their frames are galvanized in the manner Alfa Romeo introduced with the 164.

The wagon was facelifted a little after the saloon, receiving new, darker taillights and a curvier rear bumper. The estate was now sold as Sport Wagon in most markets (no longer "Giardinetta"), including Italy.

Engines

Engine Type Displacement Fuel system Power Torque
Petrol engines
1.2 flat-4 1,186 cc (72.4 cu in) two twin carburettors 57 kW (77 PS; 76 bhp) at 6000 rpm 95 N⋅m (70 lb⋅ft) at 4500 rpm[27]
1.3 flat-4 1,351 cc (82.4 cu in) two twin Weber carburettors 63–66 kW (86–90 PS; 84–89 bhp) at 6000 rpm 119–122 N⋅m (88–90 lb⋅ft) at 4500 rpm[27]
1.3 IE flat-4 1,351 cc (82.4 cu in) Marelli IAW, on some markets Bosch Jetronic before April 1992 64–66 kW (87–90 PS; 86–89 bhp) at 6000 rpm 109 N⋅m (80 lb⋅ft) at 4500 rpm[27]
1.5 flat-4 1,490 cc (91 cu in) two twin DRLA40 carburettors 77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp)
1.5 IE flat-4 1,490 cc (91 cu in) Bosch L3-1 Jetronic 77 kW (105 PS; 103 bhp) at 6000 rpm 126 N⋅m (93 lb⋅ft) at 4500 rpm[27]
1.5 IE cat flat-4 1,490 cc (91 cu in) Bosch LE3 Jetronic before April 1992, Bosch Motronic MP3.1 after 70 kW (95 PS; 94 bhp) at 6000 rpm 125 N⋅m (92 lb⋅ft) at 4500 rpm[27]
1.7 IE flat-4 1,712 cc (104.5 cu in) Bosch LE3 Jetronic before April 1992, Bosch Motronic MP3.1 from April 1992 81 kW (110 PS; 109 bhp) at 5800 rpm 153 N⋅m (113 lb⋅ft) at 4500 rpm
1.7 IE cat flat-4 1,712 cc (104.5 cu in) Bosch LE3 Jetronic before April 1992, Bosch Motronic MP3.1 from April 1992 79 kW (107 PS; 106 bhp) at 5800 rpm 149 N⋅m (110 lb⋅ft) at 4500 rpm[28]
1.7 IE 16V flat-4 1,712 cc (104.5 cu in) Bosch Motronic ML4.1 98–101 kW (133–137 PS; 131–135 bhp) at 6500 rpm 157–161 N⋅m (116–119 lb⋅ft) at 4600 rpm[28]
1.7 IE 16V cat flat-4 1,712 cc (104.5 cu in) Bosch Motronic ML4.1 95–97 kW (129–132 PS; 127–130 bhp) at 6500 rpm 151–155 N⋅m (111–114 lb⋅ft) at 4600 rpm[28]
Diesel engines
1.8 TD i straight-3 1,779 cc (108.6 cu in) turbocharger and intercooler (VM HRT 392) 62 kW (84 PS; 83 bhp) at 4200 rpm 178 N⋅m (131 lbf⋅ft) at 2400 rpm[4]

Z33 Free Time prototype

Zagato made a tall-bodied three-door prototype, a Compact MPV anticipating the Renault Scénic by over a decade. Called the "Z33 Free Time" this was shown at the 1984 Geneva Motor Show, but the project remained a single prototype. The "Free Time" was no longer than the regular "33" at just under 4 metres (157 in) and retained most of its driving characteristics, but with greatly increased interior space.[29] The tiny six-seater was based on the chassis of the 33 but was visually more related to the Giulietta.[30]

Hybrid version prototype

The 33 1.5 Sport Wagon was chosen by Alfa Romeo to test the possibility of creating a hybrid vehicle. Standard 1.5 boxer engine was combined with three-phase asynchronous electric motor (16 hp). The electric motor was coupled with gearbox via a toothed belt and therefore the car could move from the electric motor only, from the petrol engine only or - in the sense of hybrid propulsion - from both. The hybrid car could go 5 km on electric power only, in speeds up to 60km/h. Changes to the body were minimal and the car weight was increased by 150kg (110 batteries, 20 engine and 10 for power electronics). 3 vehicles were build. [31]

Notes

  1. ^ Pininfarina produced the first series 33 4x4 Berlina between 1983–85, and 33 Giardinetta between 1984–86.

References

  1. ^ "History/Alfa 33". alfaromeo.com. Retrieved 16 July 2007.[permanent dead link][permanent dead link]
  2. ^ "Produzione complessiva" [Total production] (PDF). pininfarina.it. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  3. ^ "Designer". ajovalo.net. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  4. ^ a b c Büschi, Hans U., ed. (March 1991). Automobil Revue 1991 (in German and French). Vol. 86. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 153. ISBN 3-444-00514-8.
  5. ^ "Car Design News 6 July 2005". Archive.cardesignnews.com. 6 July 2005. Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  6. ^ The Glasgow Herald - 16 June 1983
  7. ^ Daily Mail Motor Review 1984
  8. ^ a b Ferraris, Eugenio (2 June 1983). ""33", l'Alfa per ricominciare". Stampa Sera (in Italian). p. 13. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  9. ^ Cotton, Michael (September 1983). "Alfa 33 Cloverleaf". Motor Sport. LIX (9): 1094. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
  10. ^ Sabadin, Vittorio (9 September 1983). "L'Alfa Romeo 33 si è fatta in quattro". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 9. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  11. ^ a b Bernabò, Ferruccio (25 November 1983). "E se nevica vado in "33"". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 13. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  12. ^ "Alfa Romeo e Pininfarina, così nasce una moderna giardinetta". Stampa Sera (in Italian). 2 March 1984. p. 15. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
  13. ^ "Via alla "Giardinetta"". Stampa Sera (in Italian). 29 June 1984. p. 15. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  14. ^ "Regata e "33", lo spazio in più". Stampa Sera (in Italian). 14 November 1984. p. 17. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  15. ^ G. C. (April 1986). "Road Impressions—Alfa Romeo 33 Green Cloverleaf". Motor Sport. LXII (4): 377. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
  16. ^ a b Rogliatti, Gianni (22 June 1984). "Alfa Romeo, come corre quella "33"". Stampa Sera (in Italian). p. 13. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  17. ^ "Prove su strada—Alfa Romeo "33 1.3S" Quadrifoglio Oro e Verde"". Quattroruote (352). Milan, Italy: Editoriale Domus: 122–134. February 1985.
  18. ^ "Alfa Romeo rinnova la gamma delle "33"". Stampa Sera (in Italian). 26 October 1984. p. 15. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  19. ^ Fenu, Michele (13 November 1984). "La "Thema" guida lo show delle novità". Stampa Sera (in Italian). p. 9. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  20. ^ a b c d e f Fenu, Michele (26 September 1986). "La "33" mette il diesel e un motore più potente". Stampa Sera (in Italian). p. 15. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
  21. ^ MLC (June 1987). "Tide-Turners?". Motor Sport. LXIII (6): 588. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
  22. ^ MLC (September 1987). "Turning Heads". Motor Sport. LXIII (9): 888. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
  23. ^ G. C. (November 1987). "For Your Isles Only". Motor Sport. LXIII (11): 1133. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
  24. ^ Fenu, Michele (1 April 1988). "E la 33 giardinetta diventò "Sport Wagon"". Stampa Sera (in Italian). p. 19. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
  25. ^ a b Bernabò, Ferruccio (1 July 1988). "La "33" alza bandiera verde". Stampa Sera (in Italian). p. 19. Retrieved 27 March 2015.
  26. ^ "Automotive/Past vehicles". vmmotori.it. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 16 July 2007.
  27. ^ a b c d e Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1992. Milano: Editoriale Domus S.p.A. 1992. pp. 8–9.
  28. ^ a b c Automobil Revue 1991, pp. 152–153
  29. ^ Brida, Bruno (April 1984). "Autonotizie: Alla conquista dello spazio" [Car news: Conquering space]. Quattroruote (in Italian). 29 (342). Milan, Italy: Editoriale Domus: 92–93.
  30. ^ "Zagato Alfa Romeo Z33 Freetime" (PDF) (Zagato brochure). Zagato. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
  31. ^ "Alfa Romeo 33 Hybrid, 10 years before the Prius" (web) (seemit.com). seemit.com. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
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