Alfa Romeo Alfetta
Alfa Romeo Alfetta | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Alfa Romeo |
Production | 1972–1987 |
Assembly |
|
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 4-door saloon 2-door coupé |
Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
Related | Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 FNM-Alfa Romeo 2300 |
Powertrain | |
Engine | Twin Cam I4 (gasoline) Alfa Romeo V6 (gasoline) VM Motori I4 (turbodiesel) |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,510 mm (98.8 in) (Berlina) 2,400 mm (94.5 in) (GT) |
The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (Type 116) is an executive saloon car and fastback coupé produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1972 to 1987. It was popular due to its combination of a modest weight with powerful engines, selling over 400,000 units until the end of its production run.
Naming
The Alfetta name (Little Alfa in Italian) came from the nickname of the Alfa Romeo Tipo 159 Alfetta, a successful Formula One car which in its latest 1951 iteration paired a transaxle layout to De Dion tube rear suspension, like the modern saloon.[1][2]
Design and dynamics
The Alfetta introduced a new drivetrain layout to the marque. Clutch and transmission were housed at the rear of the car, together with the differential for a more balanced weight distribution, as used on the Alfetta 158/159 Grand Prix cars. The suspension relied on double wishbones and torsion bars at the front and a De Dion tube at the rear. When leaving the factory all Alfettas originally fitted Pirelli Cinturato 165HR14 tyres (CA67).
The rear de Dion transaxle found on the Alfetta and derivatives- GTV, 90 and 75- provided these cars with excellent weight distribution. The advantages to handling were noticed in contemporary commentaries by motor testers such as Vicar.[3] The transaxle design, in combination with a Watt's parallelogram linkage, inboard rear brakes and a well-located de Dion rear suspension, resulted in excellent traction and handling. The front suspension design was also unusual in that it incorporated independent longitudinal torsion bar springs acting directly onto the lower wishbones and with separate dampers.
Engines
Model | Engine | Volume | Power | Torque | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.6 | I4 | 1,570 cc | 109 PS (80 kW) at 5,600 rpm | 142 N⋅m (105 lb⋅ft) at 4,300 rpm | |
1.8 | I4 | 1,779 cc | 122 PS (90 kW) at 5,500 rpm | 167 N⋅m (123 lb⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm | |
2.0 | I4 | 1,962 cc | 122 PS (90 kW) at 5,300 rpm | 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | |
2.0 | I4 | 1,962 cc | 130 PS (96 kW) at 5,400 rpm | 178 N⋅m (131 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | |
2.0 Turbo | I4 | 1,962 cc | 150 PS (110 kW) at 5,500 rpm | 231 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm | GTV 2000 Turbodelta |
2.5 V6 | V6 | 2,492 cc | 160 PS (118 kW) at 5,600 rpm | 213 N⋅m (157 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm | GTV6 |
2.5 V6 Twin Turbo | V6 | 2,492 cc | 233 PS (171 kW) at 5,600 rpm | 332 N⋅m (245 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm | GTV6 Callaway |
2.6 V8 | V8 | 2,593 cc | 200 PS (147 kW) at 6,500 rpm | 270 N⋅m (199 lb⋅ft) at 4,750 rpm | GTV8, Autodelta limited edition |
2.0 Turbodiesel | I4 | 1,995 cc | 82 PS (60 kW) at 4,300 rpm | 162 N⋅m (119 lb⋅ft) at 2,300 rpm | saloon only |
2.4 Turbodiesel | I4 | 2,393 cc | 95 PS (70 kW) at 4,300 rpm | 196 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft) at 2,300 rpm | saloon only |
Berlina
Alfa Romeo Alfetta | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Also called | Alfa Romeo 159i Alfa Romeo Sport Sedan |
Production | 1972–1984 |
Designer | Giuseppe Scarnati |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Executive car |
Body style | 4-door saloon |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 1.6 L I4 (gasoline) 1.8 L I4 (gasoline) 2.0 L I4 (gasoline) 2.0 L VM80A I4 (turbodiesel) 2.4 L VM81A I4 (turbodiesel) |
Transmission | 5-speed manual 3-speed ZF automatic[4] |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,510 mm (98.8 in) |
Length | 4,280–4,385 mm (168.5–172.6 in) |
Width | 1,620–1,640 mm (63.8–64.6 in) |
Height | 1,430 mm (56.3 in) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Alfa Romeo 1750 and 2000 |
Successor | Alfa Romeo 90 |
History
The Alfetta saloon was launched in 1972, equipped with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder. It was a three-box, four-door saloon (Berlina in Italian) with seating for five designed in-house by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo; the front end was characterised by twin equally sized headlamps connected to a central narrow Alfa Romeo shield by three chrome bars, while the tail lights were formed by three square elements. At the 1975 Brussels Motor Show Alfa Romeo introduced the 1,594 cc (97 cu in), 108 PS (DIN) Alfetta 1.6 base model, easily recognizable by its single, larger round front headlights.[5][6] Meanwhile, the 1.8-litre Alfetta was rebadged Alfetta 1.8 and a few months later mildly restyled, further set apart from the 1.6 by a new grille with a wider central shield and horizontal chrome bars. Engines in both models were Alfa Romeo Twin Cams, with two overhead camshafts, 8-valves and two double-barrel carburettors. Two years later the 1.6 was upgraded to the exterior and interior features of the 1.8.
In 1977 a 2.0-litre model was added. Launched at the March Geneva Motor Show,[7] the Alfetta 2000 replaced the outgoing Alfa Romeo 2000. This range-topping Alfetta was 10.5 cm (4.1 in) longer than the others, owing to a redesigned front end with square headlights and to larger bumpers with polyurethane inserts;[8] the rectangular tail light clusters and C-pillar vents were also different. Inside there were a new dashboard, steering wheel and upholstery materials. Just a year later, in July 1978, the two-litre model was updated becoming the Alfetta 2000 L. Engine output rose from 122 PS to 130 PS (DIN); inside upholstery was changed again and dashboard trim went from brushed aluminium to simulated wood.[9] The 2000 received fuel injection in 1979.
A turbodiesel version was introduced in late 1979, the Alfetta Turbo D, whose engine was supplied by VM Motori.[10] Apart from a boot lid badge, the Turbo D was equipped and finished like the top-of-the-line 2000 L both outside and inside. Therefore, it received a tachometer—very unusual in diesels of this era,[11] but no standard power steering, in spite of the additional 100 kg (220 lb) burden over the front axle.[11] The turbodiesel, a first on an Alfa Romeo's passenger car, was of 2.0 litres and produced 82 PS. The Alfetta Turbo D was sold mostly in Italy and in France, as well as a few other continental European markets where the tax structure suited this model.
In 1981 Alfa Romeo developed in collaboration with the University of Genoa a semi-experimental Alfetta version, fitted with a modular variable displacement engine and an electronic engine control unit. Called Alfetta CEM (Controllo Elettronico del Motore, or Electronic Engine Management), it was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show.[12] The 130 PS (96 kW; 128 bhp) 2.0-litre modular engine featured fuel injection and ignition systems governed by an engine control unit, which could shut off two of four cylinders as needed in order to reduce fuel consumption. An initial batch of ten examples were assigned to taxi drivers in Milan, to verify operation and performance in real-world situations.[12][13] According to Alfa Romeo during these tests cylinder deactivation was found to reduce fuel consumption by 12% in comparison to a CEM fuel-injected engine without variable displacement, and almost by 25% in comparison to the regular production carburetted 2.0-litre.[13] After the first trial, in 1983 a small series of 1000 examples was put on sale, offered to selected clients;[12] 991 examples were produced. Despite this second experimental phase, the project had no further developments.
Fuel injected, US-specification versions of the Alfetta were sold as limited editions in some European countries; one example was the 1981 Alfetta LI America for the Italian market, based on the North American Sport Sedan.[14]
In November 1981 the updated "Alfetta '82" range was launched, comprising 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.0 Turbo Diesel models. All variants adopted the bodyshell and interior of the 2.0-litre models; standard equipment became richer.[15] All Alfettas had black plastic rubbing strips, side sill mouldings, tail light surround and hubcaps; the 2000 sported a satin silver grille and a simulated mahogany steering wheel rim.
July 1982 saw the introduction of the range topping Alfetta Quadrifoglio Oro (meaning Gold Cloverleaf, a trim designation already used on the Alfasud),[16] which took the place of the discontinued 2000 L. The Quadrifoglio Oro was powered by a 128 PS (DIN) version of the usual 1962 cc engine, equipped with the SPICA mechanical fuel injection used on US-spec Alfettas; standard equipment included several digital and power-assisted accessories like a trip computer, check control panel and electrically adjustable seats.[16] Visually the Quadrifoglio Oro was distinguished by twin round headlights, concave alloy wheels, and was only available in metallic grey or brown with brown interior plastics and specific beige velour upholstery.
In March 1983 the Alfetta received its last facelift;[17] the exterior was modernised with newly designed bumpers (integrating a front spoiler and extending to the wheel openings), a new grille, lower body plastic cladding, silver hubcaps and, at the rear, a full width grey plastic fascia supporting rectangular tail lights with ribbed lenses and the number plate. The C-pillar ventilation outlets were moved to each side of the rear screen. Inside there were a redesigned dashboard and instrumentation, new door panels and the check control panel from the Quadrifoglio Oro on all models. Top of the range models adopted an overhead console, which extended for the full length of the roof and housed three reading spot lamps, a central ceiling light, and controls for the electric windows. Alongside the facelift two models were introduced: the 2.4 Turbo Diesel, replacing the previous 2.0-litre, and a renewed Quadrifoglio Oro, equipped with electronic fuel injection. Thanks to the Bosch Motronic integrated electronic fuel injection and ignition the QO had the same 130 PS output of the carburetted 2.0, while developing more torque and being more fuel efficient.[17]
In April 1984 the successor of the Alfetta debuted, the larger Alfa Romeo 90. At the end of the year the Alfetta Berlina went out of production, after nearly 450,000 had been made over a 12-year production period.
Official use
The Alfa Romeo Alfetta was used as police car by the Italian Carabinieri[18] as well as by Polizia di Stato. It became well known throughout the world since it was Italian former Prime Minister Aldo Moro's official escort car, when, in 1978, he was first kidnapped, then killed, by the Italian Terrorist left-wing organisation The Red Brigades. A fictionalised account of these events was produced as a critically well regarded Italian film, The Advocate, which also heavily featured Alfettas of all types, from Carabinieri "short nose-round light" through to the Prime Minister's own "long nose-square light" 2000 L.
Version | Years | Produced |
---|---|---|
Alfetta | 1972–74 | 104,454 |
Alfetta (RHD) | 1972–78 | 2,011 |
Alfetta 1.8 | 1975–83 | 67,738 |
Alfetta 1.6 | 1975–83 | 77,103 |
Alfetta 2000 | 1976–77 | 34,733 |
Alfetta 2000 (RHD) | 1977 | 1,450 |
Alfetta 2000 L | 1978–80 | 60,097 |
Alfetta 2.0 | 1981–84 | 48,750 |
Alfetta 2000 LI America | 1978–81 | 1,000 |
Alfetta 2000 Turbo Diesel | 1979–84 | 23,530 |
Alfetta Quadrifoglio Oro | 1982–84 | 19,340 |
Alfetta CEM | 1983 | 991 |
Alfetta 2.4 Turbo Diesel | 1983–84 | 7,220 |
Total | 448,417 |
Production and marketing
South African market
South African models were first assembled at Automaker's Rosslyn plant, located outside Pretoria. These early, 1973 models, were manufactured alongside Datsuns. From 1974 South African Alfetta's were manufactured at Alfa Romeo's own Brits plant. The 1600 model, with single headlamps as in Europe, arrived to complement the 1800 and 2000 in mid-1976. Beginning in October 1982, the Quadrifoglio Oro model was marketed as the Alfa Romeo 159i, with the fuel injected two liter engine.[19]
North American market
The four-door Alfetta was sold in the USA from 1975 through 1977 under the name Alfetta Sedan. From 1978 to 1979 a mildly restyled version was sold under the name Sport Sedan.
GT
| |
---|---|
Overview | |
Also called | Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce |
Production | 1974–1987 |
Designer | Giorgetto Giugiaro/Centro Stile Alfa Romeo |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Grand tourer Sports car |
Body style | 2-door coupé |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 1.6 L I4 (gasoline) 1.8 L I4 (gasoline) 2.0 L I4 (gasoline) 2.0 L I4 (turbo gasoline) 2.5 L V6 (gasoline) 3.0 L V6 (gasoline) 2.6 L V8 (Autodelta)[20] |
Transmission | 5-speed manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,400 mm (94.5 in) |
Length | 4,190–4,260 mm (165.0–167.7 in) |
Width | 1,664 mm (65.5 in) |
Height | 1,330 mm (52.4 in) |
Kerb weight | 1,110 kg (2,447 lb) (GTV 2.0) 1,210 kg (2,668 lb) (GTV6 2.5) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Alfa Romeo 105/115 Series Coupés |
Successor | Alfa Romeo GTV (916) |
Alfetta GT and GTV
The Alfetta saloon was the base for the Alfetta GT, a 2-door, four seat fastback coupé designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign. Introduced in 1974, similarly to the saloon it was initially available only with the 1.8-litre (1,779 cc) version of the Alfa DOHC four.[21] These engines featured a chain driven 8-valve twin overhead cam cylinder head of cross-flow design. For 1976, with the final phasing out of the earlier 105 Series (GT 1300 Junior and GT 1600 Junior and 2000 GTV), the Alfetta GT became a range; the 1.8 was discontinued in favour of the 1.6-litre (1,570 cc) Alfetta GT 1.6 and 2.0-litre (1,962 cc) Alfetta GTV 2.0. At the same time some updates were introduced, such as a new front grille with horizontal slats and two series of vents beneath it. The GTV was distinguished from the 1.6 version by twin chrome whiskers in the grille and GTV scripts carved in the ventilation vents on the C-pillar.
In 1979, some minor revisions, including a revised engine with new camshaft profiles and a change to mechanical-and-vacuum ignition advance, saw the 2.0-litre redesignated the Alfetta GTV 2000L. Autodelta also introduced a limited edition 2.0-litre turbocharged model, named Turbodelta, of which 400 were made for FIA Group 4 homologation. This version used a KKK turbo which pushed power up to 175 PS (129 kW). The car also received a modified suspension layout. This was the first Italian petrol production car with a turbocharger. The styling of the GTV, while distinctive, can be seen to share many design features derived from the Montreal supercar, as translated down to a simpler and thus more marketable vehicle. Examples of this are the bonnet line, which while briefer, still has 'scallops' for the headlights, and the tail light clusters which resemble those of the Montreal. The door shape is similar, and in a sharing of parts, both vehicles employ the same door handles.
-
Alfetta GTV 2.0
-
Rear view of an Alfetta GT 1.6
-
Alfetta GTV C-pillar logo
GTV 2.0 and GTV6
In 1980, the GT received a restyling. Outside there were new one-piece tail lights, grey plastic bumpers, C-pillar vents and side skirts; all bright stainless steel save for the Alfa Romeo triangular grille was changed to matte-black trim. The 1.6-litre version was discontinued and the Alfetta GTV became known simply as Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0; the Alfetta name was dropped, but the two-litre coupé retained its type designation of 11636 for left-hand drive and 11637 for right-hand drive. 15-inch disc-shaped alloy wheels were now standard, as opposed to the earlier cars' 14-inch pressed steel or optional 14-inch alloy.
Later in the same year, the GTV6, a version of the GTV with the SOHC V6 2.5 L engine from the Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 luxury saloon, was released. As a result, the hood received a bulge to clear the top of the intake and became its most pronounced feature. With Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection instead of the six downdraught Dell'Orto carburettors in the early Alfa 6 installation, the V6 was much easier to start and retained its state of tune much better. The V6 received rave reviews from the motoring press, which had previously lambasted the same engine in the Alfa 6 because of the carburettor problems. It found its true home in the GTV6 Gran Turismo body where it could stretch its legs better than in the less sporting Alfa 6 saloon. The fuel injection installation eventually made it into the second series of the Alfa 6 as well. The GTV went through a number of revisions, including a new gear ratios and an updated interior in 1984.
The GTV6 was a very successful racing car; the 116 type chassis developed for racing since its first outing in the 1974 San Martino di Castrozza rallye. The racing successes included winning the European Touring Car Championship an unprecedented four years in succession (1982–85)[citation needed], the British Touring Car Championship in 1983 driven by Andy Rouse, as well as many other racing and rallying competitions in national championships as France and Italy.[citation needed] A Group A GTV6 driven by French driver Yves Loubet won its class four years in succession from 1983 to 1986 in the Tour de Corse round of the World Rally Championship.[citation needed]
A GTV6 was driven to victory by Greg Carr and Fred Gocentas in the 1987 Australian Rally Championship.
Motor magazines have quoted the Busso V6 engine as one of the best sounding engines ever. The British Classic & Sportscar noted it as "The best sounding engine, this side of a Maserati V8".
A grey GTV6 is featured for a short period in the James Bond movie Octopussy. Bond (played by Roger Moore) steals the parked car in West Germany while its owner uses a pay phone booth and makes haste towards Octopussy's Circus, where he de-fuses a bomb planted by the villainous Kamal Khan (Louis Jourdan).[22]
-
Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0
-
Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5
-
The bonnet bulge on the top of the intake is clearly visible on this GTV6
-
Rear view of a GTV6
Version | Years | Produced |
---|---|---|
Alfetta GT (1.8) | 1974–76 | 21,947 |
Alfetta GT (1.6) | 1976–80 | 16,923 |
Alfetta GTV (2.0) | 1976–78 | 31,267 |
Alfetta GTS (1.6) | 1976–80 | |
Alfetta GTV Strada (2.0) | 1976–80 | |
Alfetta GTV 8 2.6 | 1977 | 20 |
Alfetta GTV L (2.0) | 1978–80 | 26,108 |
Alfetta GTV 2000 America | 1979–80 | |
Alfetta 2000 Turbodelta | 1979–80 | 400 |
GTV 2.0 | 1980–83 | 10,352 |
GTV 2.0 | 1983–87 | 7,296 |
GTV 2.0 Grand Prix | 1981–82 | 650 |
GTV6 2.5 | 1980–83 | 11,468 |
GTV6 2.5 | 1983–87 | 10,912 |
GTV6 3.0 V6 | 1984–85 | 200 |
GTV6 2.5 Twin Turbo | 1985–86 | 36 |
Total | 137,579 |
South African market
South African models were first assembled at Automaker's Rosslyn plant, located outside Pretoria. These early, 1973 models, were manufactured alongside Datsuns. From 1974 South African Alfetta's were manufactured at Alfa Romeo's own Brits plant. South Africa was one of two markets to have a turbocharged GTV6, with a Garrett turbocharger and a NACA intake. An estimated 750 were assembled before all production ceased in 1986. The South African market also introduced the 3.0 L GTV-6, predating the international debut of the factory's 3.0 L engine in 1987. 212 were built in South Africa for racing homologation. The last 6 GTV-6 3.0's were fuel injected. To this day, the GTV-6 remains the quintessential Alfa Romeo for South Africans.
North American market
The four-cylinder coupé was available from 1975 to 1977 under the moniker Alfetta GT, renamed the Sprint Veloce for the final two years of production in 1978 and 1979. Finally, the V-6 version was marketed from 1981 to 1986 as the GTV-6.
For the U.S. market two limited production GTV6 models stand out. The Balocco (named after the famous Balocco test track in Italy) in 1982 with a production run of only 350 cars. The Balocco was available only in red with sunroof and black interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel and red piping on the seats. There were also two green Quadrifoglio badges fixed on the rear quarter trim pieces above a badge with the "Balocco SE" designation. A plaque inset in the glove box door designated the number of the car out of the series of 350 (XXX of 350) And the GTV6 2.5 Maratona, of which only 150 were built. The Maratona model included a more aggressive aerodynamic trim package, lightweight Speedline wheels, clear engine view port, sunroof, wood steering wheel and shift knob, rear louvers and Carello fog lamps. All 150 cars were available only painted Silver and with a black leather interior; and came with "Maratona" badging on the rear decklid, front fenders and glove box door. (The most notable feature of the Maratona, its aerodynamic kit, was also available as a dealer-installed option on other GTV-6 models.)
Callaway Cars, famous for their modified Camaro, Impala SS and Corvette offerings modified between thirty and thirty-six (depending on whether one "counts" those cars with Callaway components which were not assembled by Callaway but, instead, had those components fitted by Alfa Romeo dealers) twin-turbocharged GTV-6s between 1983 and 1986, of which the first five (the cars produced between 1983 and 1985; these were sold and titled as 1985 model year cars, save for the first prototype which was sold and titled as a 1984) were prototypes. Callaway "production models" were otherwise listed as from the 1986 model year.[23] In addition to numerous small component upgrades, the Callaway GTV6's included a somewhat revised suspension (most notably eschewing the metric Michelin TRX wheel/tire combination—then standard on the GTV6—in favor of Pirelli or Goodyear tires on conventionally sized BBS, Speedline or OZ lightweight alloys), improved brakes and, most importantly, a twin-turbocharger system, boosting performance to exotic levels. A different twin turbo GTV was also built briefly for the Australian market.
GT, GTV and GTV6 racing versions by Autodelta
Racing versions of the Alfetta GT and GTV were built by Autodelta, initially with the normally aspirated engines from the earlier GTAm racer based on the 105 series coupé, for homologation under FIA Group 2. There were some variations ranging from the Alfetta GT 1800 cc engines with 8 plugs heads or even 16-valve heads to the powerful 2-litre GTAm engine. In this form they were rallied with moderate success in 1975, winning the Elba and Costa Brava rallies overall, as well as winning the Group 2 category in the World Rally Championship's Corsican event. The next year Autodelta shifted its focus to circuit racing the Alfettas, which won the under 2.5-liter Group 2 division of the European Touring Car Championship, scoring a remarkable second place overall at the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps, as well as an overall win in the ETC race at Vallelunga. Despite such results, Autodelta's efforts with the Group 2 Alfetta were desultory and ended prematurely due to Alfa's budgetary constraints and heavy commitments to Formula One and the World Championship for Sports Cars.
At the end of the 1975 season, Autodelta also rallied an Alfetta GTV with a 3.0-litre V8 engine, derived from the 2.6-litre V8 of the Alfa Romeo Montreal coupé and sharing the same mechanical fuel injection by SPICA. This version was driven by Ballestrieri in the relatively minor Valli Piacentine Rally, but development of the V8 Alfetta as a competition machine was not pursued when the plan to produce 400 roadgoing versions of this model for homologation was abandoned. Around twenty 2.6-litre V8-engined Alfetta GTVs were built by Autodelta at the request of the German Alfa importer in 1977, where they were sold for DM50,000, considerably more than the DM20,990 charged for an Alfetta GTV2000.[24]
In 1980 the Alfetta GTV Turbodelta was already homologated in FIA Group 4, since the required number of production engines had been built and fitted to Alfetta Turbodelta Stradale and Nuova Giulietta Turbodelta models. A racing version was campaigned in rallies and developed during 1979 and 1980 seasons: Cars, being backed by Jolly Club were driven by Pregliasco, Ormezzano and Verini. The last development of the Gp.4 Turbodelta featured wide arches, 15x11 Campagnolo rims shod with massive 290mm tyres, big brakes, light body and huge engine bonnet covering induction to intercooler and turbo system.
Despite scoring a win at the Danube Rally, development of the Gp.4 Alfetta Turbodelta was not pursued as Carlo Chitti, Autodelta chief engineer, had more interest in SportsCars and F1. Other consideration were the introduction of the Giulietta Turbo and the GTV6 being imminent and the competition department being engaged in preparing to adapt to the 1981/82 change in FIA homologation categories for production-based cars from Group 2 and 4 to Group N and Group A. In the cases of the Group N and A GTV6, events would prove that Alfa was very well prepared.
In 1986 Alfa Romeo GTV6 was one of the fastest Group A rally cars.[25] In 1986 production of the GTV6 ceased and Alfa Romeo turned its Group A racing and rallying efforts to the 75/Milano saloons, which were based on the same rear transaxle chassis. However, 1986 also saw the GTV6 post one of its finest rallying victories when Yves Loubet's example won the Group A in the tragic 1986 Tour de Corse and placed 3rd overall among the monstrously powerful four-wheel-drive Group B cars.
References
- ^ "Auto test—Alfa Romeo Alfetta". Autocar: 20–25. 20 April 1974.
- ^ C. R. (June 1974). "The Alfa Romeo Alfetta". Motor Sport. L (6): 576–578. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
- ^ Cars and Vehicle Magazine, May 1973
- ^ "1979 Alfa Romeo Alfetta Sport Sedan". sportscarmarket.com. Archived from the original on 16 July 2007. Retrieved 4 July 2007.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ F. C. (14 January 1975). "Alfetta "millesei" col ruolo anticrisi". Stampa Sera (in Italian). p. 11. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ Villare, Renzo (25 January 1975). "L'Alfetta 1,6 come la "1800" ma più "austera" nei consumi". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 13. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ Bernabò, Ferruccio (17 March 1977). "Oggi a Ginevra si apre il Salone". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 13. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ Cinti, Fulvio (25 February 1977). "La signora Alfetta". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 21. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ Villare, Renzo (1 July 1978). "Più cavalli per l'Alfetta". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 11. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ^ "Automotive/Past vehicles/Alfa Romeo Alfetta". VM Motori. Retrieved 4 July 2007.
- ^ a b Costa, André; Fraichard, Georges-Michel, eds. (September 1981). "Salon 1981: Toutes les Voitures du Monde". l'Auto Journal (in French) (14 & 15). Paris: Homme N°1: 88.
- ^ a b c Sabadin, Vittorio (15 April 1983). "L'Alfa riduce i consumi "staccando" i cilindri". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 25. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|trans_title=
ignored (|trans-title=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b Fenu, Michele (7 May 1982). "Alfa, il motore modulare per contenere i consumi". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 19. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
- ^ "America, Alfa esportazione (più ricca e più completa)". Stampa Sera (in Italian). 23 March 1981. p. 19. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
- ^ Villare, Renzo (25 November 1978). "Da oggi le nuove Alfetta". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 6. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
- ^ a b M. Fe. (9 July 1982). "Quadrifoglio Oro pure per Alfetta". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 19. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
- ^ a b Fenu, Michele (22 April 1983). "L'Alfetta adotta turbodiesel 2400". La Stampa (in Italian). p. 13. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
- ^ "I Mezzi - Dalla fine del secondo conflitto mondiale ai nostri giorni". carabinieri.it - Arma dei Carabinieri official website. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
- ^ Raffaele, Mastrostefano, ed. (1985). Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1985 (in Italian). Milan: Editoriale Domus S.p.A. p. 34. ISBN 88-7212-012-8.
- ^ Röthig, Gernot (July 1977). "Die 100 Träume des Herrn Reiff". Auto Zeitung (in German): 61–67.
{{cite journal}}
: Unknown parameter|trans_title=
ignored (|trans-title=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Alfa Romeo Alfetta & GTV". carsfromitaly.net. Archived from the original on 31 July 2007.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "1981 Alfa Romeo GTV 6 in Octopussy, Movie, 1983". imcdb.org. Retrieved 19 January 2010.
- ^ "An afternoon with Reeves Callaway". alfacentro.com. Archived from the original on 15 July 2007.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Taylor, Bruce. "Montreal GTV". The Alfa Romeo Montreal Website. Retrieved 15 December 2010. (click "Montreal GTV" in the Index)
- ^ "Alfa Romeo GTV6 Specifications & History". rallye-info.com. Retrieved 28 May 2007.