| | | Alfa Romeo GT Coupe
Alfa Romeo announced in new GT Coupe model, derived from its successful 156 sedan, is due to go on sale at the end of the year. The new coupe, designed by Bertone Style Centre, features a shortened wheelbase and less overall length than the 156. Alfa Romeo claims the Coupe's compact profile was inspired by past Alfa coupes, including the the 1900, the Giulietta, the Giulia and the Alfetta. The new coupe incorporates many styling traits common to the current model range, including an oversized front grille and truncated tail. Engine Choices include the 3.2 V6 24 valve with 240 bhp (176 kW) at 6200 rpm and 300 Nm (30.6 kgm) of torque at 4800 rpm. The second power unit available is the 165 bhp (121 kW) 2.0 JTS. The third unit is the 140 bhp 1.8 T. Spark (103 kW), a blend of Alfa's experience in Twin Spark technology, due to become available after the launch. The Alfa GT line-up is concluded by the 150 bhp (110 kW) 1.9 M-Jet 16v turbodiesel.
Two manual gearboxes are also available: a six speed unit for the 3.2 V6 24V and 1.9 M-Jet 16v and a five-speed unit for the 1.8 Twin Spark and 2.0 JTS versions.
The five speed Selespeed gearbox is also available for the latter 2 engine choices. The Alfa GT borrows the Alfa 156's suspension layout and adds settings specific to the new model: high double-wishbone at the front, McPherson at the back with transverse rods of different lengths. The choice of a double wishbone layout for the front suspension meets a specific aim: to achieve maximum lateral hold, a highly effective and precise steering response, excellent traction - and then wed all these specifications with an ability to absorb and dampen road surface roughness typical of the most comfortable cars in the segment. Serveral interior specifications are available: a classic sports specification with black facia and panels and another brighter and more stylish specification that is still very sporty and features a two-tone black on grey colour scheme. Cloth, Leather, and Alfa-Tex are available upholstery choices. The centre of the Alfa GT facia also houses a built-in radio and all the controls for the automatic dual zone climate control system. The radio, complemented by a CD player (or an MP3 player as an option), also offers outstanding sound quality and was designed and built for the passenger compartment. It consists of eight speakers and delivers a power output of 4x40 Watts. The Alfa GT adds a host of sophisticated devices and systems to this equipment array that make it a new benchmark in its segment. The GT Coupe features many advanced safety and creature comforts, including zone automatic climate control system, Cruise Control, CONNECT NAV+, multifunction display, radio with steering wheel controls and a sophisticated Hi-Fi system by Bose®, Xenon headlights, DC with Brake Assist, and front, side, and window airbags. |
