Alfa Spider

Source: Exec Digital UK

Date :02/01/2008 10:18:53

Heir to the Giulietta Spider and Duetto, the Alfa Spider, the 2006 Geneva show Cabrio of the year, is pure Italian style.

The Spider is the prize offspring of the new Alfa Romeo generation, Italian through and through - stemming from a collaboration between Alfa Romeo Centro Stile and two names that are renowned for Italian style the world over: Giugiaro and Pininfarina.

The 3.2 JTS V6 version has Alfa Romeo’s Q4 permanent four-wheel drive system as standard, a highly advanced drivetrain ensuring extraordinary dynamic control.

At the core of the system there is a mechanical central differential (an evolved version of the Torsen C), which guarantees permanent and dynamic distribution of torque through all four wheels, allowing the vehicle to achieve maximum levels of safety and responsiveness.

Styling

The Spider welcomes the driver and passenger with an almost overwhelming array of Italian influences - this is a car that makes the simplest of things look beautiful.

The styling of the Alfa is well balanced. The design is bold looking with its purebred Alfa front, generously sized tyres, four exhaust pipes, protective roll-bars and headlamps that blend smoothly into the bonnet. The design is essential but uncomplicated, conveying an impression of elegance and strength.

Advanced safety features are in place to protect both the driver and passenger; this model is fitted with five airbags as standard including a driver’s knee airbag.

Power and Technology

The 3.2 JTS V6 engine uses twin phaser technology (double continuous variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust valves) and delivers 260bhp.

Matched to the engine is a 6-speed manual gearbox which helps to achieve exceptional performance. An optional Q-Tronic 6-speed automatic transmission evaluates driving style and selects an optimal gear accordingly. The Q-Tronic system also provides the ability to switch to manual control for heightened driver involvement, which can be furthered by the choice of optional gear shift paddles.

This posy open top two seater has a price tag of £30,460, and posy it is – it’s a stunning car to look at, but unfortunately it isn’t very good at going fast, with a 0-62mph time of seven seconds.

If you’re not happy with paying the £30k asking price, you can save yourself four grand with a 2.2 litre petrol version. But would you really be willing to drop to an Alfa with only 185bhp? I thought not.

To view the full article, click here

For more information

Alfa Romeo