Alfa Romeo 156 was introduced in 1997 and won the Car of the Year awardIn 2003 was released new facelift model, some external changes was made (look picture below),
in the following year. It was replacement for 155 model.
Designed in house by Walter da Silva, design was totally different than in 155;
no more box shapes.
156 is available with gasoline engines starting from 1.6 to 3.2 litres and two different diesel
models 1.9JTD and 2.4JTD. Three different gearboxes: manual, Q system in 2.5 liter model
(Q system is automatic with possibility to change also manually) and selespeed in 2.0 litre model
and also in new GTA model.
Selespeed uses a five speed manual gearbox operated electro-hydraulically and controlled by buttons
on the steering wheel. Its also possible to use it in automatic mode.
In March 2000 the Sportwagon was introduced, estate version of 156, its basically same
as sedan version.
2002 was introduced sedan GTA and sportwagon GTA. This uses the original Alfa
V6 now as 3.2-litre with 250bhp, with manual or 6 speed selespeed transmissions.This model
has also updated brakes, steering, suspension and minor aerodynamic changes in body.
In 2002 will be introduced facelifted model of 156.External changes are almost impossible to see
now the mirror arms and bumbers are totally body coloured, internal changes consists new console like
before seen in Alfa 147, traffic information system and also some new electronic stuff like VDC
(=vehicle dynamic control) and MSR (=motor schleppmoment regelung), system which reduces
torque when shifting down. Also more safety systems is added to the new facelifted version.
One of biggest changes is totally new 2.0 engine, which replaces the old TS engine.
Its called 2.0 JTS (=Jet Thrust Stoichiometric), its gasoline direct injection engine,
with nice poweroutput 165Hp and torque 206Nm.
2.0 JTS engine
new generation multijet diesels was introduced with more power and torgue.
Internal changes is also made, new dashboard and more leather is used in dashboard and door trims.
1.9JTD has now six speed gearbox also.
Only the GTA model is same as earlier.
Alfa 156 has also been quite succesfull in racing
-1998 Supertouring Italian Championship, Fabrizio Giovanardi
-1999 Supertouring Italian Championship, Fabrizio Giovanardi
-2000 Euro STC Supertouring Champion, Fabrizio Giovanardi
-2001 European Supertourincar FIA Champion , Fabrizio Giovanardi
-2002 European Supertourincar FIA Champion , Fabrizio Giovanardi
-2003 European Supertourincar FIA Champion , Gabriele Tarquini
Giovanardi wins STC with Alfa Romeo 156
