Alfa Romeo GTV & Spider
  | |
| Manufacturer | Alfa Romeo |
|---|---|
| Also called | 916-series GTV and Spider |
| Production | 1995-2005 (GTV) 1995-2006 (Spider) |
| Assembly | Arese, Milan, Italy (Alfa Romeo) Turin, Italy (Pininfarina from 2000) |
| Predecessor | Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT, GTV & GTV6 |
| Successor | Alfa Romeo Brera & Spider |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | Coupé Cabriolet |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Engine | 1.8 L 16V TS I4 2.0 L 16V TS I4 2.0 L 16V JTS I4 2.0 L V6 12V turbo 3.0 L V6 12V 3.0 L V6 24V 3.2 L V6 24V |
| Transmission | 5 and 6-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,540 mm (100.0 in) |
| Length | 4,285 mm (168.7 in) |
| Width | 1,780 mm (70.1 in) |
| Height | 1,318 mm (51.9 in) 1,315 mm (51.8 in) Spider |
| Curb weight | 1,370–1,470 kg (3,000–3,200 lb) |
| Designer | Enrico Fumia at Pininfarina |
The Alfa Romeo GTV (Gran Turismo Veloce) (English: Fast Grand Tourer) and Alfa Romeo Spider were two sports cars produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1995 to 2006. The GTV is a 2+2 coupé, and the Spider is a two-seater cabriolet version of the GTV.
Known by the internal Alfa Romeo designation 916, the GTV and Spider were launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1995 and sale begin same year.They had their first premiere at Paris Motor Show in 1994.
The GTV's name placed it as the successor to the long-discontinued Alfetta GTV coupe, whereas the Spider was effectively the replacement for the then 30 year-old Giulia Spider. The GTV ended production in 2005 on the launch of the Brera, while the Spider lasted another year until the launch of its Brera-based successor.
Design
Both cars were designed by Enrico Fumia at
Pininfarina. Alfa GTV was planned to re-establishing the sporty coupe tradition of Alfa Romeo for 1990's, which it certainly did. Initial design dates as back as 1987, which shows how timeless this design really is. The Spider and Gtv were based on the then-current Fiat Group platform, called Tipo (Italian for 'type') 2, in this case a heavily modified version with an all new multilink rear suspension which allowed passive rear steering to help reduce understeer. The front suspension, engine, gearbox and drive was based on the 1992 - launched 155 saloon.
Pininfarina. Alfa GTV was planned to re-establishing the sporty coupe tradition of Alfa Romeo for 1990's, which it certainly did. Initial design dates as back as 1987, which shows how timeless this design really is. The Spider and Gtv were based on the then-current Fiat Group platform, called Tipo (Italian for 'type') 2, in this case a heavily modified version with an all new multilink rear suspension which allowed passive rear steering to help reduce understeer. The front suspension, engine, gearbox and drive was based on the 1992 - launched 155 saloon.
It is a typical Italian design, with the Alfa Romeo grille with dual round headlights, recalling the 1750 GTV of the late 1960s and 1970s. It is low-slug, wedge-shaped with a low nose and high kicked up tail. The back of the car is "cut-off" with a "Kamm tail" giving improved aerodynamics. The Spider shares these traits with the GTV except that the rear is rounded. The Spider featured a folding soft-top with five hoop frame, which completely disappears from sight under a flush fitting cover. An electric folding mechanism is fitted on later versions. As would be expected, the GTV has a much more rigid chassis, up to 64% stiffer, although considerable work was done on the Spider to reduce the traditional convertible problem of scuttle shake.
Details included a one-piece rear lamp/foglamp/indicator strip across the rear of the body, internal electric release for the bootlid and filler flap, the minor instruments in the centre console angled towards the driver. At its launch, many journalists commented that Alfa had improved overall build quality considerably and that it came very close to equalling its German rivals.
To save weight the bonnet was made from a composite material called KMC (composed of polyester and fiberglass, and using epoxi adhesives also), while front wings were made in PUR plastic. At the time, the bonnet was the largest single composite moulding on a production car. When the bonnet is opened, two rectangular Hella headlamps are revealed with separate bulbs for dip and main beam, behind the four round holes in the bonnet. The bodyshell was galvanised with full plastic wheelarch liners and is therefore rustproof. Weight distribution for 4-cylinder engined car is 61% front/39% rear and for a V6 is 63% front/37% rear
History
The GTV was initially offered with 2.0 TS and 2.0 V6 Turbo, while Spider with 2.0 TS or 3.0 V6 12V. In 1997 a new engine 3.0 V6 24V is available for GTV along with bigger, 305 mm (12.0 in) brakes and red, 4-pot calipers from Brembo. From 1995 cars were assembled at Alfa Romeo Arese Plant in Milan.
1998 facelift
In May 1998 cars are revamped for the first time (Phase 2), mainly interior is changed with new center console, 3 spoke steering wheel, painted letters on skirt seals, changed controls and switches arrangement and different instrument cluster. On the exterior main changes include chrome frame around scudetto and color coded side skirts and bumpers. New engine is introduced: 144 PS (106 kW; 142 hp) 1.8 Twin Spark, and some are changed: 2.0 Twin Spark gets Modular Intake Manifold with different length intake and different plastic cover. Power output of 2.0 TS is raised to 155 PS (114 kW; 153 hp). Engines have changed engine management units and have a nomenclature of CF2. Dashboard is available in 2 new colours, above the standard black: Red Style and Blue Style, and with it new colour coded upholstery and carpets. 3.0 V6 12V is discontinued for Spider and replaced with 24V version from GTV. 3.0 24V gets 6-speed manual gearbox as standard.
2000 engine revamp
In August 2000 sees the revamp of engines to comply with new emission regulations Euro3. New engines are slightly detuned, and have a new identification code CF3. Arese Plant is closing and the production of GTV/Spider is transferred to Pininfarina Plant in San Giorgio Canavese and Grugliasco in Turin.
2003 facelift
In 2003 arrived a new and last revamp (Phase 3). Main changes are focused on the front with new 147-style scudetto and different front bumpers with offset numberplate holder. Change in interior is minimal with different center console and upholstery pattern and colours available. Instruments illumination colour is changed from green to red. Main specification change is an ASR traction control. New engines are introduced: 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp) 2.0 JTS with direct petrol injection and 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) 3.2 V6 24V allowing 255 km/h (158 mph) top speed.
 |  |
|---|---|
| 1996 pre facelift version | 2003 facelift version |
Characteristics
For engines, the 1.8 16V (144 PS (106 kW; 142 hp)) and 2.0 16V Twin Spark (150 PS (110.3 kW; 147.9 hp)) were available along with a turbocharged 2.0 V6 12V that produced 202 PS (149 kW; 199 hp) or a 3.0 V6 in either 12 (192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp)) or 24 valves (220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp)) and finally a 3.2 V6 24 valve (240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp)).
The 2.0 V6, called V6 TB, was developed because of an Italian law that put an extra sales tax on cars with engines larger than two litres. It is basically a sleeved-down version of the three litre V6. The turbo was added for extra power while avoiding the tax. The car was produced in three distinct phases. The phase 1 cars had a black plastic grille in the nose of the bonnet, without the chrome edging.
When new the 3.0 V6 24V was the fastest production Alfa Romeo with a top speed of 240 km/h (150 mph). The 3.2 V6 24V GTV 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) was fastest Stradale Alfa Romeo (introduced on the 2003 GTVs), capable of 0-60 mph in just over six seconds and a top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph).
The 2.0 16V Twin Spark engine gives up to 35 mpg-imp (8.1 L/100 km; 29 mpg-US).It has variable inlet cam timing, giving 25 degrees of variation to improve torque and give a more linear power delivery. The 2.0 TS engine has two belt driven balance shafts to improve the smoothness of the engine, rotating at twice the engine speed. The 1.8 does not have any balance shafts. The TS was the best-selling version of the GTV in the UK.
The 916 was equipped as standard with power steering, twin airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, Bosch ABS, electric heated door mirrors, electric frameless windows with one-touch operation for the driver's side, height adjustable headlamps, front foglamps, reach and rake adjustable leather clad steering wheel, stitched leather gear knob, an automatic electric aerial,a Clarion face-off stereo with six speakers and central locking.
The fuel tank has a capacity of 70 litres (18 US gal; 15 imp gal). The battery, CD autochanger are located in the boot, and the fuel tank is ahead of the rear axle line, behind the rear seats for increased safety. The power assisted steering has a very high ratio, giving 2.2 turns lock-to-lock. The bonnet and bootlid are supported on nitrogen filled struts.
An alarm system and immobiliser was fitted with remote locking/unlocking. The only additional options were the Lusso pack, metallic paint and electric sunroof. The Lusso has become a separate model rather than an option pack on the phase 2 cars and the standard car was renamed the "Turismo". All V6 cars were of Lusso specification. Very few Turismos were sold in the UK. A spacesaver spare wheel was supplied, and there was a no-cost option of an aerosol can of tyre repair sealant. This was a factory option from 1998 as it increased the usable size of the very small boot to 155 litres (5.5 cu ft).
Criticisms of the model have been that it is hard to park due to its large turning circle and low seating position, which mean that the end of the bonnet and corners are outside the driver's line of sight. The doors are very long and need plenty of space in a car park.
Wheels are 15 inch perforated light alloy as standard, 16 inch teardrop wheels with 205/50 tyres were part of the Lusso option package, along with Momo leather seats and air conditioning. A factory option of 17 inch teledial wheels with 225/45 tyres was available, but one could even fit aftermarket 18 inch wheels with even wider 235/35 or 235/40 tyres.
The top of the range (3.0 and 3.2 litre) versions have three mufflers and four catalytic converters installed at the factory on the CF3 engine and onwards (08/2000-), which result in a somewhat muted sound.
The last restyle of the GTV in 2003 also introduced the 2.0 JTS (165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp)) engine, which uses direct injection, in a similar way to a diesel engine. This engine uses only one spark plug per cylinder and has a variable-length inlet manifold to improve torque at low revs.
Limited Editions
GTV Cup
The GTV Cup is a limited edition based on the 3.0 V6 version of the Alfa Romeo GTV, inspired by an one-model Alfa GTV Cup race series. It is a genuinely limited edition of only 419 cars. There were 180 3.0 V6 24V GTV Cups, out of which 155 RHD versions and 239 cars with 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) 2.0 TS were available in LHD only. 3.0 V6 cars were only in red while 2.0 TS care were mostly silver with few examples in red. Differencies between standard car and the Cup version are factory standard rear spoiler, front spoiler, side skirts, wheel arch side panels and titanium-like finish 17 inch 'telephone dial' alloys, mechanically it's the same as the regular 218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp) V6. Also interior is different from standard model with leather-material upholstery. Interestingly 2.0 TS Gtv Cup have 4-pot Brembo callipers as with 3.0 V6's.
Edizione Sportiva & Edizione Elegante
Both GTV and Spider were available as a limited editions "Edizione Sportiva" and "Edizione Elegante". Cars were only available with 2.0 TS or 3.0 V6 24V CF3 engines and sold between 2001 and 2002.
GTV Edizione Sportiva differed from the standard car by having black leather upholstery with red stitching, red carpets, front wing from Cup version, Blaupunkt radio/navi with 10-CD changer in the boot, electric seats, 17 inch 'teledial' alloys and was available only in black metallic. Edizione Sportiva was limited to 500 cars.
GTV Edizione Elegante was available in dark blue or black metallic and had brown leather upholstery, darker then the standard model, and black carpets. Also there were additional leather panels underneath the door armrest, as have most limited edition GTV/Spiders. Unlike Edizione Sportiva it has a "Serie Limitata" plaque on the titanium-like finished center console.
Spider Edizione Elegante was available only in black metallic and had two-tone leather seats, either black-light grey or black-red with matching side panels upholstery.
Spider Edizione Sportiva was equipped with side skirts and front wings from "Cup" version, available only in light grey metallic with black leather upholstery with red stitching. Both limited edition Spiders had titanium-like finished center consoles, without the "Alfa Romeo" sign and both didn't have a limited edition plaque. Both were offered with 17 inch alloys and electrically folded hood.
GTV Edizione Sportiva differed from the standard car by having black leather upholstery with red stitching, red carpets, front wing from Cup version, Blaupunkt radio/navi with 10-CD changer in the boot, electric seats, 17 inch 'teledial' alloys and was available only in black metallic. Edizione Sportiva was limited to 500 cars.
GTV Edizione Elegante was available in dark blue or black metallic and had brown leather upholstery, darker then the standard model, and black carpets. Also there were additional leather panels underneath the door armrest, as have most limited edition GTV/Spiders. Unlike Edizione Sportiva it has a "Serie Limitata" plaque on the titanium-like finished center console.
Spider Edizione Elegante was available only in black metallic and had two-tone leather seats, either black-light grey or black-red with matching side panels upholstery.
Spider Edizione Sportiva was equipped with side skirts and front wings from "Cup" version, available only in light grey metallic with black leather upholstery with red stitching. Both limited edition Spiders had titanium-like finished center consoles, without the "Alfa Romeo" sign and both didn't have a limited edition plaque. Both were offered with 17 inch alloys and electrically folded hood.
Edizione Classica
Spider only, 2001 limited edition with either a 2.0 TS or 3.0 V6 24V engine. Sold only in black metallic with 17 inch 'teledial' alloys and electric hood. In the interior: light grey upholstery combined with black carpets. Center console with limited edition plaque and without the "Alfa Romeo" sign.
Millennium Edition
Spider only, available in yellow with Blue-style dashboard and matching blue leather seats. Blue hood and carpets, titanium-like finished 'teledial' alloys and limited edition plaque on the center console. Only 2.0 TS engine to choose from.
Edizione Nero
Spider only, available in March 2004, limited to 30 cars only in Austria. Black metallic with 2.0 JTS engine.
Edizione 2004
Spider only, available in Red or Blue only with 2.0 JTS engine. Limited to 200 cars.
Motus Edition
GTV only, black metallic exterior with full aerokit, black upholstery interior with red leather seats, titanium-like finished center console without limited edition plaque, 17 inch alloys.
Engines
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Max. power output | Peak torque | 0–100 km/h,s 0-62 mph,s | Top speed** | CO2 Emissions | Years | Note | Engine Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 TS | I4 | 1,747 cc (106.6 cu in) | 106 kW (144 PS) @6500 rpm | 169 N·m (125 lb·ft) @3500 rpm | 9.2 | 210 km/h (130 mph) | 210 g/km | 05/1998–2003 | AR 32201 | |
| 2.0 TS | I4 | 1,970 cc (120 cu in) | 110 kW (150 PS) @6200 rpm | 186 N·m (137 lb·ft) @4000 rpm | 8.4 | 216 km/h (134 mph) | 225 g/km | 1995-05/1998 | Euro2 | AR 16201 |
| 2.0 TS | I4 | 1,970 cc (120 cu in) | 114 kW (155 PS) @6400 rpm | 187 N·m (138 lb·ft) @3500 rpm | 8.4 | 216 km/h (134 mph) | 220 g/km | 05/1998–08/2000 | Euro2 | AR 32301 |
| 2.0 TS | I4 | 1,970 cc (120 cu in) | 110 kW (150 PS) @6300 rpm | 181 N·m (133 lb·ft) @3800 rpm | 8.4 | 216 km/h (134 mph) | 08/2000-2006 | Euro3 | AR 32310 | |
| 2.0 JTS | I4 | 1,970 cc (120 cu in) | 121 kW (165 PS) @6400 rpm | 206 N·m (152 lb·ft) @3250 rpm | 8.4 | 220 km/h (140 mph) | 2003–2006 | Euro 4 | 937A1000 | |
| 2.0 V6 TB | V6 | 1,996 cc (121.8 cu in) | 147 kW (200 PS) +overboost @6000 rpm | 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @2400 rpm with overboost | 7.4 | 235 km/h (146 mph) | 260 g/km | 1995–2003 | Euro2 | AR 16202 |
| 3.0 V6 12V | V6 | 2,959 cc (180.6 cu in) | 141 kW (192 PS) @5600 rpm | 260 N·m (190 lb·ft) @4400 rpm | 7.3 | 225 km/h (140 mph) | 265 g/km | 1995–1998 | Euro2 Spider | AR 16101 |
| 3.0 V6 24V | V6 | 2,959 cc (180.6 cu in) | 165 kW (225 PS) @6300 rpm | 270 N·m (200 lb·ft) @5000 rpm | 6.7 | 240 km/h (150 mph) | 1997-05/1998 | GTV | AR 16102 | |
| 3.0 V6 24V | V6 | 2,959 cc (180.6 cu in) | 162 kW (220 PS) @6300 rpm | 270 N·m (200 lb·ft) @5000 rpm | 6.7 | 240 km/h (150 mph)[15] | 278 g/km | 05/1998–08/2000 | Euro2 | AR 16102 |
| 3.0 V6 24V | V6 | 2,959 cc (180.6 cu in) | 160 kW (218 PS) @6300 rpm | 265 N·m (195 lb·ft) @5000 rpm | 6.8 | 240 km/h (150 mph) | 08/2000–2003 | Euro3 | AR 16105 | |
| 3.2 V6 24V | V6 | 3,179 cc (194.0 cu in) | 176 kW (240 PS) @6200 rpm | 289 N·m (213 lb·ft) @4800 rpm | 6.3 | 255 km/h (158 mph) | 315 g/km | 2003–2006 | Euro3 | 936A000 |
*performance values for GTV, unless otherwise stated
**top speed with aerokit +5km/h for all, +10km/h for 3.0 V6 24V
**top speed with aerokit +5km/h for all, +10km/h for 3.0 V6 24V
Fuel economy
| Engine | Fuel economy L/100km | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined | Urban | Extra-urban | |
| 1.8 TS | 8.9 L/100 km (32 mpg-imp; 26 mpg-US) | 12.9 L/100 km (21.9 mpg-imp; 18.2 mpg-US) | 6.5 L/100 km (43 mpg-imp; 36 mpg-US) |
| 2.0 TS | 9.2 L/100 km (31 mpg-imp; 26 mpg-US) | 13.3 L/100 km (21.2 mpg-imp; 17.7 mpg-US) | 6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg-imp; 35 mpg-US) |
| 2.0 V6 TB | 10.8 L/100 km (26.2 mpg-imp; 21.8 mpg-US) | 16.6 L/100 km (17.0 mpg-imp; 14.2 mpg-US) | 7.5 L/100 km (38 mpg-imp; 31 mpg-US) |
| 3.0 V6 12V | 11.1 L/100 km (25.4 mpg-imp; 21.2 mpg-US) | 17.0 L/100 km (16.6 mpg-imp; 13.8 mpg-US) | 7.7 L/100 km (37 mpg-imp; 31 mpg-US) |
| 3.0 V6 24V | 11.7 L/100 km (24.1 mpg-imp; 20.1 mpg-US) | 16.8 L/100 km (16.8 mpg-imp; 14.0 mpg-US) | 8.7 L/100 km (32 mpg-imp; 27 mpg-US) |
| 3.2 V6 24V | 13.2 L/100 km (21.4 mpg-imp; 17.8 mpg-US) | 19.9 L/100 km (14.2 mpg-imp; 11.8 mpg-US) | 9.3 L/100 km (30 mpg-imp; 25 mpg-US) |
*factory data
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