 |
|
|
 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
This is part of the ItalianCar.net archive - go to ItalianCar.net now NEWS ARCHIVE Autodelta launch 245kW 156 + 287kmh supercharged Alfa GT
Autodelta, the legendary name in producing extreme versions of Alfa's fastest cars, has added two new versions to its range of ultimate Alfas, their interpretation of what a GTA version of the latest Alfa 156 would be like were such a thing to come from the factory and a version of the award-winning Alfa GT for those owners for whom 184 kW isn't enough. The Alfa 156 GTA AM offers an epic 245 kW from a bored out version of the 3.2 litre engine used in the normal Alfa GT that extends torque output to 353 Nm, with a new 7,300 rpm red line. This means that 100 kmh comes up in a breath taking 5.3 seconds. The Alfa GT Super uses a super charged version of the normal 3.2 litre V6 engine to lift power to 239 kW, giving it a top speed of 287 kmh and the ability to blast to 100 kmh in 5.4 seconds. Like its smaller sister, the 147 3.7 GTA, Autodelta's 156 GTA AM boasts a Ferrari-derived larger throttle, bespoke stainless exhaust system, manifolds and downpipes, a stronger clutch to cope with the extra power, 353 Nm of torque at 4700 rpm, quadruple tailpipes at the back, and custom-built 8.5 x 18" light allow wheels wearing 235/40 tyres. To help achieve the deadly quick driving response and higher performance levels than the standard model, as is expected from a true sports saloon, the 156 GTA AM has been equipped with a limited slip differential (with 30% progressive lock), uprated 355 mm front brakes with AP racing 6-pot calipers and a sports suspension. Based on the very successful Alfa GT, Autodelta's 239 kW engine has been endowed with extra power and grunt by the addition of a space-efficient, centrifugal Rotrex supercharger, running its own oil feed system and additional oil cooler independent from the engine, with an intercooler. Choosing to adopt the Rotrex supercharger is the result of two and a half years of durability and reliability testing of the unit in a wide range of Autodelta Alfa models. In order to match fuelling and ignition timing, the factory ECU has been remapped, and the supercharger has inbuilt safety features to control boost levels.
Like the Autodelta 156 3.7 GTA AM, and its smaller sister Autodelta 147 3.7 GTA, the GT Super has been fitted with limited slip differential, to rein in the extra power, and sports suspension with coil over dampers. The top speed of 287 kmh is easier to achieve with the adoption of a longer sixth gear (which is not an overdrive) than the standard Alfa GT. Autodelta's own styling and manufacturing arm Creativestudio is responsible for the distinctive, overtly sporty look of both the 156 GTA AM and the GT Super; in contrast with the factory-built Alfa 156 GTA, which is no longer available in Australia, Autodelta's Alfa 156 GTA AM boasts the more recent Giugiaro-styled front, complemented by a specially designed full bodykit which include front wings, front and rear bumpers, rear wheel arches, door panels and boot spoiler. The GT Super features new front and rear bumpers, discreet rear boot spoiler and a redesigned dual exhaust pipe with a touch of retro feel, which contributes to the GT Super's unique engine sound. Autodelta's 156 GTA AM and GT Super, like all Autodelta models, are strictly customer-built, with their own plaque carrying the serial number. "After the success enjoyed by Autodelta Alfa 147 3.7 GTA, - we make two to three new cars to order a month - building its bigger sister, the 156 GTA AM, felt like a natural progression. In comparison, the Autodelta GT Super is more the result of Autodelta wishing to explore different avenues to enhance both power and performance of an already popular sportscar," says Autodelta Managing Director Jano Djelalian. Full details of the Autodelta range may be found at http://www.autodelta.co.uk.
© italiancar.com.au 13/12/04
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
