FACTfile - Alfa 166 - Page 2

New style in detail

The new Alfa Romeo flagship inherits from its predecessor a clean, cutting shape that makes it look agile and ready to leap into action: the New Alfa 166 takes Alfa's dual mission of 'sportiness and elegance' and turns it into an understated beauty that is quintessentially Italian. Classic brand styling cues are not brazenly flaunted but subtly hinted at. The car's volumes and chrome trim are carefully balanced.

The Alfa Romeo Style Centre has yet again succeeded in finding the right aesthetic balance to bring the Alfa 166 right up to date. In its shape, for example, rounded surfaces and corners work out their natural tensions to achieve an ideal balance point. Understated, updated retro Alfa traits are apparent. More recent style motifs that the public now recognizes and appreciate as distinguishing Alfa Romeo features are also present in a new form.

Firstly, the front end has been fully redesigned. The shield is now more upright and forms, together with the two side air intakes, the traditional three-part Alfa motif that suggests a link to famous cars of the past. This motif marks a family resemblance to more recent models while allowing the Alfa Style Centre to reclaim and reinterpret distinctive traits from Alfa's illustrious past.

The imposing front is dominated by a big shield whose upper edge follows the bonnet round and then plunges down to break the bumper line. The badge, again at the top in the centre, is also surrounded by a hint of chrome that underscores the strength and communicative value of the signature. The badge hangs from the slight convexity in the metal that emphasizes the join between the bonnet and the upper tip of the shield known as the 'comet'.

One of the most distinctive features on the New Alfa 166 is the light cluster arrangement. These high-tech design creations are compact and made out of clear, non-faceted glass that allows a clear view of the underlying mathematically-modeled reflectors.

As on the previous model, two converging ribs define and emphasize a central bulge that hints at the presence of the powerful, beefy engine beneath. The relatively unchanged bumpers are still flush with the metal surface and blend into the vehicle body. The lower part of the extended, rounded bumpers houses turn signals masked by darkened glass that delineates the three-part graphic motif.

The side view of the New Alfa 166 features some of the chrome trim that was present on the previous model on the door handles, roof outline and door sills. The ratio of metal prevails over the glass and makes the vehicle look like a coupé from the side. The body is smooth and rounded, completely free of sharp edges or drip channels. The side handles and flashers are flush with the body.

The dynamic wheel arches and the wheels flush with the body create an image of a strong, compact car that is firmly glued to the ground. This impression is emphasised by a taut, horizontal muscle from which the entire side is apparently suspended. This feature tapers off smoothly, high up on the rear pillar. Overall, the curved shape of the outline suggests roominess, strength and protection: exactly what you want from a flagship.

When viewed from behind, the New Alfa 166 is immediately recognisable for its broad shoulders that make it look like an animal waiting to pounce - and for its short, fleeting tail. The rear window is joined to a slender pillar that drops from the passenger compartment and rests strongly on the two wheel arches to give the car an impression of power. The slightly drooping tail evokes the sensation of a very agile car despite its large saloon dimensions. The Alfa Romeo badge sits in the upper part of the luggage compartment. Underneath, the tail-lights mitigate the taut, muscular sides. These are separate, small and embedded in the body.

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