FACTfile - Alfa Romeo 166 – Page 4

The Engine - 3.0 litre V6

The new Alfa 166 is powered by the legendary 3.0 litre quad cam V6 engine that is as good to look at as it is to drive behind and even listen to. It offers 162 kW which makes this one of the most powerful cars in its category. It delivers a peak torque of 265 Nm at 5000 rpm and takes 8.6 seconds to speed from 0 to 100 km. Its speed is also one of the best in its category: 236 km/h.

The six cylinder 60 'V' configuration engine has a four valve per cylinder head that contains a roofed combustion chamber and a central spark plug. The angle between valves is 37 degrees. Throttle opening is controlled by an electronic control unit without any mechanical connection between accelerator pedal and throttle body. Electronic engine management is assured by a Bosch Motronic ME 2.1 system.

The electronic throttle also assures fast catalytic converter activation when the engine is cold (the throttle opening is wider than requested by the accelerator) for improved emission control. Other new engineering features:

1. A no-return fuel feed system;
2. A lubrication system that directs oil jets on the piston crown;
3. An air-oil heat exchanger that heats up the oil and engine more rapidly after cold starts;
4. Static ignition with one coil per cylinder with dual knock control.

The 3.0 V6 24 valve power unit is available only with automatic transmission. This takes the form of a 27 kgm torque Sportronic unit that adapts automatically to the driver's driving style and the type of route. It chooses the most effective gearshift strategies itself on the basis of these two parameters.

The 27 kgm Sportronic C.A.E. (Cambio Automatico Elettronico - electronic automatic transmission) is an innovative four-speed automatic transmission (electronically controlled) which offers a choice between fully power-assisted self-adaptive management and manual mode. In the first case, the system analyses the way that the driver uses certain controls for a short period. Then it decides on the best gearshift sequence on the basis of this information (and also on car condition and route type). The transmission achieves this by comparing results obtained with certain algorithms present in its memory. When in manual mode, the Sportronic allows the driver to decide which gear to engage to ensure typical Alfa Romeo driving satisfaction

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Remarkable

Driving experience

Driving satisfaction, travelling satisfaction. The former has always been one of Alfa Romeo's strengths and the latter is compulsory in a car with the character of an Alfa and the class of a great saloon. The new Alfa 166 is prestige car and its personality shines through during any road test. The reasons? Because it is as comfortable and quiet as you would expect from a flagship - and its roadholding and stability are all you would expect from an Alfa Romeo. Other typical Alfa Romeo features include limited roll, sure-footed rear suspension support on corners and prompt, gradual steering.

The new Alfa 166 is also easy to drive because the driver inputs are always accurately executed. A very direct steering wheel ratio ensures clean steering and makes the car a delight to drive. The secret of this performance lies in sophisticated mechanical systems. In the case of the suspension, for example, a high double wishbone configuration at the front is combined with a multilink system at the rear. From a technical viewpoint, this means that the front tyres always work in an ideal manner in relation to the ground with uniform specific pressures over the entire contact area. The rear tyres are led along trajectories that allow them to turn without ever sliding to ensure maximum roadholding in all situations.

This kind of behaviour is naturally very important when it comes to active safety. When the new Alfa 166 needs to avoid a sudden obstacle, it makes the most of its attributes at the most crucial stages of the manoeuvre: the beginning and end. In the former case, by responding quickly, due, above all to the front suspension, and offering maximum lateral grip. In the latter case, by responding smoothly and intuitively. This action is aided by the small steering actions imposed by the rear suspension. The car's performance is aided by a braking system that is closer in structure, size and materials to that of a sports car than the braking systems of other models in the same segment.

It is easy to imagine the driving satisfaction afforded to aficionados by a car able to exploit the response of a truly outstanding suspension. The front suspension renders the car neutral and almost lacking in understeer so it can be directed exactly where the driver wishes. The rear configuration imposes a slight steering action on the rear wheel to address any bend smoothly and progressively.

The Alfa Romeo flagship combines the great driving comfort assured by the suspension with ultra-low noise levels and outstanding climate control because safety begins here: i.e. the ability to control the car with full mental and physical wellbeing.

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