FACTfile - Alfa Spider 2006 – Interior

Enhanced comfort and telematic

Dual Zone climate control
The Dual Zone climate control system, fitted as standard across the Alfa Spider range, makes it possible for driver and front seat passenger to select a temperature differential on either side of the cabin.

The system uses solar sensors to monitor solar gain within the two zones and adjust the temperature accordingly. The system also features a highly efficient active carbon pollen filter, and an Air Quality Sensor which automatically activates the climate control recirculation function to prevent the intake of air in areas of high pollution.

Bose sound system
The Bose sound system standard on the Spider 3.2 JTS V6, has been developed for Alfa Romeo by America’s leading acoustic Hi-Fi company, offers peerless acoustic sophistication, boasting exceptional listening quality for each passenger under all conditions.

The 570 watt system comprises a radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility and eight loudspeakers, including a subwoofer built into the luggage compartment with its own 6-channel, 200 watt, digital amplifier for the reproduction of the lowest frequencies. An integrated signal processor automatically adjusts base tones so that they remain natural at any system volume.

Bluetooth connectivity
The new Alfa Spider 3.2 JTS V6 is equipped with Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone technology with voice recognition, to ensure maximum driving safety under all conditions. The system allows for the use of Bluetooth compatible mobile phones anywhere on board, even when stowed in storage compartments, jackets or handbags.

The Bluetooth hands-free system is fully integrated into the new Alfa. It is accessed via a control panel display allied to control keys located on the steering wheel as well as the latest voice activation technology, which has no need to learn a user’s voice in advance.

The system automatically lowers the volume of the radio, and allows occupants to hear a caller through the stereo loudspeakers. An integral, echo-cancellation system maintains sound quality without any deterioration in timbre, thus preventing unpleasant, metallic tones.

Xenon headlamps
The safety benefits of xenon headlights fitted to the Spider 3.2 JTS V6 over conventional halogen lamps are upheld by simple statistics: light intensity doubles, as does the longevity of the lamp itself. Xenon headlamps also consume less energy and distribute the light beam more effectively.

Due to their brighter, far reaching illumination, the new Alfa Spider’s optional xenon headlamps are combined with an automatic ride corrector which compensates not only for static changes due to axle load variation, but also dynamic changes caused by acceleration and braking.

Cruise Control
Cruise Control, operable at speeds over 30 kmh, instantly cuts out when the driver presses the brake or clutch pedal. When the ASR traction control is active, this naturally takes priority over Cruise Control, the system returning the car to the previous set speed once ASR has ceased to function.

Follow Me Home headlights
A practical, safety conscious innovation designed to light the interior of a garage or the path to the front door after the car has been locked. Follow Me Home activates the dipped beams and sidelights of the new Alfa Spider by operating the light flasher stalk within two minutes of turning off the engine. Each time the stalk is operated, light activation is extended by 30 seconds up to a maximum of three and a half minutes.

Parking sensors
The new Alfa Spider is equipped as standard with rear parking sensor equipment, which is activated whenever the ignition is turned on and reverse gear engaged.

The system consists of four ultrasound sensors fitted in the rear bumper linked to an electronic control unit and a buzzer. The four detectors cover the rear corners of the new Alfa Spider from a distance of less than 60 cm, and the area immediately behind the car from a distance of less than 150 cm. Proximity information is transmitted to the driver in the form of bleeps at intervals. The bleeps are emitted with increasing frequency, becoming a continuous signal when the car reaches a distance of 30 cm from any obstacle.

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SPIDER 3.2 JTS V6 and Spider 2.2 JTS

Engines and transmissions

The new Alfa Spider goes on sale in Australia with a choice of two powerplants, two spirited JTS direct injection petrol engines – a 2.2 litre, 136 kW four cylinder unit, and a new, 191 kW 3.2 litre JTS V6.

They combine JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) direct injection technology with Alfa’s ‘Twin Phaser’ continuously variable valve timing operating on both intake and exhaust camshafts. With specific power outputs in excess of 62 kW/litre, and almost 90 per cent of maximum torque available at just 2000 rpm, both these new JTS units boast outstanding performance yet offer significant fuel savings and readily comply with the stringent Euro Stage 4 exhaust emission limits.

The 2.2 JTS version of the new Alfa Spider is mated to an M32.6 6-speed manual gearbox, whilst 3.2 JTS model is equipped with the F40 6-speed manual transmission. The ratios of both transmissions have been chosen to emphasize performance, and gear change smoothness and accuracy has been enhanced by the use of multiple cone synchronizers.

The 3.2 JTS version of the new Spider are fitted, as standard, with Alfa Romeo’s Q4 permanent four-wheel drive system.

Spider 3.2 JTS V6

1. 3195cc
2. 60 degree V, 6-cylinders, 24 valves
3. Power: 191 kW @ 6300rpm
   
4. Torque: 322 Nm @ 4500rpm
5. Timing gear: 4 OHC, continuous dual VVT
6. Transmission: 6-speed manual, 4-wheel drive
7. Top speed: 235 kmh
8. Acceleration 0-100 kmh: 7.0 seconds
9. Fuel consumption:
   in town: 16.9 l/100 km
   out of town: 8.4 l/100 km
   combined: 11.5 l/100 km
10. CO2: 273 g/km

Having made its debut in the new Alfa 159 and Brera, the spirited new quadruple overhead camshaft all-aluminium 24-valve V6 powerplant in the Spider features both the company’s JTS direct petrol injection system and twin phase continuously variable valve timing.

Developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, a new industrial enterprise created to integrate all the Fiat Group’s innovation capabilities and expertise in engines and transmissions, the new all-alloy engine features cylinder heads, pistons, induction and exhaust systems designed and built by Alfa Romeo. Final assembly of this engine is carried out in Italy, at the Pomigliano D’Arco Alfa Romeo plant.

The JTS direct fuel injection and ‘Twin Phaser’ continuously variable valve timing combine to generate an 8% increase in power and an 11% increase in torque over the previous 3.2 litre unit.

This outstanding new 3195 cc engine takes its name – Jet Thrust Stoichiometric – from its specific combustion system, an original Alfa Romeo concept that involves the high pressure injection of fuel, at 120 bar, directly into the combustion chamber with a stoichiometric mixture optimised to increase engine power and torque first and foremost – thus adapting this technology to the requirements of a sporting car – whilst adopting the stratified charge method to reduce fuel consumption in a limited speed band close to idling.

Hence, via an electronically activated 72 mm throttle valve and an aluminium inlet port casing designed to both maximise air delivery and optimise the air/fuel mixture, the 3.2 JTS engine in the new Spider operates with a lean burn system up to about 1500 rpm, making significant fuel savings. Above this engine speed, however, it burns a stoichiometric fuel-air mixture – i.e. with a conventional 14.7:1 ratio between the two components – thus guaranteeing performance superior to that achievable by a conventional, indirect injection unit.

Primarily, this is because fuel injected directly into the combustion chamber – instead of the intake ports – cools intake air, thus increasing the engine’s volumetric efficiency. As the temperature drops the gases increase in density and the volume therefore decreases, allowing more air into the combustion chamber. Cooling the chamber also reduces the risk of engine knock, allowing for an increase in compression ratio – in this case to 11.25:1 – and a commensurate improvement in engine efficiency.

Allied to JTS technology, the light aluminium alloy cylinder heads of the new 3.2 litre V6 also feature ‘Twin Phaser’ continuously variable valve timing – for both intake and exhaust camshafts – already adopted on 4-cylinder JTS Alfa Romeo engines. Via two camshafts per cylinder bank, variable valve timing allows the phase angle of both inlet and exhaust cams to be varied by up to 50 degrees, optimising the volumetric efficiency of the engine at all engine speeds whilst reducing fuel consumption and emissions under lighter throttle settings.

The new camshaft drive system features a maintenance-free chain drive with automatic hydraulic tensioners, whilst the valves themselves – 33.4 mm inlet and 28.4 mm exhaust diameter – are controlled by a low friction roller finger system with automatic uptake of hydraulic tappet play.

The new Alfa Romeo 3.2 litre JTS V6 combines power and torque peaks of 191 kW at 6300 rpm and 322 Nm at 4500 rpm respectively, with smooth, linear power delivery from low speeds. Some 90% of peak torque is available from just 1800 rpm and maintained up to 6250 rpm. Hence, the 3.2 litre V6 24v unit delivers sensational performance, but is also very docile, and the Spider can cruise effortlessly in sixth gear at less than 2000 rpm, yet accelerate rapidly and smoothly away without the need for changing gear.

Mated to an F40 6-speed manual transmission and Alfa Romeo’s Q4 permanent four-wheel drive system, the 3.2 litre JTS V6 engine will accelerate the new Alfa Spider from 0-100 kmh in 7.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 235 kph.

The V6 exhaust system features a first group of catalysing elements mounted close to the cylinder heads, ensuring optimum operational temperature is achieved as soon as possible after engine start-up. Two underfloor catalysts and four lambda sensors complete the system, which easily meets stringent Euro Stage 4 exhaust emission limits.

Spider 2.2 JTS

1. 2198cc
2. 4-cylinders, 16 valves
3. Power: 136 kW @ 6500rpm
4. Torque: 230 Nm @ 4500rpm
5. Timing gear: DOHC, continuous dual VVT
6. Transmission: 6-speed manual
7. Top speed: 217 kmh
8. Acceleration 0-100 kmh: 8.8 seconds
9. Fuel consumption:
   in town: 13.0 l/100 km
   out of town: 7.3 l/100 km
   combined: 9.4 l/100 km
10. CO2: 221 g/km

The all-aluminium 2.2 litre Alfa Romeo 4-cylinder JTS powerplant offers a weight reduction of some 20% over the unit it replaces.

The 16v 2198 cc powerplant also uses ‘Twin Phaser’ continuously variable valve timing, as previously described, with large, 35.3 mm (inlet) and 30.3 mm (exhaust) diameter valves. In addition, it features a maintenance-free chain drive to the twin counter-rotating balance shafts, water pump and low friction camshaft drive system, and is further equipped with a dual detonation sensor to improve sensitivity to engine knock, enhancing maximum performance.

Mated to an M32.6 6-speed manual transmission, the Euro 4-compliant 2.2 litre unit develops 136 kW at 6500 rpm, and 230 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm – this high power output requiring the use of sodium cooled exhaust valves. The Spider 2.2 JTS will accelerate from 0-100 kmh in just 8.6 seconds, and still offer a fuel consumption of just 7.3 l/100 km or better than 30 mpg in the old money.

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