motor

Dave1 · 10-03-2004, 08:45 AM

My favourite Alfa is the 164 Q4. I have a soft spot for the 164 as my dad bought one when it first came out (1990 I think?). It was a 3.0 litre V6 12 valve and he fitted a full straight through exhaust (no cats in those days) and the sound was astonishing!! :shock: It is looking a bit dated now but at the time it looked soooo much better than the chod that the likes of BMW and Mercedes where churning out. We parked it on the street once, went into a shop and when we came out there were about five people around it peering in the windows. I don't know of any other car the costs £20,000 that attracts that kind of attention. On the bad side it also attracted the attention of the local car thieves and also the police.

There was a 164 Q4 for sale on ebay the other day. anyone see it/buy it?

The 156 (not the GTA) is the best looking saloon car ever made bar none!! My father also had one of these (2.5 v6) but it was a big disappointment in the engine department compared to the 164. The engine has no power unless your on the cam (4500 rpm). My Dad says Alfa made the engine like that to dial out the torque steer but it has spoilt the driving experience IMO.

I drive a fiat bravo at the moment (don't take the piss) and will buy an alfa when they make a car as good looking as the 156 that is rear wheel drive.

Porsche911r101 · 10-03-2004, 09:16 AM

My mother has a black alfa 146 2.0 TS 3door, im about to buy her an new exhaust something bassy and loud, and its a really nice car.

my dad also has a 147, but flip painted 5 door, which has all the extras including Bose Stero ect.

Coming from Golf mk3's and 4's we much prefer the alfas.

Attie · 10-04-2004, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Porsche911r101

My mother has a black alfa 146 2.0 TS 3door, im about to buy her an new exhaust something bassy and loud, and its a really nice car.

Errr the 146 has 5 door. The 145 has 3 door. Which one do your mother have?

stradale · 10-04-2004, 12:09 PM

As you can see in my sig I love Alfas too. From the current range I think I like the GT best, although the facelifted 156 is a very close second.

Of the older cars I could go on and on (Tipo 33 stradale, Giulietta Spider, 2000 GTV, TZ1, TZ2 etc. etc.).

For the future I wish Alfa would go back to building rear wheel drive cars. If it were possible I would also like that they would continue building their engines by themselves completely. Oh yeah, and they start production on the 8C Competizione as soon as possible! There are rumours going on that Alfa Romeo decided to cancel the project... :cry:

Dave1 · 10-04-2004, 06:46 PM

Oh yeah, and they start production on the 8C Competizione as soon as possible! There are rumours going on that Alfa Romeo decided to cancel the project

I agree stunning car. I heard those rumours too, something about the figures not adding up. Sounds like a decision from the Alfa Romeo accountants. If they do decide not to put it into production it will be a real shame but not a huge surprise.

However the future looks bright for Alfa with a move to 4WD (it’s a start), and then hopefully to RWD.

stradale · 10-04-2004, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by Dave1

I agree stunning car. I heard those rumours too, something about the figures not adding up. Sounds like a decision from the Alfa Romeo accountants. If they do decide not to put it into production it will be a real shame but not a huge surprise.

The new rumour is that the project could make a profit, but that the new Fiat president di Montezemolo (who doesn't know him?) thinks the 8C Competizione would venture too much into Maserati territory. He may be right, but I also reckon AR needs the big image boost the 8C can provide.

The Fiat group screwed up not long ago when it had the chance to do the same for Lancia (with the new Fulvia concept) and I hope it won't repeat that with AR.

numerouno · 10-05-2004, 08:58 AM

All you Ferrari lovers gotta remember that Enzo Ferrari starded his dream as an Alfa Romeo race driver, and even Scuderia Ferrari team emerged as a team from within the Alfa. So they've got a very very rich heritage. I hope that the Fiat owners don't ruin their potential by marketing strategies.

BTW I love many of the Alfa models. Of the new ones, the 156GTA and 147GTA are wonderful looking. Just look at the harmonious flowing of all the main body lines on the 147 meeting each other at the car's trademark grille (It's like a center of gravity or a source to all the car's lines) and you'll fall in love with it instantly. :fadein:

Porsche911r101 · 10-05-2004, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by Attie

Originally Posted by Porsche911r101

My mother has a black alfa 146 2.0 TS 3door, im about to buy her an new exhaust something bassy and loud, and its a really nice car.

Errr the 146 has 5 door. The 145 has 3 door. Which one do your mother have?

sorry, typo, mum has 147 3 door, dad has 147 five door.

Mr.Vercetti · 10-05-2004, 10:51 AM

M8s the 8c Competizione IS going to be produced... Last year when it was shown for the first time, the interior was hidden.. In the Paris motorshow that took place a couple of days ago, the 8c Copetizione was there.. And quess what.. The interior was fully reveiled and its not a prototypes interior, it is like it is rdy to enter production, as well as the engine....

Dave1 · 10-05-2004, 04:58 PM

Mr. Vercetti I would love to say that you are right but I'm sceptical because Alfa are famous for talking the talk and not delivering. below is a link to an article about the 8C at the Paris motor show (you've probably see it but for those who haven’t). I'm not sure the engine is ready as the engine bay looks a mess

http://www.italiaspeed.com/2004/moto...a/8c/2809.html

If they do make it how much do think it will cost? £60,000 about the same price of a 4200GT ?

Dave1 · 10-05-2004, 05:09 PM

Some pics a guy on the alfa forum took at a motor show in Australia.

http://www.toyeuk2001.copperstream.c...o%208C%201.jpg

http://www.toyeuk2001.copperstream.c...o%208C%202.jpg

http://www.toyeuk2001.copperstream.c...o%208C%203.jpg

http://www.toyeuk2001.copperstream.c...o%208C%204.jpg

Gnome · 10-06-2004, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by Dave1

... the engine bay looks a mess

That's a good point. This doesn't look like a Alfa Romeo engine bay! They are undoubtably the kings of engine styling! Even though the engine is from Maserati the engine bay shouldn't be that messy.

Wutputt · 10-06-2004, 11:47 AM

It still isn't the production version. The engine of the final version of the car will probably look gorgious.

btw, the Alfa badge on the engine looks like they had to stick it very fast on it with Pritt

Mr.Vercetti · 10-20-2004, 05:45 AM

Its now certain that the 8C Competiizone is going to be released, perhaps one year after the new GTV(which is going to be almost the same with the Brera prototype.)

Dave1 · 10-22-2004, 07:35 AM

Its now certain that the 8C Competiizone is going to be released, perhaps one year after the new GTV(which is going to be almost the same with the Brera prototype.)

Thats great news

Any ideas on price? I read somewhere that alfa were thinking of charging £100,000 for it :shock: But wait 3 years and you'll be able to pick one up for about £20,000