Alfa 166 revised

27 August 2003: A substantially revised Alfa 166 flagship will be shown at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, and will include in its engine lineup the first 2.4-litre application of Fiat's new Multijet second generation common rail diesel technology.

The front end of the 166 has been fully redesigned by the Alfa Style Centre and has a more upright grille to bring it into line with the current 'family look' of Alfas as epitomised by the 147 and the recently-revised 156, GTV and Spider.

New lights cluster design incorporates a clear glass outer cover giving a complete view of the multi-lamp lens and reflector elements.

Inside, trim components are made of lighter-coloured materials than the current car. The Alfa-ethos analogue instrumentation is retained in a subtly restyled format, and there's current-trend metallising of the central console.

In addition to the 175bhp 2.4 Multijet, there are four petrol engine choices ranging from 150bhp-240bhp in power. The 150bhp 2.4 JTD turbodiesel is also available.

The Alfa GT that was shown first at Geneva will now be accessible to the public on the stand at Frankfurt. As also will be the 147 2.4 JTD prototype with 6-speed manual gearbox that came 19th overall at the recent 24-hour Nurburgring endurance race and was first in its category.

A 140bhp 1.9 Multijet 147 will also be shown at Frankfurt.

©2003 irishcar.com