Alfa Romeo’s long-serving GTV and Spider sports cars have not only been given a fresh appearance, but 176 kW of rippling 3,2-litre V6 power, thanks to an implant of the GTA’s engine.Alfa Romeo’s long-serving GTV and Spider sports cars have not only been given a fresh appearance, but 176 kW of rippling 3,2-litre V6 power, thanks to an implant of the GTA’s engine.
The most noticeable change to both cars’ front ends is the triangular front grille that was redesigned to fit in with the marque’s current brand look. The shield’s upper edge follows the bonnet and then plunges down to break the bumper outline.
The badge at the top centre is surrounded by a touch of chrome and, lower down, two separate air intakes are surrounded by trapezoid fog lights to form the traditional Alfa cloverleaf pattern. The sharply-raked windscreen blends into the upper line of the doors to create an elegant dip in the door mirror area. Furthermore, the GTV now features a third brake light at the base of the rear window and the Spider is distinguished by a U-shaped hood cover that blends into the body and also houses a third brake light.
Inside, both the Spider and GTV now have a lower driver seating level in relation to the ground (H point). The front seats are also adjustable for reach and backrest rake. In addition, the leather-rimmed steering wheel is three-spoked and height and depth adjustable.
There is a redesigned black facia, aluminium-look central console panel that houses the ASR key and radio and red lighting on the instrument panel.
Both the new Alfa Spider and GTV offer an automatic climate control system complete with pollen filter. According to Fiat Auto SA, the Spider’s acoustic comfort has been improved by a more streamlined hood – fitted with five steel and aluminium arches shaped to mould to the upper edge of the windscreen. The hood features two skins – a multiplayer cloth with flame propagation resistance while the inner skin effectively soundproofs the passenger compartment. Its practical details have also been improved with mechanisms specially designed to make folding and unfolding operations easier, the company said.
The range will consist of the Alfa GTV 3,2 V6, Alfa Spider 3,2 V6 and the Spider 2.0 T.Spark. The 3,2-litre V6 24 valve unit, which produces its power output at 6 200 r/min and develops 289 N.m maximum torque at 4 800 r/min, is claimed to propel the GTV to a top speed of 255 km/h, “making it the fastest production car in Alfa Romeo’s history”, a spokesman said.
For the 3,2-litre derivatives, the engine intake and exhaust ports have been tuned by applying a new timing pattern, the control unit software has been rewritten and the cooling system has been upgraded with the addition of an engine oil radiator.
The front suspension is an independent MacPherson system with lower wishbones and a new stabiliser bar for the version equipped with the V6 unit. The pressurised shock absorbers with a segmented intake valve also come with new settings to improve comfort and driving noise levels. Tapered offset springs facilitate steering and reduce noise levels transmitted to the body.
As far as passive safety is concerned, the two new Alfa Romeo sports models offer two front airbags as standard throughout the range. On the active safety front, both models offer ABS with EBD and ASR. ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) optimises traction at any speed with the aid of brakes and engine control.
Fiat Auto South Africa also offers owners of the Alfa GTVs and Alfa Spider’s a 36-month/100 000 km dealer warranty, three years on paintwork and five years on anti-perforation.
The new Spiders and GTV include a three-year/60 000 km maintenance plan. Services are required at 20 000 km intervals.
