How the Alfa ‘Q2’ system works

The main element of the ‘Q2’ system is a limited slip differential, of the Torsen mechanical type. This differential splits torque between the front drive wheels dynamically and constantly, according to driving conditions and the road surface. Combined with the exclusive double wishbone front suspension, the system allows very effective fine tuning of the car.
Alfa Romeo started from the excellent reputation that front-wheel drive enjoys with customers (in fact it is the layout chosen by the majority of car-makers). Suffice it to say that, in addition to the overall benefits of this type of architecture (weight, roominess, etc.), in extreme conditions, the understeer typical of front-wheel drive enables the driver to respond more intuitively to the car’s reactions: this gives the impression that front-wheel drive is more ‘responsive’ than rear-wheel drive.
To highlight these benefits, Alfa Romeo has developed the ‘Q2’ system which embodies all the strengths of front-wheel drive, significantly increasing roadholding, traction and stability on the release, while attenuating understeer on acceleration, the intervention of the electronic control systems and steering wheel vibration.
The two practical examples below highlight the technical potential of the ‘Q2’ system.


Case no. 1: when the car corners

Taking a corner when grip is poor (wet road, snow, mud, etc.) or with a sporty driving style, grip is often lost on the inside wheel. When the transfer of the lateral load takes weight off the suspension, torque on the inside wheel is reduced, and a conventional differential (which splits the same torque value between both wheels) transfers an equal amount of torque to the outside wheel, but this is insufficient for good traction.
In this situation the car can respond in two different ways, depending on the equipment mounted. On a model without ASR-VDC, the perceived result is the slipping of the inside wheel, a loss of control of the car (strong understeer) and a loss of acceleration coming out of the bend. If, on the other hand, the car is equipped with ASR-VDC, the intervention of the driving assistance systems takes power from the engine, acting on the throttle valve and the braking system, so that it becomes impossible to modulate the accelerator, producing the unpleasant sensation of a drop in power.
In both cases, the result is that as the car comes out of the bend, the driver has the feeling that it is ‘stationary’.

• What happens when the ‘Q2’ system is present
When the inside wheel starts to lose grip, torque is partially transferred to the outside wheel, producing less understeer, greater stability, and increasing cornering speed.
The improved mechanical efficiency of the ‘Q2’ transmission delays the intervention of the vehicle control systems, guaranteeing better traction as the car exits the bend, which makes driving more enjoyable and maintains complete control of the vehicle.


Case no. 2: surfaces with poor grip

On surfaces with poor grip, it is quite common for the drive wheels to have different degrees of grip. For example, grip under the two wheels can differ on snow-covered or wet roads.
In these conditions, starting off or accelerating sharply could cause the wheels to slip, generating critical friction conditions, a strong reaction on the steering wheel, and inadequate take-off, making it necessary to correct the steering-wheel continuously to maintain the trajectory.

• What happens when the ‘Q2’ system is present
The negative effects are attenuated by the gradual transfer of torque to the wheel that can exploit the best friction coefficient, simplifying a hill start, for example, and making driving on all roads with changing surface conditions safer and more comfortable.

Alfa 147: the prestigious compact

Available with 3 or 5 doors, the Alfa 147 makes its presence felt on the road, with its streamlined styling, gutsy profile, low grille and elongated headlights with emphatic lines that slope towards the shield. We could say that the model brings out all the brand’s creative vitality.
The compact 147 guarantees superb performance, combined with the Italian styling that gives it its unmistakable line, which is harmonious but always ‘muscular’. The front conveys sportiness and class combined with a certain aggressiveness thanks to the grille and the tapered bonnet. The elongated headlights (glass lids that incorporate three circular chromed elements on a black background) and the air intake, which is divided by one central and two lateral, vertical elements combine to underline the compact Alfa Romeo’s strong personality.
At the rear, the design of the tailgate underlines the car’s elegant styling, which is accentuated by the extended triangular design of the light clusters. And the rear door handles of the five-door version, which are camouflaged into the bodywork, have become an essential feature of the 147.
Inside, the Alfa 147 has a refined, elegant environment that guarantees the highest levels of comfort, an ideal driving position, and an excellent balance between compact, enveloping volumes, uncluttered surfaces and soft, essential lines. All aspects of the driving position adjust: the position and depth of the steering wheel, the height of the wrapround seat and the degree of lumbar support.
The rear head-restraints are designed so that they can be lowered to increase visibility, and the graphics of the conveniently placed control panel on the facia make it clearly visible, with a light or black background.
The passenger compartment is comfortable and spacious, thanks in part to the detailed study of parameters that improve posture as well as head and leg space, but also elegant and highly individual – for example the ‘ridged’ pattern of the seats and door panels which is also set off by a chromed frame that highlights the tweeter inside the door release trim.
The Alfa 147 is also the car for people who like to stand out with class but above all without ostentation. The refined, functional interior can be fitted out with optional features that enhance the level of comfort: for example, a sophisticated Bose® Hi-Fi system, the Bluetooth™ hands-free device that allows you to speak on your cell phone through the car’s audio system without taking the phone out of your pocket or bag, and the iPod Pack, that lets you listen to your favourite music with style, design and technology.


Cutting edge engines and engineering

The Alfa 147’s sporty personality is immediately obvious from the choice of engines, all of which guarantee low consumption, high power outputs and extraordinary elasticity, even at low speeds. The engine range is made up of three petrol and two turbodiesel units: two 1.6 Twin Spark 16 valves delivering 105 and 120 bhp, and torque of 14.3 and 14.9 kgm; and the 150 bhp 2.0 16v (torque of 18.5 kgm), another member of the Twin Spark family which has proved extremely popular with all Alfa Romeo customers. The latter engine incorporates a variable geometry intake system, and can also be combined with a Selespeed gearbox with robotised gear engagement and clutch control. The turbodiesels are two powerful 1.9 JTDM units which deliver 150 bhp and 120 bhp at 4000 rpm (with torque of 305 Nm and 280 Nm respectively at 2000 rpm), which are extremely enjoyable and entertaining to drive.
The Alfa 147’s excellent behaviour on the road is also the result of the suspension layout, with high double wishbones at the front, to accentuate the stability of the front-wheel drive, anticipating the inclination of the axis on the bend, to anchor the car to the ground, and independent MacPherson suspension at the rear. The trim was designed to achieve the highest level of comfort, and handling remains one of the car’s outstanding strong points.


Class-topping safety

The Alfa 147 fears no comparison where safety is concerned. Starting with the excellent torsional and flexural rigidity of the bodyshell: 110,000 kgm/rad for the 3-door and 95,000 kgm/rad for the 5-door version. The model also has a servo-assisted hydraulic braking system made up of two independent diagonally split circuits. This is particularly efficient and guarantees prompt, smooth braking as well as short stopping spaces. The front discs are ventilated and 284 mm in diameter, and the solid rear discs have a diameter of 251 mm with Lucas two-piston (38 mm) floating aluminium callipers.
In addition to the excellent performance of this braking system, the entire Alfa 147 range features an ABS anti-lock braking system, complete with EBD (electronic brake distributor), and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) which guarantees absolute control over the car in all conditions, even the most extreme, thanks to the ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) system.
VDC is Alfa Romeo’s interpretation of ESP (Electronic Stability Program), the system that cuts in when conditions are close to the limit and the car’s stability is at risk, to help the driver to control the car. It is a sporty device, as you would expect of an Alfa with excellent roadholding, and lets the driver enjoy total control of the vehicle as long as conditions are normal, only intervening just before the situation becomes critical. Another device, MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung), cuts in if he changes down suddenly in poor grip conditions, giving torque back to the engine to prevent skidding due to wheel lock. ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) is an integral part of the VDC system, optimising traction at all speeds, assisted by the brakes and the engine control.


A broad, comprehensive range

The 147 comes in a choice of two bodies (3 or 5 door), five engines (1.6 TS delivering 105 or 120 bhp, 2.0 TS delivering 150 bhp and 120 bhp or 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM) with mechanical or Selespeed transmissions, and three outfits (Progression, Distinctive and Exclusive), as well as the Black Line and Collezione Special Series, and the new ‘Q2’ version.
First of all, even the standard outfit (Progression) is lavishly equipped, particularly where safety is concerned, with foglights, 6 airbags, VDC with ASR and MSR, ABS complete with EBD and Brake Assist, adjustable front seat-belts and two rear head-restraints. Plus 16” sports alloys (205/55 tyres), leather covered steering wheel and gear lever knob, split (60/40) folding rear seat, a multifunction display with a trip computer, electric front windows, electric black door mirrors (colour coded when the paintwork is metallic or Alfa Red), and remote control for centralised opening/closing.
The second outfit (Distinctive) adds dual-zone automatic climate control, a front armrest with a storage compartment, Alfatex fabric, cruise control, electric rear windows, 16” alloys with a spoked design and 205/55 tyres, and radio controls on the steering wheel (even the specific controls for versions with the Selespeed gearbox).
At the top of the Alfa 147 range is the elegant Exclusive outfit, which includes radio/telephone controls on the steering wheel, 17” spoke alloys with 215/45 tyres, voice recognition and Connect NAV+ (radio, CD-player, colour display, dual band GSM telephone, hands-free function, map navigator, Connect button for services, and telephone+voice memo voice controls), complete with ‘basic’ annual subscription.
Which brings us to the two Special Series, which are available with a 3 or 5-door body, the 120 bhp 1.6, and the 120 or 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM engines (only the 147 Black Line is equipped with the 105 bhp 1.6). The two versions share the same standard equipment which includes a radio with CD player, leather covered steering wheel and gear lever knob, split (60/40) folding rear seat and manual climate control. The standard equipment also includes the most sophisticated safety devices: from VDC to ASR, ABS with EBD, and six airbags.
In detail, the Black Line combines sportiness and style, underlined by its special ‘two-tone livery’, which combines one of the three body colours available (Alfa Red, Alfa Silver and Montecarlo Blue) with a number of elements painted in an elegant shiny Black (roof and rear spoiler), and satin finish grille, whiskers and mirror housings. The new Black Shadow interior features a new two-tone sporty fabric (black and grey), Anthracite Grey trims on the steering wheel and front console, a black ceiling, new sporty instruments with a red background and white lighting, and aluminium pedals. Other sporty features on the new Alfa 147 Black Line Special Series include the low stance, a chromed exhaust terminal and 17” perforated alloys with chrome shadow treatment and 215/45 tyres.
The Collezione Special Series features an elegant leather interior (two-tone for the seats and facia) and a wide range of standard equipment: dual zone automatic climate control, new 17” spoked alloys, radio with CD and MP3 players, cruise control, and aluminium front and rear heel-high protective strips.

Alfa GT: the ‘sports coupé’ as Alfa Romeo sees it

Designed jointly with Bertone, the Alfa GT embodies original styling, lavish accoutrements and exciting performance, and a new conception of sportiness that embodies comfort and elegance, while it respects the brand’s tradition. The Alfa GT packs the results of Alfa’s superlative engineering heritage into a shape inspired by a sense of style and flair that could only be Italian. The stylists were also able to call on a great Alfa Romeo tradition that has brought us models that remain benchmarks for the category: from the 1900 SS to the Giulietta Sprint, the Alfetta and the Giulia Sprint GT. This latter car in particular, designed by Nuccio Bertone in 1963, shares with the new coupé the same sporting character, soft, tapered lines and great Italian elegance.
With a length of 4.48 metres, width of 1.76 metres and a height of 1.37 metres, the Alfa GT is aggressive and compact (its wheelbase is 2596 millimetres), with a shape marked by certain distinctive traits that define its strong personality and render it immediately recognisable as an Alfa. Hence the designers’ decision to go for smooth, clean motifs and shapes marked by an unmistakable sense of Italian flair. The result is a strong, spare front end dominated by an Alfa Romeo family resemblance encapsulated by the distinctive three-lobed motif bearing a shield that is slightly larger in size than at present. The entire car appears to grow from this point to combine a slight edge of styling aggression with outstanding elegance of form. This impression is reinforced by two side air intakes and light clusters that are objects of beauty in their own right.
Dashing and solid but also dynamic and sturdy. It took a clever balancing act to wed such disparate features. This contrast is evident in the Alfa GT’s profile where a side shelf conveys the idea of a car that is agile but also anchored to the ground. And there is more. The taut lines that meet at the rear and the small area of glass (compared to the sides) add elegance and a heightened sense of protection. The slightly raked and tapering tail design is also brand new and paired with large, integral bumpers. The rear window is drop-shaped, while the light clusters are embedded in the body to create an attractive wraparound look.
The Alfa GT is a sports car, but one that is unmistakably comfortable and elegant. The aim of the car is to offer all the driving satisfaction of a top-performing coupé, but combined with practicality and versatility. In fact, the luggage compartment offers a capacity of 320 dm3, one of the best for this segment, and it can be extended to 905 dm3 by exploiting the many different combinations of the split, completely reclining seats.
Like the exterior shape, the interior of the Alfa GT is as sporty as Alfa Romeos get, thanks to the ideal position of the steering wheel, pedals and gearbox (designed specifically for maximum vehicle control), the functional, easy to read instruments, and the multifunction display that gives access to several menus (each with their own submenus) with a wide range of functions, plus the trip computer. In addition to which, a built-in radio and all the controls for the elegant automatic dual zone climate control system are positioned at the centre of the facia. The radio, which incorporates a CD player (and an MP3 player on request), also offers an outstanding acoustic system, designed and calibrated to the passenger compartment, that consists of eight speakers and delivers a power output of 4x40 Watts. The Alfa GT adds a host of sophisticated devices and systems to this array of equipment, such as the Bose® Hi-Fi system and Cruise Control, that make it a new benchmark in its segment.


Powerful, smooth engines

Behind fascinating styling and a strong personality, the Alfa GT hides a comprehensive range of excellent engines with cutting-edge technologies and generous performance. They are the best proof of the ‘cuore sportivo’ that has always been a feature of Alfa Romeo models, past and present. The Alfa GT is no exception. First of all, the sparkling 3.2 V6 24 valve which delivers 240 bhp (176 kW) at 6200 rpm, with a torque curve of 300 Nm (30.6 kgm) at 4800 rpm, thanks to which it guarantees exciting performance with a sporty driving style, but also during everyday use. The second engine is the 2.0 JTS which delivers 165 bhp (121 kW), the first direct injection petrol engine with a specific power output that exceeds 60 kW/l (82 bhp/l), and specific torque of over 100 Nm/l. The third and last petrol engine is the 1.8 Twin Spark which delivers 140 bhp (103 kW), the epitome of Alfa Twin Spark technology. The Alfa GT engine range is completed by the 1.9 M-Jet 16v turbodiesel which delivers 150 bhp (110 kW), the first of the second generation of Common Rail engines. There is a choice of two mechanical gearboxes: a six-speed unit available with the 3.2 V6 24V and the 1.9 M-Jet 16v, and a five-speed unit for the 1.8 Twin Spark and 2.0 JTS engines. The latter is also available in conjunction with the Selespeed robotised gearbox which promises comfortable, safe, sporty driving in all situations.


The most sophisticated technology at the service of safety

Maximum protection for driver and passengers thanks to the adoption of the most sophisticated systems and devices on the market today. This is what the Alfa GT promises, and maintains. For example, where preventive safety is concerned, the new model offers Xenon headlights, and in the field of active safety it can boast an integral diagonally split hydraulic braking system complete with the latest generation ABS and EBD brake effort distribution, VDC with Brake Assist for total control of the car’s dynamic stability in all conditions, an ASR function that prevents longitudinal wheel slip, and the MSR system that reduces torque to control slip. The standard passive safety outfit includes six airbags: two frontal, two front sidebags and two curtain-bags.
The Alfa GT adopts a high double-wishbone suspension at the front to ensure maximum lateral hold, and very efficient and precise response to the steering wheel, and excellent traction. All these characteristics combine with the capacity to absorb and dampen road roughness typical of the most comfortable cars in this segment. The high double wishbones achieve outstanding longitudinal flexibility on the side of the wheel with no negative influence on cornering efficiency and steering dynamics.
The car’s behaviour on the road is also the result of a rear axle that enhances stability in high speed manoeuvres and guarantees the agility of a true sports car on mixed narrow roads. This is why the choice went to a MacPherson system at the rear, with asymmetrical struts and improved elastokinematic specifications. The rear suspension on the Alfa GT is connected to the chassis by a cross beam in vacuum cast aluminium. The advantages of the MacPherson system are its low weight, excellent comfort (guaranteed by the possibility of ample wheel shaking and longitudinal flexibility) and the many possibilities to adjust the trim control.


The range

To guarantee maximum freedom of choice, the range of the Alfa Romeo sports coupé stands out for the refined materials and features that can be combined to reflect the motorist’s personality. As well as the brand new ‘Q2’ version, the Alfa GT is available on all the major European markets in two outfits (Progression and Distinctive) and two Special Series (Collezione and Black Line) which can be fitted out with the equipment most in demand on individual markets. For example, in Italy, the Progression outfit comes with six airbags (front, side and curtain-bags), ABS with EBD electronic brake distribution and ASR. Standard equipment also includes dual zone automatic climate control, a trip computer with a multifunction display, RDS radio with CD player, a split folding rear seat (60/40), remote control to open/close the doors and luggage compartment, electric, heated door mirrors, the ‘follow me home’ device and foglights. The outfit is completed by a front armrest with an oddment container, mats, leather covered steering wheel and gear lever knob and Cruise Control. And the seats and panels are upholstered with Alfatex®, the technical fabric patented by Alfa Romeo that exudes comfort and elegance.
The Distinctive outfit offers the same contents as the Progression, with the addition of leather upholstery on the seats and panelling (black, blue, red, hide and grey), radio controls on the steering wheel, radio with CD and MP3 player, and a Bose® Hi-Fi system with sub-woofer.
Addressing a more sophisticated clientele, the ‘Collezione’ Special Series has a number of exclusive elements and features: 17” alloys (with a double-spoke pattern and chrome treatment), front headlights with black frames, two-tone leather or cloth upholstered seats (black/cream or blue/cream) and colour-coded facia. The gaiters of the gear lever and hand brake are also colour-coded, matching the mats, the central console and the side bulkheads. And finally, this refined Alfa GT also offers a map navigator with a telephone and voice controls, complete with a subscription to the infotelematic services.
Designed for a young, dynamic clientele, the Alfa GT Black Line features a very sporty outfit, epitomised by the steering wheel and seats upholstered in various combinations of black/red or black/grey leather or cloth, colour-coded mats, sports pedals and silkscreen heel-high strip. The black-framed front headlights, satin finish central grille, smoked repeaters on the front bumper, door mirror housings with satin-finish chroming, and 18” perforated aluminium colour alloys are all specific to this version.
So many versions of the Alfa GT to choose from, all offering great value for money and, above all, heirs to a motoring tradition that Alfa Romeo helped create and has now taken one step further: the stylish sports coupé.