2004 Alfa Romeo 166 Overview

Still Teasing North American Alfisti

Ive always had a soft spot for Alfa Romeos. Unlike my wife Jennifer, who would probably do just about anything for a bright red Spider (roadster), Im a longtime fan of the late 60s to early 70s GTV. To me, its one of the prettiest cars ever made. I drove a few over the years, along with an early Giulia Super and the last model sold here, the 164, and loved every one.

Thats probably why I allowed myself to get a little excited when I heard word of the Italian brands possible return to North America, with year 2007 chosen as the Fiat divisions revised target launch date after 2005 was abandoned due to what was said to be big changes in Alfas future model program.

During the announcement of the date change, Alfa Romeo SpAs boss Daniele Bandiera stated, "Our idea now is to have a full range of cars, including a crossover model, when we return to America." He then added, "Looking at our business case, when we will have a full product range and distribution network, the most favorable time for Alfa is 2007."

While I still have my fingers crossed, parent company Fiat is neck deep in the process of restructuring, probably a nice way of saying occasionally surfacing while amid a whirlpool of swirling debt, which may mean the plan for Alfa to reenter the worlds richest market could be put on indefinite hold.

That would be a shame, as the revered Italian marque is currently producing some gorgeous sedans and sports cars with more character than the majority of cars sold on this side of the Atlantic. Under Bandieras lead, Alfa has sidelined the original proposal to replace the compact 156 and is currently completely restyling Pininfarina SpAs Spider/GTV, the sports car initially expected to lure North Americans back to the Alfa nameplate.

If the new 166 sedan is any indication as to the direction Alfa is going, bring on the entire lineup Signore Bandiera. The brands bold grille, classic in design but nevertheless thoroughly modern in execution, is proudly displayed front and center, bisecting aggressively large engine vents in the lower fascia. Circular fog lamps are integrating into the design at the cars outer corners, in contrast to the catlike headlamp clusters just above.

From the upper edges of the side markers a gracefully creased beltline makes its way rearward, interrupted twice on each side by a pair of flush mounted door handles before meeting two of the most elegantly styled tail lamps currently available - in this scribes hardly humble opinion. The simplicity of Alfas design language speaks volumes of the brands core values, pure undefiled driving pleasure.

At the heart of the subject the 166 comes standard with no less than five engine choices. For the sake of reporting only what matters to Americans, I wont delve too deeply into base the 150-hp 2.0-L twin-spark 4-cylinder or the optional 175-hp 2.4-L 5-cylinder turbodiesel, despite the latter engines 294 lb-ft of torque. Reality is, neither engine would be acceptable to a gasoline-powered V6 and V8 hungry populace, that is unless fuel prices and/or gas guzzling taxes rise dramatically between now and 2007.

But leaving these engines aside, there are still three amply capable V6s to tease sport sedan enthusiasts. Starting with what could easily be an entry-level engine, the 188-hp 2.5-L 24-valve DOHC V6 with 163 lb-ft of torque could be a great loss leader if priced right. While it doesnt compare for sheer muscle with the V6 engines in Hondas Accord or Nissans Altima, its still not too bad for starters. Still, the majority of Americans would prefer a little more grunt under the right foot, which is where the upgraded 3.0-L V6 comes in. At 220-hp and 195 lb-ft of torque its a bona fide charger, easily up to the task of measuring up to competitive midsize luxury cars.

But sports sedan buyers with any respect would most likely opt for the 3.2-L V6. It offers what is no doubt a much more satisfying 240-hp and 213 lb-ft of torque. While still not in the Infiniti G35 range, its horsepower at least surpasses such benchmarks as the Audi A4 3.0, the BMW 330i, and Mercedes-Benz C320. But its not just the power produced by an Alfa Romeo engine that makes it special, its the song it sings. Nothing this side of a Ferrari V8 sounds as sweet.

The 164 that left our shores almost a decade ago was the first we saw of what has become a long line of front-wheel drive Alfas. The majority of sports sedan buyers prefer rear or all-wheel drive, but just the same the 164S I drove proved to be more than capable in the corners. The same configuration remains in the 166, actuated via a drive-by-wire throttle and 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic gearbox, the latter with Sportronic sequential shifting. A Sport Throttle Response system is mounted next to the gear lever, said to enhance the cars overall driving dynamics measurably.

As expected a fully-independent suspension system makes quick work of tight corners and up and down undulations, what is reported to be a fine match to the capable drivetrain. It features high mounted wishbones at the front, reportedly a Formula 1 derived technique, plus a multilink suspension at the rear.

Back to the front suspension, Alfa has come up with a unique arrangement that replaces the conventional strut with an articulated strut, comprising three "separate and interconnecting elements," or whatever that highly technical bit of jargon pulled from the press materials means. In the end, Alfas engineers have spent a great deal of time, effort and no doubt money, developing a better handling car that is also said to deliver up a more compliant ride.

The brakes too are impressive, an integrated double circuit hydraulic system complete with the latest ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), delivering equal brake pressure between the front and rear wheels. VDC is Alfas "original interpretation of ESP," Boschs most widely used traction and stability system. ASR automatic traction control is also part of the package.

Other safety features include two full-size front airbags, with a passenger side disable, plus front-side airbags. While Alfa builds in new front head bags, that are only activated during a serious side impact, they will need to consider offering rear side airbags as well if it wants to directly compete on the safety front with cars sold in North America, that are now offering knee and full side curtain airbags protecting all outside occupants to boot.

One thing I havent heard many other manufacturers talk about is a fire prevention system. Alfa calls theirs FPS, what essentially is a kill switch to the fuel flow in the event of a collision.

But who wants to think about crashing something this beautiful. Rather, feast your eyes on the 166s stunning interior. Its mono or two-tone dash is complimented by high quality full-grain leather. Niceties such as audio controls on the steering wheel spokes, the circular portion wrapped in hides to match that on the gearshift lever. The 166 should be quiet too, due to extensive soundproofing to luxury sedan standards, plus double lined flush frame doors. It almost looks good enough to enjoy whiling away time in rush-hour traffic, if that can possibly be even slightly enjoyable.

Truthfully, Id rather get behind the wheel of one on the road to Lago Como, following the road just past Bellinzona through the Swiss Alps. Or actually, lets turn that trip around. How about a drive from the base of Germany, through the Swiss Alps and ending up at Como for a quiet weekend rest? Alfa Romeo, can your corporate communications staff arrange that?

I think that might be just the ticket to thoroughly convince me on the merits of the legendary marque returning to our country. Stay tuned...