Alfa Romeo 166

The car was ready for production in 1996, however, the company’s management decided to introduce the younger model, 156. 166 replaced the Alfa Romeo 164 in the market, and although the 164th style was far from traditional, the 166th style her lowered headlights and sharp nose looked quite defiant.

The model was immediately available with Twin Spark gasoline engines : 2.0 l. (155 hp), 2.5 l. (190 hp); 3.0 liters V6 (226 hp) or 2.0 liters. V6 Turbo (205 hp). The line of diesel engines consisted of five-cylinder 2.4-liter turbo diesel engines. 10-valve with 136 hp battery fuel system (100 kW), On models with a Twin Spark (TS) engine, 5-speed manual transmissions , 2.5 liters, were installed. and 3.0 l. models had the option of an automatic transmission Sportronic. Until 99 years, 2.5 were equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox in the future as well as 3.0 and V6 turbo, only 6-speed. The customer received in the base: 16 inch wheels, electric windows of all windows with their door closer, electric heated mirrors, central locking, halogen optics, ABS, four airbags (two front and two side mirrors built into the front seats of the MOMO company), factory tinted windows , velor seats with electric backs and elevators. Inside, the Siemens climate control system is controlled by an ICS (Integrated Control System) with a color display, which also has an onboard computer and a Becker head unit with a cassette deck. Audiopreparation consisted of 8 speakers (four midrange and four high frequency speakers). Optionally, it was retrofitted: a GSM phone, a CD changer, a navigation system and a separate Hayes sound amplifier; along with it, two subwoofers appeared in the rear shelf. V6 with mechanics possessed cruise control and the Traction Control System. Also, with an additional order, you could get: xenon optics with a headlight washer, rain sensor, 16 or 17 inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel trim and backstage gear, salon mirror with auto dimming, control of incoming calls and radio on the steering wheel, electrically folding side mirrors , sunroof, rear window blind and anti-theft system. Velor, you could change to tapestry or leather of different colors, namely black (with perforation / without) cream, marble (gray) and blue. The front seats are equipped with memory, electric drives and heated.

Options «Super» was available only for the 3.0 manual transmission and 2.0 V6. The base was equipped with 16 inch alloy wheels with a circular notch, made of diamond chips. With a separate order, she was available: a red leather interior, perforated leather on the steering wheel and the wings. All cars of this configuration were equipped with the function STR (Sport Throttle Response). The suspension of the car consisted of two wishbones at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. Unpleasant moments can be considered a very large turning circle (12 m.) And short-distance suspension.

In 2001, due to the introduction of new environmental requirements, the car updated the range of engines. 2.0 V6, it was decided not to translate under the new standards and it was discontinued. 2.0 Twin Spark, like the others, acquired two additional catalysts and began to comply with Euro-3, while its power dropped to 150 l / s. Then he began to aggregate with a six-speed gearbox. 2.5 l. the engine was redesigned to produce 188 hp (138 kW) 3.0 weakened by 6 mares and represented 220 l / s. 2.4 diesel accelerated to 140 l / s.

The 166th got restyling in 2003. The interior trim and engine range have been updated. The style of the car has solidly changed. The new one in front of the car was redesigned the same way as on the 156th and lost its lowered main headlights, and was also introduced 3.2 liters. 240 hp V6 engine well-known for 156 model versions of GTA and GT models with the same volume. 2.0 liters Twin Spark was replaced by a control unit and, in connection with this, got the opportunity to install cruise control. While 3.0 liters. the version became available only with the Sportronic automatic transmission. 2.4 liter diesel engine. R5 was redesigned for Multi-Jet technology, which allowed you to set 5 degrees of injection per cycle. The battery-powered fuel system was updated and already produced a pressure of 1,400 bar and had 4 valves per cylinder, which gave the leading positions in its class with a capacity of 175 hp. (129 kW) The car began to be equipped with eight airbags. Optionally, there were 18 inch alloy wheels "spokes" and a number of other designs.

Options "TI" Only for 3.2, 2.4 (175 diesel) and 2.0 TS. They differed: sport suspension package, “their” 18 inch wheels, red instrument scales, metal pedals, TI symbolism on the front wings and aft.

"Collezione"

It was created according to the principle “let's install everything that we have for this model”. Only 3.2 V6, inside, luxurious black leather interior with a white hem along the perimeter and a bright white company logo in the middle of the back. The entire front panel and door cards are also sewn into leather with white stitching. Metal lining on the pedals.

The car has received praise from many, including Jeremy Clarkson . Despite this, the 166th did not become so popular and well-selling car in the European business class market on a par with German brands.

Alfa Romeo 166 left sales in right-hand markets in October 2005. Sales 166 never grew, even after Alfa made a facelift model in 2003. And the additional lack of diesel engines in the UK, Australia and Ireland influenced the popularity of this model of the company in these markets, with 2.4 liters. The JTD diesel engine was only available in left-handed markets.

166 production stopped in 2007, and the car platform was sold to Chinese automaker GAC Group . ^[6] A total of less than 100,000 vehicles were produced.

Engines