Alfa Romeo 145 and 146

  • Alfa Romeo 145
  • Alfa Romeo 146

Alfa Romeo 145 Quadrifoglio

Alfa Romeo 146 ti
Overview
Manufacturer Alfa Romeo
Production
  • 1994–2000 (145)
  • 1995–2000 (146)
Assembly Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy[1]
Designer
Body and chassis
Class Small family car (C)
Body style
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform Fiat Type Two platform (Tipo due)[3]
Related
Powertrain
Engine

(turbocharged diesel)

Transmission 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,540 mm (100.0 in)
Length

1994–99: 4,093 mm (161.1 in) (145)

4,257 mm (167.6 in) (146)

1999–01: 4,061 mm (159.9 in) (145)

4,235 mm (166.7 in) (146)
Width 1,712 mm (67.4 in)
Height 1,426 mm (56.1 in)
Kerb weight 1,140–1,275 kg (2,513–2,811 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor Alfa Romeo 33
Successor Alfa Romeo 147

The Alfa Romeo 145 (Tipo 930A) and the Alfa Romeo 146 (930B) are small family cars produced by Italian automobile manufacturer Alfa Romeo in Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy between 1994 and 2000. The 145 is a three-door hatchback and was launched at the 1994 Turin Motor Show, while the 146 is a five-door hatchback, launched in 1995 to replace the Alfa Romeo 33. The 145 and 146 share design plans and interior components from the B-pillar forwards.[4][5] 221,037 145s and 233,295 146s were built.

History

Development of Tipo 930, the replacement for the ageing 33 in the competitive family hatchback market, lasted four years.[6] The first offspring of the project, the 3-door 145, made its début on static display at the April 1994 Turin Motor Show[7] at then at the Paris Motor Show in July;[6] a simultaneous European commercial launch was planned for 9 September, but it was delayed until October.[8] It was only in April 1992 that work had begun on a second car, the 146 or Tipo 930B, derived from and to be sold alongside the 145; with its more traditionally Alfa Romeo style it was aimed at a different clientele, that of the outgoing Alfa Romeo 33.[9] The 146 premiéred in November 1994 at the Bologna Motor Show[10] and went on sale in May 1995.[11]

At launch the engine line-up for both cars comprised a 1.9-litre inline-four turbo diesel and the boxer petrol engines from the 33, in 1.3[lower-alpha 1] 8-valve, 1.6 8-valve and range topping 1.7 16-valve forms.[11][12] Depending on the market, the engines were available in either or both base and better equipped L (for "Lusso") trim levels; L trim standard equipment was richer on larger engined cars.

Quadrifoglio and ti

Flagship sport models with the two-litre 16-valve Twin Spark inline-four engine from the Alfa Romeo 155 arrived a year after the début: the 145 Quadrifoglio and 146 ti. Each of the two-litre versions had a unique trim level; both included richer standard equipment than L trims, like ABS, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob and available Recaro sport seats.

Rear view of a 146

The 145 Quadrifoglio (145 Cloverleaf in the UK), launched at the September 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show and on sale from October,[13] had deep body-colour side skirts with "green cloverleaf" badges and 5-hole alloy wheels. The 146 ti[lower-alpha 2] went on sale in February 1996.[14] It came with painted side skirts, a boot spoiler and 12-hole alloy wheels. Two-litre cars were equipped with stiffer suspension, uprated all-disk braking system, ABS, wider, lower-profile tires and 'quick-rack' direct steering (also seen on the 155, GTV and Spider) which improved responsiveness, but also compromised the turning circle. The sporty suspension set-up was harsher than many others in its category at the time, but this was in line with the Fiat Group's marketing of Alfa Romeo as a sporting brand and it is said to have resulted in class leading handling.

First revisions

From January 1997 all the boxers were phased out in favour of 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 versions of the Twin Spark 16-valve engine.[15][16] 1.8-litre cars adopted the sport chassis, steering and brakes of the Quadrifoglio/ti, and also offered some of their optional equipment such as the sport seats.

At the same time the interior was updated: a new air conditioning system, a redesigned dashboard an upholstered insert were fitted. [17] Outside changes were minor: new wheel covers and alloy wheels and a wider choice of paint colours. In late 1997 Alfa Romeo introduced the Junior, a trim level targeted at young buyers that combined the sport styling and chassis setup of the range topping models with the affordable entry-level 1.4 powertrain,[18] later with 1.6 engine too. Based on the 1.4 L, Junior cars were distinguished by the Quadrifoglio's side skirts with "Junior" badges, specific 15 inch alloy wheels, and by the stainless steel exhaust tip (as well as, on the 146, the boot spoiler) from the ti.

A year later 1.8 and 2.0 Twin Spark engines received the updates first introduced on the Alfa Romeo 156; thanks to variable length intake manifolds the two powertrains gained 4-5 PS and reached peak torque at engine speeds some 500 rpm lower.[19]

1999 restyling

Sport pack-equipped 145 facelift

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1999 Alfa Romeo introduced the restyled '99 line-up for both models.[20] The new common rail direct injection 1.9 JTD turbo diesel replaced the 1.9 TD. The main changes outside were new, body-colour bumpers with round fog lights and narrow protection strips; the interior got new upholstery and detail trim changes such as chrome vent surrounds. Optional side airbags complemented the already available passenger and standard driver airbags. The Junior trim level was discontinued, in favour of "pack sport" option package that included side skirts, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and sport seats, all standard features on the two-litre models. A second "pack lusso" package offered leather steering wheel, velour upholstery and mahogany wood trim.

In September of the next year, at the Paris Motor Show the all-new Alfa Romeo 147.[21] Eventually, in 2000, the cars were superseded by the all-new 147, which was a far bigger commercial success, with its acclaimed styling front end and improved quality. Still, many enthusiasts feel that it lost a little of the special feel and Alfa Romeo that the 145 had.

Specifications

Based, as they were, on the Fiat Group's Tipo Due (Type Two) platform, the 145 and 146 had a unibody structure, front MacPherson strut and rear trailing arm suspensions. A peculiarity of these cars is that they were designed to be fitted with both longitudinal engines (the older Boxers) and with transverse engines (the diesels and the Twin Spark). The former were mounted in the same configuration as on the 33 or Alfasud, that is longitudinally overhanging the front axle with the gearbox towards the cabin; the latter in the conventional transverse position with the gearbox to the left side. All engines were coupled to 5-speed manual transmissions. Steering was rack and pinion, with standard hydraulic power assistance.

Engines

Engine Layout Displacement
Bore x stroke		 Valvetrain Fuel and intake systems Peak power Peak torque Production period
Petrol engines
1.4* H4 1,351 cc
80.0 x 67.2 mm		 SOHC 8v Weber-Marelli MPI 90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp) at 6,000 rpm 115 N·m (85 lb·ft) at 4,400 rpm 1994–1997
1.4 T.Spark 16V** I4 TS 1,370 cc
82.0 x 64.9 mm		 DOHC 16v, VVT Motronic MPI 103 PS (76 kW; 102 bhp) at 6,300 rpm 124 N·m (91 lb·ft) at 4,600 rpm 01/1997–2001
1.6 H4 1,596 cc
84.0 x 72.0 mm		 SOHC 8v Motronic or Rochester MPI 103 PS (76 kW; 102 bhp) at 6,000 rpm 135 N·m (100 lb·ft) at 4,500 rpm 1994–1997
1.6 T.Spark 16V I4 TS 1,598 cc
82.0 x 75.6 mm		 DOHC 16v, VVT Motronic MPI 120 PS (88 kW; 118 bhp) at 6,300 rpm 144 N·m (106 lb·ft) at 4,500 rpm 01/1997–2001
1.7 16V H4 1,712 cc
87.0 x 72.0 mm		 DOHC 16v Motronic MPI 129 PS (95 kW; 127 bhp) at 6,500 rpm 149 N·m (110 lb·ft) at 4,300 rpm 1994–1997
1.8 T.Spark 16V I4 TS 1,747 cc
82.0 x 82.7 mm		 DOHC 16v, VVT Motronic MPI 140 PS (103 kW; 138 bhp) at 6,300 rpm 169 N·m (125 lb·ft) at 4,000 rpm 01/1997–03/1998
Motronic MPI, VLIM 144 PS (106 kW; 142 bhp) at 6,500 rpm 169 N·m (125 lb·ft) at 3,500 rpm 03/1998–2001
2.0 T.Spark 16V I4 TS, 2 BS 1,970 cc
83.0 x 91.0 mm		 DOHC 16v, VVT Motronic MPI 150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp) at 6,200 rpm 187 N·m (138 lb·ft) at 4,000 rpm 10/1995–03/1998
Motronic MPI, VLIM 155 PS (114 kW; 153 bhp) at 6,400 rpm 187 N·m (138 lb·ft) at 3,500 rpm 03/1998–01/2001
Diesel engines
1.9 TD* I4 1,929 cc
82.6 x 90.0 mm		 SOHC 8v Injection pump, turbo intercooler 90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp) at 4,100 rpm 191 N·m (141 lb·ft) at 2,400 rpm 1994–1997
1.9 JTD I4 1,910 cc
82.0 x 90.4 mm		 SOHC 8v Common rail DI, turbo intercooler 105 PS (77 kW; 104 bhp) at 4,000 rpm 255 N·m (188 lb·ft) at 2,000 rpm 1997–2001
* Continental European markets only. ** Continental Europe and Ireland only.[22][23][24][25][26]

Performance

Alfa Romeo 145
Model 1.4 1.4 TS 16V 1.6 1.6 TS 16V 1.7 16V 1.8 TS 16V 2.0 Quadrifoglio 1.9 TD 1.9 JTD
140 PS 144 PS 150 PS 155 PS
Top speed
km/h [mph]		 185 [115]187 [116]185 [115]195 [121]200 [124]205 [127]207 [129]210 [130]211 [131]178 [111]185 [115]
Acceleration
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)		 12.5 s10.2 s11.0 s10.29.8 s9.2 s9.1 s8.4 s8.3 s12.0 s10.4 s
Alfa Romeo 146
Model 1.4 1.4 TS 16V 1.6 1.6 TS 16V 1.7 16V 1.8 TS 16V 2.0 ti 1.9 TD 1.9 JTD
140 PS 144 PS 150 PS 155 PS
Top speed
km/h [mph]		 179 [111]187 [116]187 [116]197 [122]201 [125]207 [129]209 [130]215 [134]216 [134]179 [111]187 [116]
Acceleration
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)		 12.8 s10.5 s11.5 s10.5 s10.2 s9.4 s9.3 s8.5 s8.4 s12.5 s10.5 s

Reception and legacy

Alfa Romeo 145 Quadrifoglio Verde

Styling themes introduced in the Alfa Romeo 164 were continued on these two models. A spacious and uniquely Italian interior was presented to the press at the 1994 launch, and by all accounts well received. The oddly shaped, cut-away dashboard attracted much attention, but in fact the design was for safety and practicality rather than aesthetics. The cars were widely praised for their handling, particularly their sharp, responsive steering.

The more conservatively styled 146 proved a bigger sales success than the edgy design of the 145, which in retrospect appears too avant-garde for mainstream sales success. The 145 has a strong following, particularly in top specification Cloverleaf guise; it is seen, along with the 146 as not only the last old school hot hatch built by Alfa but, arguably, by any car company. While the volume of 145s and 146s sold was moderately low, parts availability remains good, in most cases direct from Alfa Romeo. Owners clubs can often advise on multiple sources of parts or workarounds.

The 145 and 146 are prized by performance minded Alfisti as a source of performance upgrades for the earlier Sprint. As these cars were initially designed for use with the Alfasud boxer engines, and later updates with Twinspark units, it is technically feasible to take a late 16v boxer engine from these cars and directly transplant it into a Sprint, giving the car a tremendous performance upgrade in the process.

Notes

  1. ↑ The same 1,351 cc engine was badged 1.4 on some markets, e.g. on the German one.
  2. ↑ The acronym, standing for turismo internazionale–international touring, evoked the sport versions of the first Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

References

  1. ↑ "The company". alfaromeo.com. Retrieved 4 August 2007.
  2. ↑ "Chris Bangle resigns". cardesignnews.com. Retrieved 4 August 2007.
  3. ↑ "Fiat Type platform". Fiat-tipo-portugal.com. Archived from the original on June 18, 2010. Retrieved 30 September 2010.
  4. ↑ "Full review of Used Alfa Romeo 146 Hatchback What Car?". whatcar.com. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  5. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 146 review". alfaworkshop.co.uk. 26 January 2007. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  6. 1 2 Artemi, Paolo; Morosini, Nestore (7 July 1994). "Dall'Alfa ecco l'auto che non c'era". Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  7. ↑ Matteucci, Marco (24 April 1994). "Ti vedo e non ti tocco". Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  8. ↑ "Dal 15 ottobre 145 in vendita". Corriere della Sera (in Italian). 8 September 1994. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  9. ↑ Morosini, Nestore (4 May 1995). "Sportiva con linea da famiglia". Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  10. ↑ Artemi, Paolo (26 November 1994). "Secondo passo, ecco 146". Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  11. 1 2 Morosini, Nestore (29 April 1995). "Arriva 146, l'Alfa formato famiglia" [146 arrives, the family-sized Alfa]. Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  12. ↑ Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (10 March 1983). "Automobil Revue '83". 78. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag, AG: 170–171. ISBN 3-444-06065-3.
  13. ↑ Artemi, Paolo (9 September 1995). "Trasparenze e super motori, ma anche curve nelle code". Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  14. ↑ Delli Carri, Luca (8 February 1996). "Sulla coda del "Biscione" rispunta la mitica sigla Ti" [The mythical Ti badge is back on the "Biscione's" tail]. Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  15. ↑ Artemi, Paolo (5 December 1996). "I nuovi cuori Alfa, l'eterna giovinezza Lancia" [Alfa's new hearts, Lancia's eternal youth]. Corriere della Sera (in Italian). Retrieved 17 January 2015.
  16. ↑ "Alfa Romeo/Models/Alfa Romeo 145 & 146". carsfromitaly.net. Archived from the original on 31 July 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2007.
  17. ↑ "Alfa Romeo al 57º Salone Inter. Dell'Automobile di Francoforte". alfaromeopress.com (in Italian). 1 September 1997. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  18. ↑ "Alfa 146 Junior: Giovane con grinta". alfaromeopress.com (in Italian). 1 September 1997. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  19. ↑ "Alfa 145 e 146 al 68º Salone di Ginevra". alfaromeopress.com (in Italian). 3 March 1998. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  20. ↑ "69º Salone di Ginevra: Alfa 145 e 146". alfaromeopress.com (in Italian). 8 March 1999. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  21. ↑ "L'Alfa Romeo al 74º Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile di Parigi - Press Releases - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press". Alfaromeopress.com. 2000-09-27. Retrieved 2016-02-19.
  22. ↑ "Alfa Romeo specifications". Carfolio. Archived from the original on 3 December 2009. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  23. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 145 (94-01) – Facts and Figures". Parker's. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  24. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 146 (95-01) – Facts and Figures". Parker's. Retrieved 14 December 2009.
  25. ↑ 145 Owners manual. Alfa Romeo.
  26. ↑ Åhman, Michael, ed. (1999). Bilkatalogen 2000 (Swedish edition of German Auto Katalog). Solna, Sweden: Auto Motor & Sport Sverige AB. pp. 178–179.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alfa Romeo 145.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alfa Romeo 146.
« previous — Alfa Romeo car timeline, 1980s–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0123456789 0123456789 0123456789 01234567
Supermini MiTo
Small family car Arna 145
Alfasud 33 146 147 Giulietta (940)
Compact executive car Giulietta (116) 75/Milano 155 156 159 Giulia (952)
Executive car Alfetta 90 164 166
Alfa 6
Coupé Sprint GT
GTV and GTV6 GTV (916) Brera
Spider Spider (105/115) Spider (916) Spider (939)
Sports car SZ 8C Competizione 4C
RZ 8C Spider 4C Spider
Crossover SUV Stelvio
Racing car 179/182/183T/184T/185T GTV, GTV6 75 Turbo SZ Trophy 155 GTA
155 V6 TI		 GTV Cup 156 D2/
GTA S2000		 147 Cup
147 GTA Cup
LCV F11/F12/A11/A12 AR6
AR8
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.