Alfa Romeo 147 









Manufacturer                       Alfa Romeo

Production                              2000–2010

Assembly                                Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy[1]

Predecessor                            Alfa Romeo 145/146

Successor                               Alfa Romeo Giulietta

Class                                      Small family car

Body style(s)                          3 and 5-door hatchback

Layout                                   FF layout



Engine(s)                               Petrol:



                                            * 1.6 L TS I4

                                            * 2.0 L TS I4

                                            * 3.2 L V6



                                             Diesel:



                                            * 1.9 L JTD I4



Transmission(s)                  *  5 and 6-speed manual

                                            *  5 and 6-speed semi-auto



                                            *  Magneti Marelli Selespeed



Wheelbase                           2,546 mm (100.2 in)

Length                                 4,223 mm (166.3 in)

Width                                  1,729 mm (68.1 in)

Height                                  1,442 mm (56.8 in)

Curb weight                         1,200–1,360 kg (2,600–3,000 lb)

Related                                Alfa Romeo GT

                                           Alfa Romeo 156

Designer                              Walter de'Silva





The Alfa Romeo 147 is a small family car produced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 2000 to 2010. The 147 was also voted European Car of the Year for 2001, beating the Ford Mondeo and the Toyota Prius.

The 147 was launched at the 2000 Turin Motor Show as a replacement for the 145 / 146 hatchbacks, and is based on the running gear of the larger 156 saloon. It was available with 1.6, 2.0, and 3.2-litre petrol engines and a 1.9-litre diesel engine.

The car was in production for ten years making it one of the oldest small family cars on sale in Europe at the time of its replacement by the Alfa Romeo Giulietta in late May 2010.

Styling

2nd series Alfa Romeo 147

The 147 was designed by Walter de'Silva and Wolfgang Egger. The 147 received considerable praise for its styling on launch, later it was awarded with some styling awards. The entire 147 range was revamped in 2004, with the exterior styling changed considerably to be more reminiscent of the new 159 and Brera models, and Alfa Romeo Visconti concept car, most notably for its more aggressive look. The 147 achieved a drag coefficient (C_d) of 0.32.

Development

2nd series Alfa Romeo 147

The 147 was facelifted in the end of 2004: new front grille, new headlights, new rear lights and the interior was updated on all models besides the GTA version. Also a new more powerful diesel engine arrived and suspension was also tweaked. In 2006 the 147 1.9 JTD Q2 version was launched, which features a front Torsen limited slip differential. Alfa Romeo presented a new limited edition 147 called Ducati Corse at the 2007 Bologna Motor Show. The car is equipped with 170 PS (130 kW; 170 hp) JTD diesel engine and Q2, a front Torsen limited slip differential.

The 147 has been replaced by the new Giulietta in 2010.

High-performance versions

Alfa Romeo 147 GTA

The hot hatch 147 GTA model was launched in 2002. The GTA used a 3.2 V6 engine, produced 250 PS (180 kW; 250 hp) and could achieve a top speed of 246 km/h (153 mph). It has a widened body (15mm at each side) to accommodate the 225/45R17 tyres. Earlier models have 6-speed manual transmissions; later models use Selespeed.

London-based after-market tuner Autodelta has produced a "bored out" version of the GTA sporting a 3.7-litre V6, producing 328 bhp (245 kW), and a split-axle differential gear for the front wheels. Autodelta has also made a Rotrex supercharged version producing 400 bhp (300 kW).

Reviews

The handling of 147 was praised in some reviews, in spite of criticism regarding the light (sensitive) steering, which makes some drivers feel less involved. However, light steering does help during parking maneuvers. Other criticisms of the 147 included a cumbersome gearshift, unsupportive seats and the lack of interior space compared to its rivals. The car became well-known for its engine note, which is unusually mellifluous for a car of its class. The 147 suffers from fairly poor resale value in Great Britain. The 147 GTA and 147 Autodelta GTA have been road tested by Jeremy Clarkson, and featured on television show Top Gear with a power-lap around the track by The Stig. In his review of Autodelta 147 GTA car for The Sunday Times, Clarkson described the acceleration as "…Ferrari throttle? Forget it. When you stamp on the accelerator it’s like you’ve hit the Millennium Falcon’s hyperdrive. Suddenly all the stars are fluorescent tubes. …" and the handling as "....A corner was coming. And then it was a distant speck in my rear-view mirror. I vaguely remember turning the wheel and I have a dim recollection of being astounded by the grip . . . and then the moment was gone. No, really, the damn thing is a barnacle....".

 

Awards

The Alfa Romeo 147 has won more than 27 awards including the following:

• The European Car of the Year in 2001;


• Das Goldene Lenkrad ("The golden steering wheel", BILD am SONNTAG - Germany) in 2000;


• Auto Europa 1 (Panel of engineers, drivers and journalists headed by Auto Bild - Germany) in 2001;


• Trophées du design (Automobile Magazine - France) in 2000; and


• Carro Importado do Ano no Brasil - (Brazil Import car of the year) in 2002.

147 in motorsport

147 JTD, Markus Lungstrass

In Europe was arranged a one-car racing series, European Alfa 147 Challenge for Alfa 147 Cup race cars starting from 2003. In 2005 this series was driven alongside with World Touring Car Championship, winner of 2005 season was Irish driver Eoin Murray. The car used on the series was Alfa 147 GTA Cup producing 220 bhp (160 kW) from its straight-4 1970 cc Twin Spark engine

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Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 MultiAir news

Alfa Romeo, always a byword for sophisticated engineering and high-performance engines, proudly presents the revolutionary MultiAir system, developed and patented by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies.



The head of this revolutionary family is the MultiAir 1.4 engine, which makes its global debut on the Alfa Romeo MiTo model and is offered with 3 different power levels (105 hp, 135 hp and 170 hp), all Euro 5-ready.



At launch, the first two MultiAir power units fitted to the Alfa Romeo MiTo are the 135 hp 1.4 and the 105 hp 1.4, available across the current range. This will be followed by the 170 hp 1.4 MultiAir TBi, which will complete the Alfa Romeo MiTo petrol engine range and be available on the brand new and unique Quadrifoglio Verde model. This broad product range will enable the MiTo to meet the needs of a growing and increasingly savvy public, who are rewarding the Alfa Romeo city car with excellent sales figures.



The 135 hp 1.4 TBi guarantees the Alfa Romeo MiTo all the performance and temperament of a sporty, well-balanced car designed for customers who are concerned about driveability and good fuel economy. The torque delivery of the 135 hp engine is optimum under all conditions and ensures outstanding pick-up performance and vigorous thrust at all revs, setting a new benchmark for petrol engines. The new 135 hp power unit's top speed and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h are at the very top of the city car category.



This brand new engine, designed to work in conjunction with the Alfa DNA system, allows the excellent dynamic attributes of the Alfa MiTo to be exploited to the full. This makes long trips pleasant and comfortable, but also guarantees plenty of thrills on more demanding stretches of road, the natural terrain of any Alfa Romeo, due to the well-balanced weight/power ratio and excellent responsiveness.

Excellent performance is combined with respect for the environment and good fuel economy. This excellence is reflected in particularly low CO2 emissions, equal to 129 g/km, with a combined fuel consumption of just 5.6 litres every 100 km.

Balance and temperament are also attributes of the 105 hp 1.4 power unit. This engine sits in the middle of its reference market, where it represents the best choice. The 105 hp MultiAir adheres to Euro 5 regulations and tops its reference market in terms of maximum power and driveability. It also keeps the driver fully involved, making the Alfa MiTo a real star of city traffic, ensuring full safety and easy driving under all conditions.



In addition, the MiTo achieves excellent performance through the top-of-the-range 170 hp MultiAir version available on the exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde model. This marks the reappearance of one of the historical symbols most dear to Alfa aficionados throughout the world, who are passionate about the glorious past of a brand that has made racing and motorsport a real trademark.



The new MultiAir engines are built in Termoli at the FPT plant. Right from the development stage, they have been designed to further enhance Alfa DNA, the system that allows the personality of the Alfa Romeo MiTo to be adapted to the driver's needs and to different road conditions.



The sporty nature and technological features of these new engines are evident from the characteristic Alfa Romeo sound, which is as engaging when driving quickly as it is relaxing on extra-urban or city journeys.



The Start&Stop system, making its debut on an Alfa Romeo, comes as standard with the three MiTo MultiAir petrol engines. It temporarily turns off the engine and then restarts it to ensure reduced fuel consumption and low noise levels in the passenger compartment when the device is at work. In these situations, which are typical of heavy traffic in urban areas and when stopped at traffic lights, when the control strategy permits, the system automatically cuts out the engine in order to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 10% for an urban route and 3.5% over an NEDC-type cycle.



Moreover, the Gear Shift Indicator (GSI) linked to the Start&Stop system is a kind of co-pilot that discreetly advises drivers when they should change gear, leading to a more fuel-efficient use of the engine. For example, the GSI may suggest shifting to a higher gear, by means of a signal on the instrument panel, in order to allow the engine to combust a leaner mixture, i.e. containing less fuel, or to change down a gear to make best use of the available torque. The device is permanently active when the Alfa DNA selector is set to 'Normal' or 'All Weather' in order to ensure a smooth and comfortable drive while also aiming to save fuel and significantly reduce emissions.



The introduction of the new MultiAir engines also coincides with a fresh range of colours for the MiTo, a successful model that is already sold in 34 countries throughout the world and five different continents. It can already be ordered in the new metallic shade Tornado Blue, which will complement the already extensive array of exterior colours.



The model's level of engineering can also be appreciated due to a series of improvements that have further increased the quality of the Alfa Romeo MiTo. These improvements affect the interior finishes, couplings, gear manoeuvrability due to shortening the lever to 2.5 centimetres and also the steering and suspension system, which has been recalibrated.



To sum up, the Alfa Romeo MiTo offers 2 TDi engines (90 hp 1.3 JTDm and 120 hp 1.6 JTDm) and complements the current petrol engine range (the 78 hp, 120 hp TBi and 155 hp 1.4) with two new MultiAir engines: the 105 hp 1.4 and the 135 hp 1.4 TBi. This model, which is packed full of technology, offers: two configurations (Progression and Distinctive); two special packs available on Distinctive versions, one with a sportier content, the other more geared to comfort; seven different seat trims plus top-quality Pelle Frau leather upholstery in three different shades; two interior colours with Sprint dashboard on the Progression configuration; three interior colours with Competizione dashboard on the Distinctive configuration. Five different alloy wheels are also available (16', 17'' and 18'), as well as 10 different bodywork paints that reflect every facet of the new Alfa Romeo's sporty nature. These are combined with a multitude of taillight and headlight frame colours and finishes: chrome plated, satin, titanium grey or body coloured, offering clients a host of customisation options.



All the secrets of MultiAir technology



Alfa Romeo proudly introduces MultiAir technology to the world on its latest creation, the Alfa Romeo MiTo. The head of the new family is the MultiAir 1.4 engine, available in three different power levels on the model: 105 hp, 135 hp and 170 hp.



This marks a significant generational leap compared to current petrol engines, as occurred in 1997 with the Common Rail technology applied to diesel power units and introduced to the world for the first time on the Alfa Romeo 156. Now the 'sportiest city car ever' picks up the baton and marks a true leap forward in technology: the MultiAir system takes the controlled ignition engine to previously unthinkable levels of efficiency. This is achieved due to the principle underpinning this new technology: the possibility of continuously adjusting the main elements that guarantee optimum combustion at any speed and under all driving conditions.



In particular, the possibility of managing the opportune moment for opening and closing the intake valve has optimised the engine's volumetric efficiency, bringing benefits in terms of maximum torque delivery, particularly at low revs: compared with a conventional 120 hp TBi engine, the same engine with MultiAir achieves an increase in maximum power (135 hp) without penalising torque and response at low revs (5,000 rpm).



The introduction of MultiAir technology therefore makes the Alfa Romeo MiTo even more agile and nippy due to the power and torque increases possible with the new power units. The engines also ensure a significant reduction in fuel consumption and toxic emissions, with benefits in terms of running costs and respect for the environment.



For example, the flexibility and responsiveness guaranteed by the MultiAir system make it possible to manage engine load by means of the intake valves, eliminating the use of the throttle valve to benefit combustion efficiency at partial loads and therefore reduce fuel consumption. Suffice it to say that the same power unit reduces fuel consumption over an NEDC cycle by up to 10% compared with a conventional 120 hp 1.4 TBi engine.



The new power units represent a significant point of departure from the current petrol engine scene. For example, compared with a conventional petrol engine of the same capacity, MultiAir provides an increase in power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%), in addition to a significant reduction in fuel consumption (up to 10%) and emissions of CO 2 (up to 10%), particulate (up to 40%) and NOx (up to 60%).



At the heart of MultiAir is a new electrohydraulic valve management system that allows a reduction in fuel consumption (by controlling air directly via the engine intake valves, without using the throttle) and harmful emissions (via combustion control). As befits a flag-bearer for the downsizing concept, MultiAir is a versatile technology that is easily applied to all petrol engines and may potentially be developed for diesel engines.



Load management by means of the intake valves also means that combustion can be optimised even on motorways. The area within which the mixture is made richer has been greatly reduced by exploiting characteristics of the technology: the air-fuel ratio is still stoichiometric at 150 km/h, for example, ensuring a greatly reduced specific consumption.



Finally, the new generation of MultiAir engines has been designed to enhance the car setup options available via the Alfa DNA selector to ensure the most effective response to the driver's expectations and the different road conditions, adjusting its performance via a different torque curve, accelerator sensitivity and overboost management.Source - Alfa Romeo

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Debuts with Newest HEMI® V-8

Inaugural Edition Model Features Exclusive Content



• Introduction of legendary 392-cubic inch HEMI® V-8 for the street, an engine with a famous name but is a decidedly high-tech, modern engineering masterpiece

Potent 392 HEMI V-8 balances brawn with brains, features an active intake manifold, variable-cam timing and Fuel Saver technology (four-cylinder mode) on automatic transmission-equipped models



• Significant horsepower and torque gains are just part of the muscle coupe's balanced performance story as a redesigned suspension tuning delivers new driving manners



• 1,492 Inaugural Edition models will be built with exclusive interior and exterior appointments





For 2011, the Dodge brand's ultimate modern American muscle coupe receives a big boost in power and performance. And the product story goes beyond the impressive horsepower and torque lurking under the hood.



The new Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 builds on its original mantra of a rear-wheel-drive coupe that promises a balanced approach between form and function, with impressive straight-line acceleration and world-class ride and handling to go along with high-performance braking and the latest technology that delivers improved fuel efficiency.



The result is the newest version of the quickest coupe in the Dodge lineup packed with modern amenities and features performance enthusiasts will love.



'We listened to our devoted, loyal Dodge customers, and this new Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 answers their call for more power off the line,' said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO — Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. 'We consciously tuned the 392 for a lot more torque, as that is what truly creates the thrust that sets you back in the seat and keeps you there! We can't wait to see our customers' reactions when they get behind the wheel and put their foot on the throttle – it is so responsive and a blast to drive.'



New 392 HEMI® V8 Offers Wide Torque Range



The return of the legendary 392-cubic inch HEMI® powertrain back to the street in the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 provides another step in showcasing the evolution of the performance brand.



Pumping out 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, the newest HEMI engine in the SRT product lineup provides an additional 90 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,900 rpm versus the previous 6.1-liter V-8 engine. The added torque allows for inspired standing starts and improved straight-line performance while new, performance-tuned motor mounts improve idle stability and ride control at any speed. An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft with cam phasing provides maximum low-end torque while optimizing high-end power.



The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is available with either the standard five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick or an available Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission that was first offered on the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10®. An improved heavy-duty clutch provides easier shift engagement.



Like the original 392 HEMI, the performance on the street and at the track is sure to turn heads with numbers such as 0-60 mph in high 4-second range and quarter-mile elapsed time in the high 12s.



New for 2011 is the Fuel Saver technology in automatic transmission equipped models, which allows the engine to operate economically on four cylinders or use all eight cylinders when needed.



Under the hood, unique valve covers with painted silver ribs and the '392 HEMI' logo give the HEMI powerplant a clean, yet aggressive look.



A redesigned SRT-tuned exhaust system results in a deeper, throatier note that will surely create envious onlookers both during daily commutes and at the race track.



Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition Offers Exclusivity



To kick off production of the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, 1,492 Inaugural Edition models (1,100 for the U.S. and 392 for Canada) will be produced featuring exclusive exterior and interior content.



On the exterior, two colors and new full-body stripe combinations are available on all Inaugural Edition models: Deep Water Blue with standard Stone White stripes or Bright White Clear Coat with standard Viper Blue stripes. For the first time, the front grille features a body-color grille surround.



Unique '392 HEMI' badges flank both fenders touting the historically significant V-8 engine that remains true to its high-performance roots and powers the highest rated Challenger in terms of horsepower and torque ratings. From the rear, the Mopar® quad exhaust tips deliver the performance exhaust note while adding the styling cue of a serious muscle car.



The Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition rides on standard 20-inch SRT exclusive wheels that feature a polished face and satin black painted pockets.



The race-inspired interior of the Challenger SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition begins with standard Smooth Pearl White leather-trimmed seats and dual blue stripes accented by unique blue stitching. Each of the front seats features an embroidered '392' just below the headrest.



The center instrument panel, center stack and console bezels feature a silver metal brush finish for a clean yet high-performance look and feel. The door trim panels also feature silver metal brush grab handles inside Pearl White door bolsters with unique blue accents.



An exclusive, serialized 'Inaugural Edition 392 HEMI' dash plaque, showing the sequential build number from 1 to 1,492 rounds out the exclusive interior content.



Ultimate Modern American Muscle Coupe



The exterior styling of the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 remains unmistakably Dodge, with proportions that evoke a bold, instantly recognizable vehicle that has a wide, stable stance on the road.



A larger front splitter and integrated front fender spats improve overall high-speed aerodynamics and overall balance. Top speed has been increased to more than 180 mph with the manual transmission (173 mph in the automatic). A newly modified front fascia chin spoiler improves aerodynamics and is accent painted for a more aggressive look. The rear deck-lid spoiler also is completed in matching body color.



New Interior Styling Will Delight



The precise performance handling of the Challenger SRT8 392 comes to life through a new, right-sized, three-spoke steering wheel that features a carbon fiber accented leather wrap and silver metallic painted spokes at the 3-, 6- and 9 o'clock positions.



The trapezoidal instrument panel features a four-bomb gauge cluster with chromed accent rings and unique, new for 2011 SRT graphics. Inside the cluster, the SRT-exclusive Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with performance pages provides the driver with trip information, multimedia information from the Media Center radio, along with instant feedback on 0-60 mph time, 60-0 mph braking, G-forces, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times.



Power lumbar-equipped front seats are standard on all Challenger SRT8 392 models. It's also much easier to get in and out of the rear seat. The driver's seat now features seatback tilt with memory and an easy to reach release handle, while the front-passenger seat adds tilt and slide with memory, which makes it even easier to use.



Maximum Performance Handling For Road And Track



New, highly damped shocks offer a firm ride that maintains the feel for everyday commuting while being fully capable for the more challenging situations. SRT engineers recalibrated the suspension geometry to improve Challenger's balance, cornering ability and steering responsiveness. Quicker steering ratios and new negative camber settings all around dramatically improve Challenger's appetite for high-speed cornering.



The performance SRT-tuned, fully-hydraulic steering system also has been improved with a new, heavy-duty pump and revised gearing to give drivers more direct feel and on-center response.



The result: the 2011 Challenger SRT8 392 is capable of .93g on the skid pad – the most of any production Challenger and on par with some of the world's best-handling performance coupes.



392's Storied History



The original 392 HEMI engine was introduced in the new 1957 model year Chrysler and Imperial products. It replaced the 354 cubic-inch version of the original HEMI launched in 1951.Compared with the 354 engine, the 392 was completely revised and improved, with larger valves and ports, a beefier block and crankshaft and improved bearings. In short, the 392 HEMI, often affectionately referred to simply as the '92,' was perfect for drag racing.



More than a few racers at that time immediately enhanced the performance of the newest HEMI by bolting on six or eight carburetors, installing new camshafts, etc., and went racing.



Racing legend Don ‘Big Daddy' Garlits ran a 392 in his infamous Swamp Rat I dragster at record speeds of faster than 180 mph on nitro with no supercharger. Garlits also used a 392 HEMI to officially break the 200-mph barrier when his Swamp Rat went 201.34 mph at Atco, N.J., in 1964.



But the 392's success went beyond the drag strip. It also set records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and in boat racing. Drag racing boats were no different than their land-based counterparts in the use of the 392. Famous HEMI engine builder Keith Black was better known on the water than on the land, until he teamed up with Tommy Greer and hired Don 'The Snake' Prudhomme to dominate Top Fuel in California in the early 1960s using a 392 HEMI.



After 1958, the 392 HEMI was gone as a production engine, but it still remains a legend. Collectors are now preserving many historic 392-powered race cars and hot rods and proudly displaying them on show car circuits.



In 2007, Mopar – Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand – helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original 392 by launching a modern, crate engine version of the 392 HEMI.

Source - Dodge

Mini Coupe / Roadster





Compared with many of the mighty sports cars that grace our pages, tiny four-cylinder coupes and roadsters definitely count as green, but we still like them to deliver as many smiles per mile as their more hedonistic counterparts. Soon, there will be two more such greenies on the market: the Mini coupe and the Mini roadster.

To create the coupe and roadster, Mini basically swapped fresh roofs onto its existing Cooper hatchback bodywork. Mechanically, everything will remain the same, meaning the coupe and the roadster should achieve similar fuel economy to that of the Cooper and Cooper S. With a highway rating as high as 37 mpg, they’re about as green as gas-powered cars get. Gangsta-chopping the roof or lopping it off altogether won’t make either of these two-seaters more fun to drive, per se, but the knockout styling just adds to the fuel efficiency inherent in the Mini package.

2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid





Hybrid luxury vehicles are by no means new, but hybrid luxury sedans that actually boast real fuel-economy gains—not just power, weight, and price increases—are. This Mercedes-Benz S400 is the first full-boat luxo-hybrid with markedly better fuel economy (by about 20 percent, to a Camry V-6–like 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway) and a lower price ($88,825 versus $92,475 for an S550) than its conventionally powered brethren, making it the S-class model that is cheapest to buy and to operate.

The S400 is a mild hybrid, meaning the additional electrical components are not configured in a way that allows them to drive the wheels by themselves. The 20-hp electric motor instead assists the 275-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 in accelerative duties and supports ancillary systems such as the climate control and power accessories. These hybrid components aren’t so heavy as to excessively weigh down the S-class. Oh, yeah, and who is going to complain about an extra bit of torque—118 lb-ft at 0 rpm from the electric motor—ready to boost low-end response? Certainly not us.