89-498: The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (Type 116) is a front-engine, five-passenger saloon and fastback coupé manufactured and marketed by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 1972 to 1987 with a total over 400,000 units produced during its production run. The Alfetta was noted for the rear position of its transaxle (clutch and transmission) and its De Dion tube rear suspension — an arrangement designed to optimize handling by balancing front/rear weight distribution, as well as maintaining
178-506: A KKK turbocharger which pushed power up to 175 PS (129 kW; 173 hp). The car also received a modified suspension layout. This was the first Italian petrol production car with a turbocharger. The styling of the GTV, while distinctive, can be seen to share many design features derived from the Montreal , as translated down to a simpler and thus more marketable vehicle. Examples of this are
267-452: A transaxle layout to De Dion tube rear suspension — like its modern namesake. The Alfetta introduced a new drivetrain layout to the marque. The clutch and transmission were housed at the rear of the car, together with the differential for a more balanced weight distribution, as used on the Alfetta 158/159 Grand Prix cars. The suspension relied on double wishbones and torsion bars at
356-410: A turbocharger . As with other engine types, turbocharging a diesel engine can significantly increase its efficiency and power output, especially when used in combination with an intercooler . Turbocharging of diesel engines began in the 1920s with large marine and stationary engines. Trucks became available with turbo-diesel engines in the mid-1950s, followed by passenger cars in the late 1970s. Since
445-515: A 2.0-litre model was added. Launched at the March Geneva Motor Show , the Alfetta 2000 replaced the outgoing Alfa Romeo 2000 . This range-topping Alfetta was 10.5 cm (4.1 in) longer than other models, owing to a redesigned front end with rectangular headlights and larger bumpers with polyurethane inserts; the rectangular tail light clusters and C-pillar vents were revised, as were
534-566: A 3.0-litre V8 engine, derived from the 2.6-litre V8 of the Montreal coupé and sharing the same mechanical fuel injection by SPICA . This version was driven by Ballestrieri in the relatively minor Valli Piacentine Rally, but development of the V8 Alfetta as a competition machine was not pursued when the plan to produce 400 roadgoing units of this model for homologation was abandoned. Around twenty 2.6-litre V8-engined Alfetta GTVs were built by Autodelta at
623-667: A black leather interior; and came with "Maratona" badging on the rear decklid, front fenders and glove box door. (The most notable feature of the Maratona, its aerodynamic kit, was also available as a dealer-installed option on other GTV-6 models.) Callaway Cars , famous for their later Camaro , Impala SS and Corvette offerings, modified between thirty and thirty six (depending on whether one "counts" those cars with Callaway components which were not assembled by Callaway but, instead, had those components fitted by Alfa Romeo dealers) twin-turbocharged GTV-6s between 1983 and 1986. These are called
712-585: A footman/mechanic) was the first sedan, since it is the first known car to be produced with a roof. A one-off instance of similar coachwork is also known in a 1900 De Dion-Bouton Type D. A sedan is typically considered to be a fixed-roof car with at least four seats. Based on this definition, the earliest sedan was the 1911 Speedwell , which was manufactured in the United States. In American English , Latin American Spanish , and Brazilian Portuguese ,
801-671: A four-door station wagon from 1958 until 1960 in the Rambler and Ambassador series. In 1973, the US government passed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216 creating a standard roof strength test to measure the integrity of roof structure in motor vehicles to come into effect some years later. Hardtop sedan body style production ended with the 1978 Chrysler Newport . Roofs were covered with vinyl, and B-pillars were minimized by styling methods like matt black finishes. Stylists and engineers soon developed more subtle solutions. A close-coupled sedan
890-411: A key player in automobile manufacturing reflects its strategic investment in technology and efficient supply chains, while Eastern Europe increasingly supports global markets with specialized components. Advanced techniques, such as Toyota's modular giga-casting, shows how innovation reduces production costs and accelerates manufacturing, enhancing competitiveness globally . Economies of scale also play
979-514: A low polar moment of inertia and low center of gravity. The interior of Coupé models featured a then unusual central tachometer placement — by itself, directly in front of the driver. The Alfetta name, which means "little Alfa" in Italian is derived from the nickname of the Alfa Romeo Alfetta (Tipo 159) , a successful Formula One car which in its last iteration introduced in 1951, paired
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#17330936682641068-449: A lower compression ratio. Indirect injected engines used to have compression ratios of 18.5 or higher. Following the introduction of common rail engines in the late 1990s, compression ratios decreased to the range of 16.5 to 18.5. Some diesel engines built since 2016 to comply with the Euro 6 exhaust emissions regulations have a compression ratio of 14.0. Turbocharging can greatly increase
1157-471: A manufacturer produces two-door sedan and four-door sedan versions of the same model, the shape and position of the greenhouse on both versions may be identical, with only the B-pillar positioned further back to accommodate the longer doors on the two-door versions. A sedan chair, a sophisticated litter , is an enclosed box with windows used to transport one seated person. Porters at the front and rear carry
1246-436: A more acceptable spread of torque over their speed range or, if being built for commercial use, can be designed to improve torque output at a given speed depending on the exact use. Naturally aspirated Diesels, almost without exception, have a lower power output than a petrol engine of the same capacity whilst the same time requiring stronger (and thus heavier) internal components such as the pistons and crankshaft to withstand
1335-651: A practical solution for families and individuals, their role in encouraging road-centric urban planning has been criticized for reducing the viability of public transportation and active transport modes like walking and cycling. In cities heavily dependent on sedans, air pollution, noise, and traffic fatalities often increase, posing public health risks and environmental challenges . Sedan production has significant economic and technological impacts across many regions, driven by growing knowledge and manufacturing techniques. Regions like China and Eastern Europe have become crucial areas due to cost advantages and labor. China's rise as
1424-600: A preferred choice for urban and suburban settings, promoting individual mobility. However, this accessibility has contributed to increased urban sprawl and car dependency. Sedans, like other private vehicles, encourage dispersed living patterns, reducing the density of communities and limiting opportunities for local social interactions. This can lead to a decline in neighborhood growth and an increase in reliance on cars for even short trips, increasing environmental and health concerns through CO2 and Greenhouse Gas emissions and reduced physical activity . Furthermore, while sedans are
1513-481: A production run of only 350 cars. The Balocco was available only in red colour with a sunroof and black interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel and red piping on the seats. There were also two green Quadrifoglio badges fixed on the rear quarter trim pieces above a badge with the "Balocco SE" designation. It was similar to the European-market "Grand Prix" special edition. A plaque inset in the glove box door designated
1602-703: A railroad train's club carriage (e.g.,, the lounge or parlour carriage). From the 1910s to the 1950s, several United States manufacturers have named models either Sedanet or Sedanette. The term originated as a smaller version of the sedan; however, it has also been used for convertibles and fastback coupes. Models that have been called Sedanet or Sedanette include the 1917 Dort Sedanet, King , 1919 Lexington , 1930s Cadillac Fleetwood Sedanette, 1949 Cadillac Series 62 Sedanette, 1942-1951 Buick Super Sedanet , and 1956 Studebaker . Turbodiesel The term turbo-diesel , also written as turbodiesel and turbo diesel , refers to any diesel engine equipped with
1691-608: A remarkable second place overall at the 24 Hours Spa , as well as an overall win in the ETC race at Vallelunga , in the 500 Kilometres of Vallelunga. Despite such results, Autodelta's efforts with the Group 2 Alfetta were desultory and ended prematurely, due to Alfa's budgetary constraints and heavy commitments to Formula One and the World Championship for Sports Cars . At the end of the 1975 season, Autodelta also rallied an Alfetta GTV with
1780-535: A somewhat revised suspension (most notably eschewing the metric Michelin TRX wheel/tire combination—then standard on the GTV-6, in favor of Pirelli or Goodyear tires on conventionally sized BBS , Speedline, or OZ lightweight alloys), improved brakes and, most importantly, a twin-turbocharger system, boosting performance to exotic levels. Power is 230 hp (172 kW; 233 PS) at 5,500 rpm; up by fifty percent over
1869-478: A vital role in sedan production, requiring great output to remain viable. This demand drives regional shifts in production, benefiting countries with established infrastructure and helping markets like Thailand, which helps strategic exports to larger regions . Furthermore, the crossover of digital tools like 3D modeling and digital twins creates higher productivity and lower error rates, illustrating how knowledge and technology reshape global sedan manufacturing . In
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#17330936682641958-543: A well-located de Dion rear suspension, resulted in balanced traction and handling. The front suspension design was unusual in that it incorporated independent longitudinal torsion bar springs acting directly onto the lower wishbones and with separate dampers. The Alfetta saloon was launched in 1972, with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine as a three-box , four-door, five-passenger notchback design (" Berlina " in Italian) penned in-house by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo. The front end
2047-595: Is 2,934 cc, with bore and stroke both increased to 93 mm × 72 mm (3.66 in × 2.83 in). The fuel injection was replaced by six Dell'Orto carburettors (as used on the Alfa 6), as the aim was low-end torque rather than peak power. Power increased to 136.7 kW (185.9 PS; 183.3 hp) at 6,700 rpm. The gearing was lowered but the 3.0 still reached a higher top speed of 224.2 km/h (139.3 mph). Acceleration times are 8.36 seconds from 0–100 km/h and 7.2 seconds for 0–60 mph. On
2136-457: Is a body style produced in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s. Their two-box boxy styling made these sedans more like crossover vehicles than traditional three-box sedans. Like other close-coupled body styles, the rear seats are farther forward than a regular sedan. This reduced the length of the body; close-coupled sedans, also known as town sedans, were the shortest of the sedan models offered. Models of close-coupled sedans include
2225-457: Is called Limousine and a limousine is a Stretch-Limousine . In the United States, two-door sedan models were marketed as Tudor in the Ford Model A (1927–1931) series. Automakers use different terms to differentiate their products and for Ford's sedan body styles "the tudor (2-door) and fordor (4-door) were marketing terms designed to stick in the minds of the public." Ford continued to use
2314-806: The BMW 535i , with a 3.5-litre engine, a new 3-litre variant of the V6 engine was installed. It won its debut race in the Lodge Group One International two-hour race at Kyalami 1983 and after that it took 1st and 2nd place in the Group One class of the Castrol three-hour race at Killarney and Index victory at the World Endurance Championship 1000 km Race at Kyalami in December 1983. The engine displacement
2403-624: The British Touring Car Championship in 1983 driven by Andy Rouse , as well as many other racing and rallying competitions in national championships as France and Italy. A Group A GTV 6 driven by French driver Yves Loubet won French Supertouring Championship in succession from 1983 to 1984, and Yves Loubet won the third position in the Tour de Corse of 1986 round of the World Rally Championship. The GTV 6 Grand-Prix
2492-676: The Chrysler Imperial , Duesenberg Model A , and Packard 745 A two-door sedan for four or five passengers but with less room for passengers than a standard sedan. A Coach body has no external trunk for luggage. Haajanen says it can be difficult to tell the difference between a Club and a Brougham and a Coach body, as if manufacturers were more concerned with marketing their product than adhering to strict body style definitions. Close-coupled saloons originated as four-door thoroughbred sporting horse-drawn carriages with little room for rear passengers' feet. In automotive use, manufacturers in
2581-584: The Gebrüder Sulzer engine manufacturing company. The turbocharger was originally intended to be used on diesel engines, since Büchi's patent of 1905 noted the efficiency improvements that a turbocharger could bring to diesel engines. However, the first production turbocharged engines to be manufactured did not occur until 1925, 10-cylinder turbo-diesel marine engines used by the German passenger ships Preussen and Hansestadt Danzig . The turbocharger increased
2670-607: The OM617 five-cylinder engine. A year later, the Peugeot 604 D Turbo became the first turbo-diesel car to be sold in Europe. Turbo-diesel cars began to be widely built and sold in Europe during the late 1980s and early 1990s, a trend that has continued to the present day. Since the 1990s, the compression ratio of turbo-diesel engines has been dropping, due to better specific power and better exhaust-emission behaviour of turbocharged engines with
2759-560: The SPICA mechanical fuel injection used on US-spec Alfettas; standard equipment included several digital and power-assisted accessories like a trip computer , check control panel and electrically adjustable seats . Visually the Quadrifoglio Oro was distinguished by twin round headlights, concave alloy wheels , and was only available in metallic grey or brown with brown interior plastics and specific beige velour upholstery. In March 1983,
Alfa Romeo Alfetta - Misplaced Pages Continue
2848-689: The Studebaker Four and Studebaker Six models were marketed as sedans. There were fully enclosed automobile bodies before 1912. Long before that time, the same fully enclosed but horse-drawn carriages were known as a brougham in the United Kingdom, berline in France, and berlina in Italy; the latter two have become the terms for sedans in these countries. It is sometimes stated that the 1899 Renault Voiturette Type B (a 2-seat car with an extra external seat for
2937-560: The " Alfetta 2.0 LI America ". The Alfetta saloon was the base for the Alfetta GT , a 2-door, 4-seater fastback coupé designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign . Introduced in 1974, similarly to the saloon it was initially available only with the 1.8-litre (1,779 cc) version of the Alfa Romeo Twin Cam engine . These engines featured a chain driven 8-valve twin overhead cam cylinder head of cross-flow design. In 1976, with
3026-535: The 17th-century litter known as a sedan chair, a one-person enclosed box with windows and carried by porters. Variations of the sedan style include the close-coupled sedan, club sedan, convertible sedan, fastback sedan, hardtop sedan, notchback sedan, and sedanet. A sedan ( / s ɪ ˈ d æ n / ) is a car with a closed body (i.e., a fixed metal roof) with the engine, passengers, and cargo in separate compartments. This broad definition does not differentiate sedans from various other car body styles. Still, in practice,
3115-503: The 1800 and 2000 in mid-1976. Beginning in October 1982, the Quadrifoglio Oro model was marketed as the Alfa Romeo 159i , with the fuel injected two-litre engine. The four-door Alfetta was sold in the United States from 1975 through 1977 under the name " Alfetta Sedan ". From 1978 to 1979 a mildly restyled version was sold under the name " Sport Sedan "; this design was also offered in Italy as
3204-418: The 1990s, the compression ratio of turbo-diesel engines has been dropping. Diesel engines are typically well suited to turbocharging due to two factors: As per turbocharged petrol engines, an intercooler can be used to cool the intake air and therefore increase its density. The turbocharger was invented in the early 20th century by Alfred Büchi , a Swiss engineer and the head of diesel engine research at
3293-504: The 2.4-litre Turbo Diesel, which in most markets gradually replaced the previous 2.0-litre which was instead installed in the marginally smaller Giulietta . There was also a renewed two-liter Quadrifoglio Oro, equipped with electronic fuel injection. Thanks to the Bosch Motronic integrated electronic fuel injection and ignition the QO had the same 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) output of
3382-487: The 2000 sported a satin silver grille and a simulated mahogany steering wheel rim. July 1982 saw the introduction of the range topping Alfetta Quadrifoglio Oro (meaning Gold Cloverleaf , a trim designation already used on the Alfasud ), which took the place of the then discontinued 2000 L. The Quadrifoglio Oro was powered by a 128 PS (94 kW; 126 hp) (DIN) version of the usual 1,962 cc engine, equipped with
3471-406: The 21st century, saloon remains in the long-established names of particular motor races. In other languages, sedans are known as berline ( French ), berlina ( European Spanish , European Portuguese , Romanian , and Italian ), though they may include hatchbacks. These names, like the sedan, all come from forms of passenger transport used before the advent of automobiles. In German , a sedan
3560-531: The 3.0 L GTV-6, predating the international debut of the factory's 3.0 L engine in 1987. 212 were built in South Africa for racing homologation. The last six GTV-6 3.0s were fuel injected. The GTV 6 3.0 was billed as the most powerful production sports car ever built by Alfa Romeo. The car was a co-operative effort by Alfa Romeo South Africa and Autodelta . It was developed mainly for racing, so only 200 had to be built for homologation. To compete with
3649-529: The Alfa Romeo triangular grille was changed to matte-black trim. The 1.6-litre version was discontinued and the Alfetta GTV became known simply as Alfa Romeo GTV 2.0 ; the Alfetta name was dropped, but the two-litre coupé retained its type designation of 116.36 for left-hand drive and 116.37 for right-hand drive. 15-inch disc-shaped alloy wheels and Pirelli Cinturato CN36 tyres were now standard, as opposed to
Alfa Romeo Alfetta - Misplaced Pages Continue
3738-420: The Alfetta received its third and final facelift ; the exterior was modernised with newly designed bumpers (integrating a front spoiler and extending to the wheel openings), a new grille, lower body plastic cladding, silver hubcaps and, at the rear, a full width grey plastic fascia supporting rectangular tail lights with ribbed lenses and the number plate. The C-pillar ventilation outlets were moved to each side of
3827-589: The Alfetta were sold as limited editions in some European countries; one example was the 1981 Alfetta LI America for the Italian market, based on the North American Sport Sedan. In November 1981, the updated "Alfetta '82" range was launched, comprising 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.0 Turbo Diesel models. All variants adopted the bodyshell and interior of the 2.0-litre models; standard equipment became richer. All models in this range had black plastic rubbing strips, side sill mouldings, tail light surround and hubcaps;
3916-535: The Callaway C3, as it was the company's third project, of which the first five (the cars produced between 1983 and 1985; these were sold and titled as 1985 model year cars, save for the first prototype which was sold and titled as a 1984) were prototypes. Callaway "production models" were otherwise listed as from the 1986 model year. In addition to numerous small component upgrades, the Callaway GTV ;6's included
4005-581: The Gp.4 Turbodelta featured wide arches, 15x11 Campagnolo rims fitted with massive 290 mm (11 in) tyres, big brakes, light body and huge engine bonnet covering induction to intercooler and turbo system. Despite scoring a win at the Danube Rally, development of the Gp.4 Alfetta Turbodelta was not pursued as Carlo Chiti , Autodelta chief engineer, had more interest in SportsCars and F1. Other consideration were
4094-571: The Tudor name for 5-window coupes, 2-door convertibles, and roadsters since all had two doors. The Tudor name was also used to describe the Škoda 1101/1102 introduced in 1946. The public popularized the name for a two-door model and was then applied by the automaker to the entire line that included a four-door sedan and station wagon versions. Sedans, as a specific category of automobiles, have had serious social consequences shaped by their design and use. Their compact and fuel-efficient nature has made them
4183-458: The United Kingdom used the term to develop the chummy body, where passengers were forced to be friendly because they were tightly packed. They provided weather protection for extra passengers in what would otherwise be a two-seater car. Two-door versions would be described in the United States and France as coach bodies. A postwar example is the Rover 3 Litre Coupé . Produced in the United States from
4272-616: The United States, the notchback sedan distinguishes models with a horizontal trunk lid. The term is generally only referred to in marketing when it is necessary to differentiate between two sedan body styles (e.g., notchback and fastback) of the same model range. Several sedans have a fastback profile but a hatchback-style tailgate is hinged at the roof. Examples include the Peugeot 309 , Škoda Octavia , Hyundai Elantra XD , Chevrolet Malibu Maxx , BMW 4 Series Grand Coupe , Audi A5 Sportback , and Tesla Model S . The names hatchback and sedan are often used to differentiate between body styles of
4361-417: The advanced turbocharger design, comprising a five-stage axial compressor combined with a nine-stage radial compressor and an intercooler. Use of turbo-diesel engines in road-going vehicles began with trucks in the early 1950s. The prototype MAN MK26 truck was unveiled in 1951, followed by the production model MAN 750TL1 turbo-diesel in 1954. The Volvo Titan Turbo truck was also introduced in 1954. By
4450-462: The bonnet line, which while briefer, still has 'scallops' for the headlights, and the tail light clusters which resemble those of the Montreal. The door shape is similar, and in a sharing of parts, both vehicles employ the same door handles. In 1980, the GT received a restyling. Outside there were new one-piece taillights, grey plastic bumpers, C-pillar vents and side skirts; all bright stainless steel save for
4539-549: The carburetted 2.0, while developing more torque and being more fuel efficient. In April 1984 the successor of the Alfetta debuted, the larger Alfa Romeo 90 . At the end of the year the Alfetta Berlina went out of production, after nearly 450,000 had been made over a 12-year production period. The Alfa Romeo Alfetta was used as police car by the Carabinieri as well as by Polizia di Stato . It became well known throughout
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#17330936682644628-513: The chair with horizontal poles. Litters date back to long before ancient Egypt, India, and China. Sedan chairs were developed in the 1630s. Etymologists suggest the name of the chair very probably came through varieties of Italian from the Latin sedere , or the Proto-Indo-European root " sed- " meaning "to sit." The first recorded use of sedan for an automobile body occurred in 1912 when
4717-611: The dash, steering wheel and upholstery. Just a year later, in July 1978, the two-litre model was updated becoming the Alfetta 2000 L . Engine output rose from 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp) to 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp); with revised upholstery and simulated wood dash. The Alfetta 2000 was marketed as the Alfa Romeo Sport Sedan in the United States, where "Alfetta" name had less recognition than Europe. The 2000 received fuel injection in 1979. A turbodiesel version
4806-598: The earlier cars' 14-inch pressed steel or optional 14-inch alloy units. Later in the same year, the GTV ;6 2.5 , a version of the GTV with the SOHC 2.5 L V6 engine from the Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 luxury saloon, was released. As a result, the hood received a bulge to clear the top of the intake and became its most pronounced feature. With Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection instead of the six downdraught Dell'Orto carburettors in
4895-489: The early Alfa 6 application, the V6 was much easier to start and retained its state of tune much better. The fuel injected engine was also able to meet the strict emissions standards introduced in Switzerland (shared with Sweden) for 1983. The V6 received rave reviews from the motoring press, which had previously lambasted the same engine in the Alfa 6 because of the carburettor problems. The fuel injection eventually made it into
4984-537: The factory car. A different twin-turbo GTV was also built briefly for the Australian market. Racing versions of the Alfetta GT and GTV were built by Autodelta , initially with the naturally aspirated engines from the earlier GTAm racer based on the 105 series coupé, for homologation under FIA Group 2 . There were some variations ranging from the Alfetta GT 1,800 cc engines with twin-plug or even 16-valve heads up to
5073-458: The fastest Group A rally cars. In 1986 production of the GTV ;6 ceased and Alfa Romeo turned its Group A racing and rallying efforts to the 75/Milano saloons, which were based on the same rear transaxle chassis. However, 1986 also saw the GTV 6 post one of its finest rallying victories when Yves Loubet 's example won the Group A in the tragic 1986 Tour de Corse and placed 3rd overall among
5162-459: The final phasing out of the earlier 105 Series (GT 1300 Junior and GT 1600 Junior and 2000 GTV), the model range of the Alfetta GT was expanded; the 1.8-litre engine was discontinued in favour of the 1.6-litre (1,570 cc) Alfetta GT 1.6 and 2.0-litre (1,962 cc) Alfetta GTV 2.0 . At the same time some updates were introduced, such as a new front grille with horizontal slats and two series of vents beneath it. The GTV
5251-443: The front and a De Dion tube at the rear. When leaving the factory, all Alfettas were originally fitted with Pirelli Cinturato 165HR14 tyres. The rear de Dion transaxle found on the Alfetta and derivatives- GTV, 90 and 75- provided these cars with an excellent weight distribution. The handling advantages were noted in contemporary reviews. The transaxle design, in combination with a Watt's parallelogram linkage, inboard rear brakes and
5340-593: The greater stresses of the Diesel engine's much higher compression ratio . These factors give naturally aspirated Diesels a poor power-to-weight ratio. Turbocharger units weigh very little but can offer significant power, torque, and efficiency improvements. Fitting a turbocharger can bring a Diesel engine's power-to-weight ratio up to the same level as an equivalent petrol unit, making turbodiesels desirable for automotive use, where manufacturers aim for comparable power outputs and handling qualities across their range, regardless of
5429-509: The introduction of the Giulietta Turbo and the GTV 6 being imminent and the competition department being engaged in preparing to adapt to the 1981/82 change in FIA homologation categories for production-based cars from Group 2 and 4 to Group N and Group A. In the cases of the Group N and A GTV 6, events would prove that Alfa was very well prepared. In 1986 Alfa Romeo GTV 6 was one of
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#17330936682645518-619: The late 1960s, demand for increasingly powerful truck engines led to turbo-diesels being produced by Cummins , Detroit Diesel , Scania AB , and Caterpillar Inc . In 1952, the Cummins Diesel Special became the first turbocharged car to compete at the Indianapolis 500 motor race and qualified on pole position. The car was powered by a 6.6 L (403 cu in) inline-six engine producing 283 kW (380 hp). Research into smaller turbo-diesel engines for passenger cars
5607-436: The mid-1920s to the mid-1950s, the name club sedan was used for highly appointed models using the sedan chassis. Some people describe a club sedan as a two-door vehicle with a body style otherwise identical to the sedan models in the range. Others describe a club sedan as having either two or four doors and a shorter roof and therefore less interior space than the other sedan models in the range. Club sedan originates from
5696-581: The monstrously powerful four-wheel-drive Group B cars, while in 1987 Greg Carr , win the Australian rally Championship with the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV V6. Sedan (automobile) A sedan or saloon ( British English ) is a passenger car in a three-box configuration with separate compartments for an engine, passengers, and cargo. The first recorded use of sedan in reference to an automobile body occurred in 1912. The name derives from
5785-399: The number of the car out of the series of 350 (XXX of 350). Later there was the GTV 6 2.5 Maratona, of which only 150 were built. The Maratona model included a more aggressive aerodynamic trim package, lightweight Speedline wheels, clear engine view port, sunroof, wood steering wheel and shift knob, rear louvers and Carello fog lamps. All 150 cars were available only painted silver and with
5874-750: The outside, the different induction system of the GTV6 3.0 required a new fiberglass bonnet with a prominent bulge. In the US market, the four-cylinder coupé was available from 1975 to 1977 under the moniker Alfetta GT , renamed the Sprint Veloce for the final two years of availability in 1978 and 1979. The Sprint Veloce received an engine upgrade as Alfa Romeo were coming to grips with the American emissions regulations, with power increased marginally to 111 hp (83 kW; 113 PS) at 5,000 rpm from 110 hp (82 kW; 112 PS) at 5,500 rpm. The engine
5963-449: The power output from 1,750 PS (1,287 kW) to 2,500 PS (1,839 kW). In 1925, Büchi invented sequential turbocharging, which according to Helmut Pucher (2012) marks the beginning of modern turbocharging technology. By the late 1920s, several manufacturers were producing large turbo-diesels for marine and stationary use, such as Sulzer Bros., MAN, Daimler-Benz, and Paxman. Subsequent improvements in technology made feasible
6052-569: The power output of a diesel engine, bringing the peak power-to-weight ratio closer to that of an equivalent petrol engine. Improvements in power, fuel economy, and noise, vibration, and harshness in both small- and large-capacity turbodiesels over the last decade have spurred their widespread adoption in certain markets, notably in Europe where they (as of 2014) make up over 50% of new car registrations. Turbodiesels are generally considered more flexible for automotive uses than naturally aspirated Diesel engines. Turbodiesels can be designed to have
6141-583: The powerful 2-litre GTAm engine. In this form they were rallied with moderate success in 1975, winning the Elba and Costa Brava rallies overall, as well as winning the Group 2 category in the World Rally Championship's Corsican event. The next year Autodelta shifted its focus to circuit racing the Alfettas, which won the under 2.5-liter Group 2 division of the European Touring Car Championship , scoring
6230-419: The rear window. Inside there were a redesigned dashboard and instrumentation, new door panels and the check control panel from the Quadrifoglio Oro on all models. Top of the range models adopted an overhead console, which extended for the full length of the roof and housed three reading spot lamps, a central ceiling light, and controls for the electric windows. Alongside the facelift two new models were introduced:
6319-786: The request of the German Alfa importer in 1977, where they were sold for DM 50,000, considerably more than the DM20,990 charged for an Alfetta GTV2000. In 1980 the Alfetta GTV Turbodelta was already homologated in FIA Group 4 , since the required number of production engines had been built and fitted to Alfetta Turbodelta Stradale and Nuova Giulietta Turbodelta models. A racing version was campaigned in rallies and developed during 1979 and 1980 seasons: entries backed by Jolly Club were driven by Pregliasco, Ormezzano and Verini. The last development of
6408-429: The same model. To avoid confusion, the term hatchback sedan is not often used. There have been many sedans with a fastback style. Hardtop sedans were a popular body style in the United States from the 1950s to the 1970s. Hardtops are manufactured without a B-pillar leaving uninterrupted open space or, when closed, glass along the side of the vehicle. The top was intended to look like a convertible's top. However, it
6497-444: The second series of the Alfa 6 as well. The GTV went through a number of revisions, including new gear ratios and an updated interior in 1984. The GTV 6 was also a fairly successful racing car; the 116 type chassis developed for racing since its first outing in the 1974 San Martino di Castrozza rallye. The racing successes included winning the European Touring Car Championship an unprecedented four years in succession (1982–85),
6586-495: The term sedan is used (accented as sedán in Spanish). In British English , a car of this configuration is called a saloon ( / s ə ˈ l u n / ). Hatchback sedans are known simply as hatchbacks (not hatchback saloons ); long-wheelbase luxury saloons with a division between the driver and passengers are limousines . In Australia and New Zealand , sedan is now predominantly used; they were previously simply cars. In
6675-546: The typical characteristics of sedans are: It is sometimes suggested that sedans must have four doors (to provide a simple distinction between sedans and two-door coupés ); others state that a sedan can have four or two doors. Although the sloping rear roofline defined the coupe, the design element has become common on many body styles with manufacturers increasingly "cross-pollinating" the style so that terms such as sedan and coupé have been loosely interpreted as "'four-door coupes' - an inherent contradiction in terms." When
6764-448: The use of turbochargers on smaller engines that ran at higher engine speeds, so turbo-diesel locomotive engines began appearing in the late 1940s. In 1951, MAN built the K6V 30/45 m.H.A., 1 MW prototype engine, which had, for its time, an exceptionally low fuel consumption of just 135.8 g/PSh (184.6 g/kWh), equivalent to an efficiency of 45.7 per cent. This was possible because of
6853-563: The world since it was Italian former Prime Minister Aldo Moro 's official escort car when he was kidnapped by the Red Brigades . South African models were first assembled at the Rosslyn manufacturing plant located outside Pretoria . These early 1973 models were manufactured alongside Datsuns. From 1974 South African Alfettas were manufactured at Alfa Romeo's own Brits plant. The 1600 model, with single headlamps as in Europe, arrived to complement
6942-528: Was catalyzed and had a new intake manifold, based on alterations originally developed for California-market cars. It was one of Road & Track's 10 Best Cars For a Changed World . Finally, the V6 version was marketed from 1981 to 1986 as the GTV-6 . For the US market, two limited production GTV-6 models stand out. The GTV6 Balocco (named after the famous Alfa Romeo's Balocco test track in Italy) introduced in 1982 with
7031-414: Was characterised by twin, equal-sized headlamps visually connected to a central narrow Alfa Romeo shield by three chrome bars, while the taillights featured three square elements. At the 1975 Brussels Motor Show Alfa Romeo introduced the 1,594 cc (97 cu in), 108 PS (DIN) Alfetta 1.6 base model, distinguished by its single, larger round front headlamps. Meanwhile, the 1.8-litre Alfetta
7120-629: Was distinguished from the 1.6 version by twin chrome whiskers in the grille and GTV scripts carved in the ventilation vents on the C-pillar . In 1979, some minor revisions, including a revised engine with new camshaft profiles and a change to mechanical-and-vacuum ignition advance, saw the 2.0-litre redesignated the Alfetta GTV ;2000L. Autodelta also introduced a limited edition 2.0-litre turbocharged model, named Turbodelta , of which 400 were made for FIA Group 4 homologation . This version used
7209-543: Was fixed and made of hard material that did not fold. All manufacturers in the United States from the early 1950s into the 1970s provided at least a 2-door hardtop model in their range and a 4-door hardtop. The lack of side bracing demanded a strong, heavy chassis frame to combat unavoidable flexing. The pillarless design was also available in four-door models using unibody construction. For example, Chrysler moved to unibody designs for most of its models in 1960 and American Motors Corporation offered four-door sedans, as well
7298-473: Was found to reduce fuel consumption by 12% in comparison to a CEM fuel-injected engine without variable displacement, and almost by 25% in comparison to the regular production carburetted 2.0-litre engines. In 1983 after the first trial, a small series of 1,000 examples was put on sale, offered to selected clients; 991 examples were ultimately produced. Despite this second experimental phase, the project development ended. Fuel injected, US-specification versions of
7387-408: Was gearing up to assemble them, 100 fully built-up cars were brought in from Italy. These received a numbered plaque on the front wheel arch, just ahead of the door. South Africa was one of two markets to have a turbocharged GTV 6, with a Garrett turbocharger and a NACA intake. An estimated 750 were assembled before all local Alfa production ceased in 1986. The South African market also introduced
7476-552: Was introduced in 1985 in some European markets (most notably Switzerland and Germany). It featured a body kit designed by Rayton Fissore . A GTV 6 was driven to victory by Greg Carr and Fred Gocentas in the 1987 Australian Rally Championship . South African models were first assembled at the Rosslyn manufacturing plant, located outside Pretoria . These early 1973 models were manufactured alongside Datsuns. From 1974 South African Alfettas were manufactured at Alfa Romeo's own Brits plant. The GTV6 2.5 arrived in 1982; while Brits
7565-621: Was introduced in late 1979, the Alfetta Turbo D , whose engine was supplied by VM Motori . Apart from a boot lid badge, the Turbo D was equipped and finished like the top-of-the-line 2000 L both outside and inside. Therefore, it received a tachometer, but no standard power steering, despite an additional 100 kg (220 lb) carried by the front axle. The turbodiesel engine, a first on an Alfa Romeo's passenger car, displaced 2.0 litres and produced 82 PS (60 kW; 81 hp). The Alfetta Turbo D
7654-555: Was marketed mostly in Italy and in France, as well as a few other continental European markets with a favorable tax structure. In 1981, Alfa Romeo developed a semi-experimental Alfetta model in collaboration with the University of Genoa , fitted with a modular variable displacement engine and an electronic engine control unit . This model was called the Alfetta CEM ( Controllo Elettronico del Motore , or Electronic Engine Management), it
7743-451: Was rebadged Alfetta 1.8 and a few months later mildly restyled, further set apart from the 1.6 by a new grille with a wider central shield and horizontal chrome bars. Engines in both models were Alfa Romeo Twin Cams , with two overhead camshafts , 8- valves and two double-barrel carburettors . Two years later the 1.6 was upgraded to the exterior and interior features of the 1.8 model. In 1977
7832-598: Was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show . The 130 PS (96 kW; 128 bhp) 2.0-litre modular engine featured fuel injection and ignition systems governed by an engine control unit, which could shut off two out of four cylinders as needed in order to reduce fuel consumption. An initial batch of ten examples were assigned to taxi drivers in Milan, to verify operation and performance in real-world situations. According to Alfa Romeo, during these tests cylinder deactivation
7921-469: Was undertaken by several companies through the 1960s and 1970s. Rover built a prototype 2.5 L four-cylinder turbo-diesel in 1963, and Mercedes-Benz used a five-cylinder intercooled turbo-diesel engine in the 1976 Mercedes-Benz C111-IID experimental vehicle. The first turbo-diesel production car was the Mercedes-Benz 300SD (W116) saloon, which was sold in the United States from mid-1978 and powered by
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