145 CLOVERLEAF AND 146 ti - SET TO RAISE CLASS STANDARDS Following a spectacular year-on-year sales growth of over 60 per cent in 1995, and almost 100 per cent in 1996, Alfa Romeo’s renaissance in the UK is set to continue in 1997, with the introduction of further new versions of the 145 3-dr and 146 5-dr ranges.

Meanwhile, the 145 Cloverleaf and 146 ti, the two 150 bhp ’flagship’ versions, which went on sale in the UK at the end of February 1996, continue to excite marque enthusiasts and keen drivers alike.

In essence, Alfa Romeo has combined the stylish good looks of the 145 and 146 with a powerful new 150 bhp 2-litre 16V Twin Spark engine operating in conjunction with a brand new transmission. Notable features of this widely acclaimed new Alfa Romeo engine include two spark plugs per cylinder, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, hydraulic tappets, the latest generation Bosch Motronic engine management system, a steel crankshaft with eight counterweights, and counter-rotating balancer shafts for notable refinement.

Performance, as expected from an Alfa Romeo, is impressive. The 145 Cloverleaf reaches 62 mph from a standing start in 8.4 seconds, (146 ti : 8.5 seconds). Both models have a maximum speed of 130 mph.

Sportscar dynamics

The impressive performance on offer from these new versions continues to reaffirm the sporting heart of the Alfa Romeo marque, but engineering changes go far beyond the new high performance engine. With a reduction in ride height of 10mm, the new cars benefit from a flatter, more sporting ride and notably reduced body role. Visually, the reduced ride height accentuates their sporting nature and bold distinctive looks.

The front suspension design and set-up shadows that found on the latest generation 155, Spider and GTV, resulting in noticeably sharper handling, increased roadholding and greater stability.

Further engineering changes include wide 195/55VR 15 tyres together with segmented gas dampers and Alfa Romeo’s acclaimed new high ratio sports steering rack - as featured on the new GTV and Spider sportscars. With just 2.1 turns lock-to-lock, this power steering system offers class-leading precision and responses, enhancing the pronounced sporting character of the new models.

Comfort behind the wheel is assisted by the provision of an adjustable steering column and height-adjustable seats, while fast, slick gear changes are the order of the day with Alfa Romeo’s new sports five-speed gearbox.

Safety

Commitment to engineering excellence extends further than an enhancement of driving appeal, with safety factors an overriding concern for Alfa Romeo’s engineers and designers. Class-leading bodyshell torsional stiffness (85,000kg/radion), crumple zones, a split cross-over braking circuit, telescopic steering column, standard equipment ABS anti-lock brakes, fire-retardant upholstery, safety cage reinforcement around the doors, roof rails, sills and B pillars, together with anti-submarining seats, airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, an on-board Fire Prevention System and high strength tubular steel side impact bars in all doors ensure that both models meet the most demanding safety criteria.

Visual cues

Both new models are distinguished by a number of external changes which further emphasise their sporting nature, in the best Alfa Romeo tradition. The 145 Cloverleaf is identifiable by the subtle use of the famous green Cloverleaf badge on new colour-coded sideskirts and the rear tailgate. The 146 ti is distinguished by the famous Alfa Romeo ti badge and a rear spoiler. Both models are equipped with new design 15" alloy wheels and colour-coded door mirror surrounds.

The pronounced sporting character of these cars has also been reflected inside, where Alfa Romeo customers will be greeted by sports instrumentation graphics, a three spoke leather-bound steering wheel, leather gear knob, and new height-adjustable sports seats trimmed in a stylish two tone grey fabric.

Standard CD multiplayer

Equipment levels are extensive, with the latest generation ABS anti-lock braking, driver’s airbag, power steering, central locking, sophisticated immobiliser and alarm, front electric windows, electric rear hatch release, electrically operated heated door mirrors, foglights and headlamp wash as standard equipment.

Creature comforts are further enhanced with the addition of a stereo radio cassette player with six speakers together with a boot-mounted CD autochanger included in the standard equipment package.

Security

Security concerns have been addressed with the fitting of a sophisticated immobiliser and remote control alarm system as standard equipment. As an additional deterrent, all windows are etched with the vehicle’s identification number and eight digit vehicle chassis number prior to sale, and each vehicle is automatically registered with the NVRA.

Three year mechanical warranty

All models in the Alfa Romeo range are offered with a comprehensive warranty package, including an 8-year corrosion protection warranty, a 3 year paint warranty and a 3 year/60,000 mile mechanical warranty.