Alfa Romeo SZ

Infobox Automobile


name = Alfa Romeo SZ & RZ
manufacturer = Alfa Romeo
parent_company = Fiat Group
aka = ES-30 or Il Mostro
production = 1989–1991 SZ
1992–1993 RZ
assembly = Terrazzano di Rho (MI), ItalyCite web|url=http://www.auto-gericke.de/sportwagen/318/alfa_romeo_sz_sz_coupe.html|title=Alfa Romeo SZ Coupé|accessdate=2008-01-23|work=auto-gericke.de De icon]
predecessor =
successor =
class = Sports car
body_style = coupe (SZ)
convertible (RZ)
layout = FR layout
platform =
engine = 3.0 L "V6"
transmission = 5-speed manual
wheelbase = 2510 mm (98.8 in.)
length = 4059 mm (159.8 in.)
width = 1730 mm (68.1 in.)
height = 1311 mm (51.6 in.) SZ
1300 mm (51.2 in.) RZ
ground_clearance =
front_track = 1463 mm (57.6 in.)
rear_track =
1425 mm (56.1 in.)
weight = 1256 kg (2769 lb) SZ
1380 kg (3042 lb) RZ
top_speed = 245 km/h (153 mph) SZ
230 km/h (143 mph) RZ
fuel_capacity =
related = Alfa Romeo 75
similar =
designer = Robert Opron/Antonio Castellana

The Alfa Romeo SZ (Sprint Zagato) or ES-30 (Experimental Sportscar 3.0 litre) was a high performance limited production sports car/road-concept car built between 1989 and 1991 with partnership via Centro Stile Zagato, Centro Stile Alfa Romeo and Centro Stile Fiat. It was unveiled as ES-30 in 1989 Geneva Motor Show as a prototype by Zagato, although the car was mainly built by them not designed mechanically.Cite web|url=http://www.ritzsite.net/Alfa_SZ-RZ/02_Alfa_SZ-RZ.htm|title=Alfa Romeo SZ 1989 - 1991: the berlinetta|accessdate=2007-06-26|work=ritzsite.net]

Robert Opron of the Fiat design studio was responsible for the initial sketches while Antonio Castellana was largely responsible for the final styling details and interior. Only the 'Z' logo of Zagato was kept.

Mechanically and engine-wise, the car was based on the Alfa Romeo 75, production being carried out by Zagato at Terrazzano di Rho near the Alfa factory in Arese. The thermoplastic injection moulded composite body panels were produced by Italian company Carplast and French company Stratime.

The suspension was taken from the Alfa 75 group A/IMSA car,Cite web|url=http://www.ritzsite.net/Alfa_SZ-RZ/02_Alfa_SZ-RZ.htm|title=Alfa Romeo SZ 1989 - 1991: the berlinetta|accessdate=2007-06-26|work=ritzsite.net] and modified by Giorgio Pianta, engineer and team manager of the Lancia and Fiat rally works team. A hydraulic damper system was made by Koni. The SZ was originally equipped with Pirelli P Zero tyres (front 205/55 ZR 16, rear 225/50 ZR 16) and is able to sustain over 1.1 G in cornering, some drivers could pull up to 1.4 G, which is very good value still today.Cite web|url=http://home.wxs.nl/~evdbeek/szstory02.html|title=The SZ & RZ ( ES-30 ) Story|accessdate=2007-06-26|work=home.wxs.nl/~evdbeek]

The two seater hard roof version also saw a convertible version, the RZ (for Roadster Zagato), produced from 1992 until September 1993.

Characteristics

* Engine: 3.0 V6 (2959 cc), Auto PS|210 at 6200 rpm,Auto Nm|245 at 4500 rpm
* SZ : Only one official colour scheme was available: Red wth grey roof, Tan leather interior
* One in black for Andrea Zagato
* RZ : Only three official colour schemes were available: Red with Black leather, Yellow with Black leather, and Black with Red leather interior
* Three in silver, one in pearlescent white
* 1036 SZs were produced (planned: 1000), about 100 were exported to Japan.Cite web|url=http://www.ritzsite.net/Alfa_SZ-RZ/02_Alfa_SZ-RZ.htm|title=Alfa Romeo SZ 1989 - 1991: the berlinetta|accessdate=2007-06-26|work=ritzsite.net]
* 284 RZs were produced (planned 350) [Zagato production 1990-2000, Giorgio Nada]

Appearances in media

* Featured in Project Gotham Racing 4

* Was Batou's car in the film Ghost in the Shell

* Appears in the title graphics for the game Super Cars II

* Appears in the television show Top Gear when presenter James May tries to record their opening theme with the use of exhaust notes

References

External links

* [http://home.wxs.nl/~evdbeek/monster.html A lot of information about the Alfa Romeo SZ and RZ by E v.d. Beek.]