Alfa Romeo 147

Infobox Automobile


name = Alfa Romeo 147
manufacturer = Alfa Romeo
parent_company = Fiat Group
assembly = Pomigliano d'Arco, ItalyCite web|url=http://www.fiatgroup.com/comuni/php/file_get.php?w=NDOPGL4LDI8MWXCPERTD|title=Main Fiat Group Automobiles Plants in the World|accessdate=2007-04-29|work=fiatgroup.com]
production = 2000-present
layout = FF layout
class = Small family car
body_style = 3 and 5-door hatchback
engine = Petrol:

• 1.6 L "TS" I4
• 2.0 L "TS" I4
• 3.2 L "V6"

Diesel:

• 1.9 L "JTD" I4

transmission= 5 and 6-speed manual
5 and 6-speed Seq. manual

• Magneti Marelli Selespeed

fuel_capacity = Convert|60|L|usgal impgal|0|abbr=on
GTA Convert|63|L|usgal impgal|0|abbr=on
front_track = 1518 mm (59.7 in.)
rear_track =
1502 mm (59.1 in.)
wheelbase = Auto mm|2546
length = Auto mm|4223
width = Auto mm|1729
height = Auto mm|1442
weight = 1200-1360 kg (2645-2998 lb)
predecessor = Alfa Romeo 145/146
successor = Alfa Romeo 149
related = Alfa Romeo GT
Alfa Romeo 156
designer = Walter de'SilvaThe Alfa Romeo 147 is a small family car produced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo since 2000. The 147 was also voted European Car of the Year for 2001.

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

As of 2008, the car is in its eighth year of production and is now one of the oldest small family cars on sale in Europe.

tyling

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, most notably for its more aggressive look. The 147 achieved a drag coefficient ("C"_d) of 0.32.Cite web|url=http://www.carzone.ie/newcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=Details&vehicle_id=45353620050215&strSpecs=SSCIRL2002|title=Alfa Romeo 147 2.0 SELESPEED Standard Features|accessdate=2007-08-07|work=carzone.ie]

Development

The 147 was facelifted in the end of 2004: new front grille, new headlights, new rear lights and interior was updated on all models besides the GTA version. Also new more powerful diesel engine arrived and suspension was also tweaked. In 2006 was launched 147 1.9 JTD Q2 version, which features a front Torsen limited slip differential. Alfa Romeo presented a new limited edition 147 called "Ducati Corse" In 2007 Bologna Motor Show. The car is equipped with Auto PS|170 JTD diesel engine and Q2, a front Torsen limited slip differential.Cite web|url=http://www.fiatgroupautomobilespress.com/index.php?method=cartelle&action=article&id=20071127150704b46a02bfdfdce8a5c244c89fd784c2e9&group=3|title=La nuovissima Alfa 147 Ducati Corse|accessdate=2007-11-28|work=fiatgroupautomobilespress.com]

The 147 is scheduled to be superseded by the new Alfa 149 in 2009.

High-performance versions

The hot hatch 147 GTA model was launched in 2002. The GTA used a 3.2 V6 engine, produced Auto PS|250 and could achieve a top speed of Auto kmh|246. 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.

Its competitors in Europe include the Audi S3, BMW 130i, Volkswagen Golf R32 and the Renault Megane RS.

London-based after-market tuner Autodelta has produced a "bored out" version of the GTA sporting a 3.7-litre V6, producing Auto bhp|328|0,Cite web|url=http://www.autodelta.co.uk|title=Autodelta range section|accessdate=2007-04-29|work=autodelta.co.uk] and a split-axle differential gear for the front wheels. Autodelta has made also a Rotrex supercharged version producing Auto bhp|400|-1.Cite web|url=http://www.autodelta.co.uk|title=Autodelta range section|accessdate=2007-04-29|work=autodelta.co.uk]

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 poor resale value in Great Britain. Cite web|url=http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/Review.aspx?model=1|title=Cars Reviews Alfa Romeo 147 (01 on)|accessdate=2007-04-29|work=parkers.co.uk] 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.Cite web|url=http://www.topgear.com/content/tgonbbc2/laptimes/thestig/|title=The Stig's Laptimes|accessdate=2007-08-07|work=topgear.com] 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....".Cite web|url=http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article844615.ece|title=Autodelta 147 GTA|accessdate=2007-08-07|work=driving.timesonline.co.uk]

Engines

At the moment there are three petrol engines (105 PS,120 PS,150 PS) and two diesel engines available (120 PS and 150 PS).

Petrol

Diesel

Connect

Connect is an on board information system: an on-board telematic system located in the central console that via its 5” monitor gives access to satellite navigation and hands-free GSM phone as well as allowing you to adjust the radio and CD player settings. If subscribed to the CONNECT system by simply pressing the green button you will be connected directly to a member of the service team for assistance.

Awards

The Alfa Romeo 147 has won more than 27 awardsCite web|url=http://www.alfa.co.nz/Showroom/Alfa_147/MenuId/96.aspx|title=Alfa Romeo 147|accessdate=2007-04-29|work=alfa.co.nz] 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
*Auto Importado del Año en Brasil - (Brazil Import car of the year) in 2002.

147 in motorsport

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 serie was driven alongside with World Touring Car Championship,Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2005/motorsport/touring_cars/european_alfa_challenge/03/2703.html|title=Racing news|accessdate=2007-12-10|work=italiaspeed.com] winner of 2005 season was Irish driver Eoin Murray. The car used on the series was Alfa 147 GTA Cup producing 220 bhp from its straight-4 1970 cc Twin Spark engine.

References

External links

* [http://www.alfa147collezione.co.uk/ alfa147collezione.co.uk]
* [http://www.alfaromeo.com/147 Official website of the 3-door version]
* [http://www.alfaromeo.com/147fivedoor Official website of the 5-door version]
* [http://www.imcdb.org/vehicles.php?make=Alfa+Romeo&model=147 Internet Movie Cars Database: Alfa Romeo 147 in movies and TV series]