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Alfa Romeo celebrates its 100th anniversary

1910 – 2010: Alfa Romeo celebrates a century of wins and world records

Alfa Romeo was officially established in Milan on 24 June 1910. That year, a group of entrepreneurs and businessmen acquired Società Italiana Automobili Darracq, the Italian branch of the French car maker, and its Portello workshops on the city outskirts, and established A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili – “Lombard Automobile Factory, Public Company”). The emblem underlined the new company's ties to the city of Milan: a red cross from the city's banner and the Visconti family "grass snake" ("Biscione" in Italian). The first car to sport it was the “24 HP”, a model that stood out from the very beginning for its mechanics, performance and driving pleasure - features which will become by-words for the brand.

The outbreak of World War I and limited resources created trouble for the company, which was acquired on 2 December 1915 by Neapolitan engineer and entrepreneur Nicola Romeo. The name was changed to “Alfa-Romeo”. The Portello plant, with a workforce of 2500 workers, was expanded and converted to war production. The plant made engine compressors, ammunition, aircraft engines and - starting in 1917 - trains. The company went back to making cars at the end of the war.

Alfa Romeo made a first important leap forward winning Targa Florio in 1923 (the brand's first of ten wins) with the “RL TF”, which was also the first appearance of the four-leaf clover (“quadrifoglio” in Italian) racing emblem, and then in 1925 with the “P2 Gran Premio”, that won the first Automobile World Championship in history, the first of Alfa Romeo's five victories.

In the meantime, Romeo replaced Alfa Chief Engineer Giuseppe Merosi, who had created the first models and joined the company back in 1910, with Vittorio Jano, technical creator of the great Alfas of the 1930s. His debut model was the “P2”, which was followed by the “6C 1500” (1928), “6C 1750” (1930), “8C 2300” (1931) and the “Gran Premio Tipo B-P3” (1932), all models which greatly contributed to increasing the “Quadrifoglio” prize record and elevated the technical prestige of cars made at the Portello plant. Jano was responsible for the legendary "8C" eight cylinder in-line engine with supercharger.

The 1930s were the years in which the Alfa Romeo legend took shape. Engine reliability was undisputed and the names of valorous drivers - Antonio Ascari, Gastone Brilli Peri, Giuseppe Campari, Enzo Ferrari, Tazio Nuvolari, Achille Varzi - were on everybody's lips. They won many legendary races: Mille Miglia (11 wins, an undefeated record), Le Mans 24 Hours (four consecutive editions), Targa Florio, and a very long list of international Grand Prix. In addition, the valuable indications arising from racing were transferred to standard production models.

The worldwide recession that followed the Wall Street Crash of 1929 had repercussions on Alfa's expansion: the company was taken over in 1933 by IRI (Istituto per la Ricostruzione Industriale - Industrial Reconstruction Institute). Ugo Gobbato was appointed Managing Director. He rationalised and reorganised production focusing on the core business of aircraft engines, industrial vehicles and touring and racing cars. The company left the world of racing in the year and its “8C2300B” cars were given to Scuderia Ferrari. Results were brilliant: Alfa won more races than any other manufacturer in 1934, and racing even outshone standard production in 1936. Aeronautic production reached nearly 80 percent of the entire yearly revenue. New orders came in, also from abroad, and a new plant was opened in Pomigliano d'Arco (Naples) at the end of the decade.

The outbreak of World War II on 10 June 1940 unsettled the company's ambitious plans. As most Italian industries, Alfa converted to war production and its plants were bombed by the Allies (the Portello plant ceased operations all together following the damage it received on 20 October 1944). Work resumed the following April after the peace treaty was signed but the workshops had been damaged and there were no components for making aircraft engines, coaches or cars. So the eight thousand workers of the Portello plant made electric cooking ranges, metallic furniture, doors, windows and shutters - in other words, the objects needed to rebuild a country.

Auto building was resumed only in 1946. Pre-war 6C 2500s rolled out of the factory and 158s salvaged from the debris raced on tracks. New versions (Freccia d'oro and Villa d'Este), fitting an innovative steering wheel mounted gear shift, soon arrived. The 1900, the first Alfa with monocoque body shell, was designed by Orazio Satta Puliga (who had joined the company in 1938) in 1950, and the first assembly chain was opened at the Portello plant. Racing wins multiplied. The supremacy of the Alfa 158 in Grand Prix was absolute and Nino Farina won the Formula 1 World Championship in 1950. In the following year was legendary Juan Manuel Fangio's turn: he won the second Championship behind the wheel of an Alfa Romeo 159 fitted with the most powerful 1500 engine ever made delivering 425 HP at over 300 km/h. Straight afterwards, Alfa decided to retire from Grand Prix competitions but kept on competing in the Sport category with the “1900 Disco Volante”, a flying-saucer shaped car capable of reaching a top speed of 225 km/h. In the meanwhile, the company concentrated on the production of standard cars, industrial vehicles, aircraft and naval engines, and diesel engines for industrial applications. Following the IRI reorganisation in 1948, Alfa passed into the Finmeccanica sub-holding.

“Giulietta Sprint” was introduced in 1954. This car - along with the “Spider” (1955) and the “berlina” (1955) - would be crucial, and not only for the history of Alfa: it established new parameters (this was the first standard car with a two-shaft engine entirely made of aluminium) and embodied Italy's willingness to emerge from the dark years of the war. Furthermore, it consolidated Alfa Romeo's vocation as "major auto maker". The 1960s started with the success of the “Giulia” (1962), which developed the philosophy of the earlier “Giulietta” with new proportions, forcing Alfa Romeo to expand the shop floor and open a new plant in Arese near Milan. At the end of its long, honoured career, “Giulia” and its spinoffs - the “Giulia Sprint GT” (1964), the “1600 Spider Duetto” (1966) and the “1750” in saloon, coupé and spider versions - reached the outstanding goal of one million units made. Racing activities continued throughout the decade. The Autodelta racing team was established and Alfa Romeo won on tracks worldwide with the “Giulia TZ” (1963), “TZ 2” (1965), “Giulia GTA” (1965) and “33” (from ’69 to ’71).

The 1960s were florid years for the company: cars were sold worldwide and ties with the United States market - still particularly lively today - were consolidated. As a result of the forward-thinking managerial skills of Giuseppe Luraghi, CEO until 1974, and the remarkable engineering skills of Orazio Satta Puliga, Alfa Chief Engineer, who created all the models up to the "Alfetta", Alfa Romeo reached the peak of its development. The Portello plant, by now incorporated in the spreading city of Milan, was insufficient. Production was gradually transferred to the new plant (with an area of over two million and a half square metres) which was opened in Arese and a prototype test track was opened in Balocco (Vercelli).

Following the high increase in demand, Alfa Romeo planned the opening of a new plant in Pomigliano d'Arco (Naples): the foundation stone was laid on 29 April 1968. Engineer Rudolf Hruska was called to design a new car: the "Alfasud", a compact entry-level car equipped with a number of sophisticated mechanical solutions (flat-4 “boxer” overhanging front engine), was introduced in 1971. Production of the “Alfetta” started in Arese the following year. This sporty saloon with sophisticated mechanics (longitudinal front engine, rear wheel drive, “De Dion” rear axle and transaxle) was leader in its segment for many years: the "Alfetta GT” (1974), followed by the lower segment “New Giulietta” (1977) saloon, were the backbone of production at the Arese plant. In the meantime Alfa Romeo took two World Championship titles: in 1975 with the 33 TT 12 (Manufacturers Championship), and in 1977 with the 33 SC 12 (Prototype Championship).

Troubles deriving from the social unrest of the seventies were felt across Italy and in Alfa Romeo. Despite this, the company pulled ahead preparing models and strategies for the forthcoming decade: the "Alfa 33”, replaced the "Alfasud” in 1983, the remarkable “Alfetta” was replaced by the "Alfa 90” (1984) and the "Alfa 75” (1985), the last of the “Alfetta” family, was introduced to celebrate the brand's 75th anniversary.

The company changed hands again in 1986, for the third time in its history. Fiat Group acquired Alfa Romeo, at that time producing the brand-new top-range saloon “164” (1987). The car's success would revive Alfa Romeo and the Arese plant. 1992 was the year of the “155”, remarkably successful in races. The “145” was introduced to replace the “33” in 1994 and the sporty “GTV” and “Spider” were launched the following year. The model of the 1990s revival was the “156” (1997). The sporty hatchback is the result of a new style and top-notch technical contents (like high double-wishbone front suspensions and common-rail diesel engine): it was sensationally successful on the market - awarded “Car of the Year” in 1998 - and on international race tracks taking many wins in the Touring category. The “166” replaced the “164” in 1998, and in 2000 “147” (also “Car of the Year”) replaced the “145” and was even more successful than its "big sister" the “156”, that in the meantime had complemented the range: the “GT”, a four-seat coupe, with a style concept reminiscent of the “Giulietta Sprint”, was introduced in the Autumn of 2003. The “159” replaced the “156” in 2005, evolving its style and implementing new proportions, engine versions and body configurations: the "Brera” coupe was introduced in the same year, followed by the new “Spider” in 2006.

Again in 2006, Alfa Romeo introduced the long-awaited “8C Competizione”, a very high performance coupe with a remarkable design that made it an “instant classic”. With only 500 units made, this supercar was for collectors and a handful of lucky owners. It was joined by the “8C Spider” in 2008, which maintained the same mechanical features and performance as the coupe. The Alfa Romeo MiTo, a compact car with a sporty look, for young motorists and everyone who want a distinctive, performing car, was introduced the same year.

Now is the turn of the brand-new “Giulietta” with the aim of reviving the brand in one of the most important segments in Europe. In the centenary year, the name is a tribute to an automotive legend which was key in the history of Alfa Romeo: the Giulietta is a car that, in the fifties, caught the imagination of generations of car enthusiasts, making the dream of owning an Alfa Romeo and enjoying the high level of comfort and technical excellence accessible for the first time. The Alfa Romeo Style Centre has designed the new Giulietta, a five-door hatchback with an unmistakable Alfa Romeo look, capable of expressing both great agility on the most demanding routes and providing comfort on everyday roads. This is the merit of the new "Compact" architecture. Using sophisticated suspension technical solutions, a dual pinion active steering, top-quality materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies, the Giulietta achieves excellent levels of on-board comfort, dynamic features and safety (both active and passive).

In South Africa, centenary celebrations are planned for later in the year – watch this space!

Pininfarina Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Concept

Alfa Romeo Giulietta: winter test drive in Sweden

Alfa Romeo at the 80th Geneva Motor Show

The Giulietta is the undisputed hero on the Alfa Romeo stand at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. A five-door hatchback, but with Alfa Romeo’s unmistakable architecture, the new Giulietta pay’s homage to the time-honoured history of the brand while at the same time, providing a new benchmark in the overcrowded and highly competitive C segment. This is thanks in part to the refined technical solutions employed for the suspension, the dual pinion active steering, the fine materials used as well as the manufacturing technologies implemented. From May* this year, the model will go on sale progressively in all the markets, but visitors to the show will be able to admire five different models: two Quadrifoglio Verde versions fitted with the 235 HP / 173 kW 1750 TBi petrol engine, two Distinctive versions with the 170 HP / 125 kW 2.0 JTDM diesel unit and a Distinctive version fitted with the 170 HP / 125 kW 1.4 MultiAir Turbo petrol engine. The name of the new car is an obvious tribute to the mythical Giulietta which, in the Fifties, caught the imagination of generations of car enthusiasts, making the dream of owning an Alfa Romeo and enjoying the high level of comfort and technical excellence accessible for the first time.

*Exact timing for right-hand drive production is still not known, but expect the new Giulietta to reach SA shores by the 4th quarter of 2010.

The spotlight will also be on the Alfa Romeo MiTo which will be showing off two highly interesting novelties in Geneva: the “Alfa TCT” and "Blue&Me–TomTom". The first new feature is an automatic dual dry clutch transmission which guarantees driving comfort and a sporty feeling well above those offered by conventional automatic transmissions, but improved efficiency and lower consumption levels. On the Alfa Mito, the new device is combined with the Start&Stop system in order to minimise consumption levels and CO2 emissions. In addition, the technological qualities of the Alfa Romeo MiTo are further enhanced by the second novelty to be presented namely, “Blue&Me–TomTom”, the latest version of the Blue&Me system. It is a fully integrated infotainment system with a practical colour touch-screen which allows you to manage phone calls, satellite navigation and all the driving information you need. The device is the result of a partnership between Fiat Group Automobiles and TomTom, the European leader in portable navigation systems, and integrates with the other car’s systems thanks to the Blue&Me system developed with Magneti Marelli.

The MiTo is shown in two versions at the show: a Distinctive 135 HP / 99 kW 1.4 MultiAir Turbo petrol (fitted with the “Alfa TCT” automatic transmission and the “Blue&Me–TomTom” portable satellite navigation system) and an exclusive MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde fitted with the powerful 170 HP / 125 kW 1.4 MultiAir Turbo petrol, an historical symbol of the brand, which now represents a new kind of sportiness that combines maximum driving pleasure with improved environmental qualities. Such as the outstanding weight/power ratio (6.7 kg/HP), guaranteeing record-breaking agility, plus an exceptional specific power of 124 HP/litre, a real first for this category. In addition, as far as the typical reduction in emissions and fuel consumption of downsizing is concerned, the 170 HP / 125 kW 1.4 MultiAir Turbo petrol records 139 g/km of CO2 and 4.8 l/100 km in the extra-urban cycle: figures you might expect from an economy car rather than a compact sports car that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just over seven seconds.

2010: A great year for Alfa Romeo - 2010-01-12

It’s official - the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 TBi is one of just eight finalists in the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists / Wesbank Car of the Year for 2010. All the finalists will be put through their paces in a rigorous testing programme that takes place in February - the winner will then be announced at a glittering function on the 18 March. But win or lose, the fact that the Alfa MiTo has made it to the finalists’ list is in itself an outstanding achievement, as the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists could select from well over 100 all-new models that made their way onto our roads during 2009.

The MiTo has been a success for the Alfa Romeo brand in South Africa with an average of 30 new MiTos per month finding new homes. This year, the MiTo range will be expanded with a 100 kW and 127 kW engine version (both revolutionary Multiair 1.4 turbo units). The 127 kW version will badged Quadrofoglio Verde and befitting its flagship status it will boast sportier styling, dynamic chassis mods plus a few other luxury add-ons. The newcomers are expected to debut in the 2nd quarter (April/May).

Of course, though, the really big news for Alfa Romeo in 2010 will be the launch of the much-anticipated Milano. This Golf-sized, five-door will set the proverbial cat amongst the hatchback pigeons thanks to its exquisite architecture and Multiair-based engine line-up. The SA line-up is not yet finalised but will most likely include two models at launch - a 127 kW 1.4 Turbo version and a range-topping 170 kW 1.8 Turbo Multiair (likely to be badged Quadrofoglio Verde). ETA is between 3rd & 4th quarter (October) – afterall we don’t want to steal any of the Soccer World Cup’s thunder!

Also currently under investigation for 2010 is the Alfa Brera & Spider with 1750 TBi engine – still not a certainty at this stage, but if it happens expect to see these stunners within the first half of next year.

Last but certainly not least, this year will be a milestone for Alfa Romeo as it is the marque’s centenary year. Milan, Alfa Romeo’s birthplace, will be the centre of attention on the 23rd and 24th July when a whole host of centenary events are planned. In South Africa we will also celebrate this momentous achievement, but later in the year to coincide with the launch of Milano.

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Alfa Romeo Giulietta to debut in SA - 2010-01-05

This is truly a red-letter year – the shroud of secrecy surrounding Alfa Romeo’s most highly anticipated new C-segment hatch has finally been lifted. It’s name? The Alfa Romeo Giulietta, possibly one of the most evocative names in motoring history.

The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulietta will be presented to the world at the forthcoming Geneva Car Show early in 2010. Sales of the new model will start in Europe in spring gradually be extended to all the major markets. Its South African debut is planned for the third quarter around October.

In the Centenary year, the name is a tribute to an automobile myth and Alfa Romeo. Produced by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the Alfa Giulietta is a sports car capable of expressing great agility on the most demanding routes whilst providing comfort on everyday roads.

Combining sportiness and elegance, the Alfa Giulietta is the result of Alfa Romeo's new direction in style and technology - an approach that started with the 8C Competizione supercar and which recalls the brand's glorious past while projecting its traditional values of technology and emotion into the future.

The Alfa Romeo Giulietta guarantees top level performance and next-generation technology in terms of technical solutions, performance and environmental friendliness. Four Turbo engines will be available at launch, all Euro 5 compliant and fitted with a standard “Start&Stop” system for reducing consumption and emissions: two petrol engines (1.4TB – 90 kW and 1.4TB MultiAir - 126 kW) and two diesel engines (1.6 JTDM – 78 kW and 2.0 JTDM – 126 kW, both belonging to the second generation of JTDM engines). Finally, the range is completed with the lively 1750 TBi – 175 kW with an exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde configuration. For South Africa the line-up is still to be defined but the two most likely engines are the 126 kW Multiair and the 175 kW Multiair in Quadrifoglio Verde guise.