Alfa Romeo Alfetta
The Alfa Romeo Alfetta (Type 116) is a front-engine, five-passenger sedan and fastback coupé manufactured and marketed by Alfa Romeo from 1972 to 1987 with a production total over 400,000.
| Alfa Romeo Alfetta | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Alfa Romeo |
| Production | 1972–1987 |
| Assembly |
|
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 2-door coupé |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Related | Alfa Romeo Giulietta (116) Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 Alfa Romeo 90 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Twin Cam I4 (petrol) Alfa Romeo V6 (petrol) VM Motori I4 (turbodiesel) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,510 mm (98.8 in) (Berlina) 2,400 mm (94.5 in) (GT) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Alfa Romeo 1750 and 2000 (Sedan) Alfa Romeo 105/115 Series Coupés |
| Successor | Alfa Romeo 90 (Sedan) Alfa Romeo GTV (916) |
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 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, derived from the nickname of the Alfa Romeo Tipo 159 Alfetta, a successful Formula One car which in its last (1951) iteration paired a transaxle layout to De Dion tube rear suspension — like its modern namesake.