The chassis is originally based on the Tipo
platform but is heavily modified with MacPherson strut front and an all new multilink rear suspension. The latter mounts the suspension onto a light alloy subframe
which in turn is bolted to the car. Through careful design of geometry and bush compliance a small amount of rear wheel steer has also been included.
This results in exceptional handling, which has been praised by many journalists, a factor
which is further improved through the use of a very quick steering rack, with just 2.1 turns lock to lock.
The GTV accomodates two (plus two!), whilst the Spider is strictly for two. The open topped car features a folding soft-top, with a five hoop
frame, which completely disappears from site under a flush fitting cover. An electric folding mechanism is fitted on some versions. As would be expected the GTV has
a much more rigid chassis, although considerable work was (successfully) done to ensure that the Spider does not suffer from scuttleshake.
A mid-life update in 1998 is recogniseable
by the addition of a chrome rim around the Alfa shield in the bonnet, whilst
a more significant change was the addition of an (optional) six-speed gearbox
for the 3.0 24V version. Various other details were changed and the cockpit
was slightly redesigned.
More significantly facelifted versions of both the Spider and GTV were relased at the Geneva Motorshow 2003.
Both got a much deeper 147-style front grille, whilst the GTV also gained a significant power boost with the addition of a
a 240bhp 3.2-litre 24V V6 engine. A variety of detail modifications were also carried out to the interior, suspension etc. Official preview pictures can be seen
here, whilst images of the cars at the motorshow are here.
The
GTV coupe and Spider convertible were launched at the Geneva Motorshow in March 1995, after a long period
where Alfa Romeo had no real sporting models in its range. Really the spiritual
successors to the Betone GTV coupés
and the Duetto Spider respectively, both were
designed in-house at Alfa Romeo (with some assistance from Pininfarina).
Power came from any of the following;
a 1747cc twin spark 16V (144bhp), a 1970cc twin spark 16V (155bhp), a 1996cc
V6 turbo (200bhp) or a 2959cc V6 (12V with 192bhp or 24V with 220bhp).
The latter was the fastest production Alfa Romeo to date when new.
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Technical Details
| Driveline | transverse engine at front with front wheel drive |
| Suspension | front : McPherson strut with telescopic dampers and coil springs plus anti-roll bar
rear : independent multilink with telescopic dampers and coil springs plus anti-roll bar wheelbase : 2540mm front track : 1449mm (3.0 V6 : 1508mm) rear track : 1487mm (3.0 V6 : 1530mm) |
| Brakes | front : discs, ventilated, diameter 284mm (305mm on 3.0 V6)
rear : discs, diameter 240mm handbrake operating on the rear via cable dual hydraulic circuit with servo assistance |
| Gearbox | 5 or 6 speed manual |
| Steering | Rack and pinion with hydraulic power assist |
| Kerb weight | GTV 2.0TS : 1370kg; 3.0 V6 : 1415kg; 2.0 V6 turbo : 1430kg
Spider 2.0TS : 1370kg (61% front, 39% rear) |
Monoposto
A one-off prototype for a racing car, the Monoposto was effectively a modified Spider, fitted with the 3.0 V6 from the GTV. Modified aerodynamics saw (apart from the removale of the windscreen) a new front and rear bumper, as well as a rigid (albeit removable) tonneau hiding a rather small passenger seat. Other touches included a 70's prototype style rear-view mirror and an F1 style in-car camera. Various options were studied, including producing a kit for existing Spiders, a limited run for a one-make series and others, but in the end it remained a single prototype.
Performance
| model | max speed | 0-60mph | in gear acceleration |
| GTV 2.0TS | 129 mph | 8.0 sec | 11.1 sec (50-70 in 5th) |
| GTV 3.0 V6 | 145 mph | 6.6 sec | 8.8 sec (50-70 in 5th) |
| GTV 2.0 V6 turbo | 146 mph | 7.4 sec | |
| Spider 2.0TS | 122 mph | 9.4 sec | 12.8 sec (50-70 in 5th) |
Tuning
The brakes can be improved by using a higher specification fluid, fitting drilled
and grooved discs, using a superior pad compound and fitting stainless
steel braided flexible hoses.
Dampers and springs are readily available
for the Spider and GTV which will improve the handling, and a strut brace
can be fitted at the front to increase the stiffness of the bodyshell. The rubber
bushes can also be replaced by items made from less compliant material.
Easily
carried out modifications include installation of a free-flow air filter
(a cold air duct is also a worthy mod) and fitment of a less restrictive
exhaust system to improve the driveability, 'Chips' are also available
which (claim to) increase the power, driveability and torque all at the
same time. There are also companies offering such accessories as traction
control and launch control, and for those desiring yet more power, 3.5
litre conversions.
Buying / Selling
As well as all the normal checks, look
particularly at the following :
1. Uneven tyre wear at the front (especially
inner the edges) which usually indicates that the tracking will need readjusting
(relatively inexpensive).
Try
your nearest Alfa Romeo dealer....
2. Uneven tyre wear at the rear (accompanied
by a knocking noise) can indicate loose suspension bolts (rear link).
3. Correct funtioning of the air-conditioning (if fitted).
4. Ensure you get the brown 'master' key
in case you lose the others.
Links
An owner's specialised GTV V6 website.
There is also a list of all our picture galleries (including museums,
motorshows and various events).
Wallpapers/Desktop Backgrounds of numerous Alfa Romeo's also available to download.
For books on Alfa Romeo see our Online Bookstore
Spider/GTV comment form
Your Comments
Hi my name is Frank A. from
the Dominican Republic, I have a 98 V6 Spider and I love it! Its beauty
and powerful is incomparable, in it I feel more glamorous than in a Mercedes
or BMW or whatever, that is the best Italian car ever designed, this car
have what others car miss, that is personality, its unique.
I bought my 2.0 Spider Lusso new this Summer and what a car! I love it! If you want a convertable sports car and you
can afford a Spider, get it. It looks better, handles better and goes better than the MX5 and Z3 brigade, which I have driven. Next year I am going for
the 3.0 GTV and my order is being placed very soon. There is just something about Alfa Romeos and since I have had my Spider I have gone out and
got myself a 146 as a run-about too. They really are fabulous cars. I can't stop smiling! (Si, UK)
Hello a weeks ago I bought a GTV 2.0 TS, sold my old audi coupe. You know the reason I bought the car was because of it's stunning looks, I thought even if it's not
that quick or good handling,then i wouldn't care because it looks gorgeous, but guess what it drives as good as it looks, fantastic car if you are
thinking of buying one don't think, just go for it, oh sure it's italian and I'm sure it will have niggling problems, but hey who cares, just drive a GTV, then find yourself stopping
just so you can get out and look at it. (Gav, Scotland)
Hi my name is Alex. I have just bought a GTV 2.0 TS and I think it is the best car I have ever owned! I had a 156 1.8TS before this and found it a bit slow.
Only thing is the back seats are a bit of a joke. (Al,UK)
Hello a weeks ago i bought a gtv 2.0 ts, sold my old audi coupe.
You know the reason i bought the car was because of it's stunning looks, i thought even if it's not that quick or good handling,then i wouldn't care because it looks gorgeous, but guess what it drives as
good as it looks, fantastic car if you are thinking of buying one don't think, just go for it, oh sure it's italian and i'm sure it will have niggling problems, but hey who cares, just drive a gtv, then find
yourself stopping just so you can get out and look at it. (Gav, Scotland)
I've just purchased a GTV
16v TS and it's wonderful. I can't stop grinning inanely and even driving
to work is now a pleasure. (Chaz, UK)
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