Alfa 155

The Alfa Romeo 155 was a mid-size sedan automobile produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo between 1992 and 1998.


1.7 Twin Spark, 1.8 Twin Spark and 2.0 Twin Spark engines were available, the latter two with variable valve timing. Two four-cylinder turbo diesel engines, a 1.9 (92bhp) and a 2.5 (125bhp) were available in some markets. At the top of the 155 range were the 2.5 V6, using an engine derived from the 3.0 V6 used in the 164, and the Q4, which used drivetrain derived from the Lancia Delta Integrale, including a 190bhp 2.0 16V turbocharged engine and permanent four wheel drive. The Q4 also incorporated three differential gears (normal at the front, epicyclic at the centre (including a Ferguson viscous coupling) and torsen self-locking at the rear). Both the 2.5 V6 and Q4 models were also available with electronically adjustable suspension with two damper settings (automatic and sport).


In 1995 the 155 was given an extensive revamp giving the car wider front and rear wheel bases. Other changes included a multi-valve cylinder head incorporated into the Twin Spark engine and revised steering rack and suspension. Series 2 155s can be distinguished from their earlier counterparts by their flared front wheel arches. The engine range was also altered, with the 1.8 and 2.0 being upgraded to 16 valves, and the 1.7 replaced by an all-new 1.6 16v.


The 155 was phenonemonally successful in touring car racing, using the sporting variants GTA (for "super touring" specification championships) and V6 TI (for the DTM). Between 1992 and 1994, the 155 managed to take the Italian Superturismo championship, the German DTM championship (both with Nicola Larini at the wheel), the Spanish Touring Car Championship (with Adrian Campos), and the British Touring Car Championship (with Gabriele Tarquini). The 155 remained competitive until it was replaced with the 156, finishing third in the DTM (then known as the International Touring Car Championship, or ITC) in 1996 with Alessandro Nannini and winning the Spanish championship again in 1997 with Fabrizio Giovanardi. The 156 was to continue the high standard set by the 155, winning the European Touring Car Championship multiple times.




Timeline
1992 - 155 launched
1993 - Grill changed from flushed to recessed
1994 - 155 Silverstone introduced to the British market, 155 Q4 and turbodiesels to some markets
1995 - new "widebody" series 2 155 launched with wider wheelbase, initially only with 2.0 16v engine. Quickrack fitted
1996 - widebody with 1.8 16v engine introduced
1998 - production ends