But sports sedan buyers with any respect would most likely opt for the 3.2-L V6. It offers what is no doubt a much more satisfying 240-hp and 213 lb-ft of torque. While still not in the Infiniti G35 range, its horsepower at least surpasses such benchmarks as the Audi A4 3.0, the BMW 330i, and Mercedes-Benz C320. But it's not just the power produced by an Alfa Romeo engine that makes it special, it's the song it sings. Nothing this side of a Ferrari V8 sounds as sweet.
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| The 166 is another in the long line of front-wheel drive Alfas, and is said to be more than capable in the corners. (Photo: Alfa Romeo) |
The 164 that left our shores almost a decade ago was the first we saw of what has become a long line of front-wheel drive Alfas. The majority of sports sedan buyers prefer rear or all-wheel drive, but just the same the 164S I drove proved to be more than capable in the corners. The same configuration remains in the 166, actuated via a drive-by-wire throttle and 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic gearbox, the latter with Sportronic sequential shifting. A Sport Throttle Response system is mounted next to the gear lever, said to enhance the car's overall driving dynamics measurably.
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| Alfa's engineers have spent a great deal of time, effort and no doubt money, developing a better handling car, that is also said to deliver up a more compliant ride. (Photo: Alfa Romeo) |
As expected a fully-independent suspension system makes quick work of tight corners and up and down undulations, what is reported to be a fine match to the capable drivetrain. It features high mounted wishbones at the front, reportedly a Formula 1 derived technique, plus a multilink suspension at the rear.
Back to the front suspension, Alfa has come up with a unique arrangement that replaces the conventional strut with an articulated strut, comprising three "separate and interconnecting elements," or whatever that highly technical bit of jargon pulled from the press materials means. In the end, Alfa's engineers have spent a great deal of time, effort and no doubt money, developing a better handling car that is also said to deliver up a more compliant ride.