The Alfa Romeo 147, currently in its seventh year of production, has undergone a Ducati Corse treatment, boasting a more aggressive look combined with a number of performance-enhancing technical tweaks. Today Alfa Romeo announced that the limited special series 147 Ducati Corse will be premiered in Bologna, Italy on December 5, 2007.
Powered by a new 170 bhp 1.9 JTDM turbodiesel engine, the 147 Ducati will perform a 0-100 km/h sprint in 8 seconds and reach a top speed of 215 km/h. Coupled with Alfa's recently launched Q2 self-locking front differential system, Alfa claims that the car should "improve roadhold, traction and stability" while offering less understeer during acceleration, something powerful front-wheel driven Alfas have never had a shortage of.
Over a standard 147 the Ducati Corse offers a whole lot of "racing ambiance." For starters, inside the cockpit you'll find a sport button, which "varies the mapping of the accelerator pedal," giving you a choice between a 'touristy' mapping or a sportier configuration. Given a choice between three colors (red, black and white) and the optional red brake calipers, the Ducati Corse offers chromed exhaust pipes, a satin-finished grille 18" alloys with a red edging as standard equipment. Inside you'll find Ducati Corse inspired interior combined with a proper BOSE audio system.
The 147, a follow up to the classic 145 and 146, was launched in October 2000 and has been a commercial success with over 360,000 sold units in its first four years on the market. In the fall of 2006 the 147 went through a facelift with minor exterior modifications. Still a over a year from the expected launch of the successor - the Alfa 149, the Ducati Corse model should offer a good combination of performance and style for true Alfa enthusiasts.
The Alfa 147 Ducati Corse will be available in Italy, the main European markets, Japan as well as Australia.
Press Release
The brand-new Alfa 147 Ducati Corse
Two versions of the brand-new Alfa 147 Ducati Corse will be on show at Bologna: a Special Series developed from the successful partnership between two great Italian names who have written memorable pages of the history of international racing. Only a limited number of the special series will be produced.
The Alfa 147 Ducati Corse has a new 1.9 JTDM engine (170 bhp) which accelerates from 0-100 kph in just 8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 215 Kph.
The powerful 1.9 JTDM 170 bhp engine is paired with the “Q2” system (self-locking front differential) which significantly improves roadhold, traction and stability while reducing understeer during acceleration and intervention of electronic control systems. Specifically, the Torsen “Q2” system is responsible for the continuous dynamic distribution of torque between the front drive wheels, depending on driving conditions and road surface. The self-locking differential combined with the quadrilateral front suspension allows the Alfa 147 to achieve handling performance and roadhold that are among the best in its class.
On the tunnel inside the cockpit there is a sport button which varies the mapping of the accelerator pedal. The driver has the option of a “touristy” mapping or a more sporty configuration which enhances the car’s response and makes for an even more exciting drive.
The exterior of the Alfa 147 Ducati Corse has a lowered suspension and a distinctively “tough” look that combines the stylistic features of Alfa Romeo and Ducati Corse. The body shell comes in three colours: Giulietta red, micalized black and ice white – and on request can be customised with livery to accentuate the car’s dynamic styling. The embossed “Ducati Corse” logo and chrome frame is placed below the indicators and on the rear hatch.
The well-designed customisation is another distinctive feature of the new Alfa 147 Ducati Corse, such as the chromed exhaust, red brake calipers (optional), satin-finished grille and whiskers. Exclusive features on this version are the 18” alloys with specific finish and red edging, reminiscent of the world of road going bikes.
Other signs of the sporting connection can be found inside the car, such as the dark roof, black front dash and pillars, the specially designed seats upholstered in black fabric with red stitching and the Ducati Corse logo on the front head rests. The steering wheel, gear lever sleeve and hand brake cover also feature the red/black colour contrast. Inside the car there is also an aluminium pedal board, aluminium-effect gear lever knob, kick panel with the Ducati Corse logo, instrument panel with red background and the Ducati Corse logo that emphasises the car's sporty character.
The Alfa 147 Ducati Corse, the essence of the best in Italian car manufacturing, will be sold in Italy, the main European markets and also Japan and Australia. It is fitted with a wide range of extras as standard: the dual-zone automatic climate control system, stereo system with CD and mp3 player and controls on the steering wheel, Bose system with amplifier and subwoofer, rear spoiler and VDC system.
5 December sees the launch of the original website www.livefaster.com - in the sense of living with more dynamism, not speed – which invites you to sample the thrill of the sporty drive to be had from the new Alfa 147 Ducati Corse, in complete safety. Visitors to the site can also take part in an entertaining competition, in which they can win an Alfa 147 Ducati Corse, tickets for the 2008 MotoGP and lots of Alfa Romeo accessories.
