The Q4 four-wheel-drive system (Viscomatic) was co-developed with the Austrian company Steyr-Puch. The system was very advanced when compared to other 4WD systems at that time. The system consisted of a viscous coupling unit, central epicyclic differential and Torsen differential in the rear. The whole system is connected to ABS and Motronic units. The power driven to the rear axle is continuously variable from 0 to 100%, so the car can be fully front- or rear-wheel-drive as conditions require. Torque is distributed between axles depending on the speed, turning radius, engine rpms, throttle position and ABS parametrics. This model was equipped with a Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox.
I'm not sure I've ever heard of an AWD system that could go from 0-100% power at either axle?! Not to mention all the other 90's style and class that this car exudes. I've always been a fan of the 164 and known of the QV model, but this package really sounds well done.
I did a little surfing and here are some other pictures from around the web of this very hot car:
I'd have to say that last picture in the black/gray combo (like the car offered above) looks to have aged much better than the red two-tone. Just saying...
Paul sent me an IM tonight with this link and it's too good a deal not to share. If you're in the Pacific Northwest and looking for a modern-classic Alfa Romeo, this could be your car:
For sale is a very good condition GTV6 with 78k miles. I have owned it for about 10 years. Runs and drives great but has the usual fragile 2nd gear synchro. Tires are nearly new on period correct 15 inch OZ wheels. Windows work great, all gauges work as they should, as does all lights and signals. AC system is intact but missing the belt. Leather interior in good shape. Paint is shiny with minor defects here and there, no major dents or dings. Surface rust in spare tire well only. No leaks of any kind. I just had the timing belt, tensioner, water pump and all seals at the front of the engine replaced so I can drive it around for the summer. Always passes DEQ with ease. Sale includes original Campy wheels with tires.
Being a 1984 and 25 years old, this car qualifies for all kinds of 'classic' category events. It's been on my mind recently when thinking about shows, vintage racing, etc... For $3500, this looks like it'd be a great entry into that arena.
Posted by Dan | Posted in Automotive | Posted on 20-04-2009
Alex emailed me these pictures that he snapped over the weekend in a parking garage in Pasadena, California:
Spotted this beautiful Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione in a parking garage in Old Town Pasadena today (4/18/09). Alfa made 500 of this limited edition coupe, and only 90 were imported to the US in 2008.
Posted by Dan | Posted in Automotive | Posted on 11-11-2008
If the words 'Nürburgring Nordschleife' make you a little giddy, check out this great video from BridgeToGantry.com The video features the site owner and a friend who hit the track in a full downpour and make it look like kids play:
I've always thought the Alfa Romeo Milano (Alfa 75 to the rest of the world) was a pretty cool little car, and these guys really demonstrate their potential!
If you're like me and grew up lusting after unusual European sports models, the Alfa Romeo Milano Verde is on your list - the list of cool cars of course. I love the odd angles, old world suspension, and the oh-so-80's gaudy molding running the entire hip-line of the Milano. But the Verde ups the ante not only with special fit Recaro interior with every whacky 80's feature they could install, it also has the larger and more sporting 3.0L engine. When new in 1987, specs like 180hp and 0-60 in 7.7 seconds were very respectable. And with Super Unleaded running around $4.50 right now, the 35mpg highway looks appealing today.
Here is a rare car with ALOT of upgrades. There has been tons of work and money put into this car. Its a ALFA ROMEO MILANO 3.0 Verde.
super nice recaro seats, they have been redone at some point with factory material.
I'm not really feeling the DVD player and carbon fiber accents that have been added, as I think period correct updates would be more fitting. I do really like the wheels shown on the car in most of the pictures. Unfortunately the listing states they are not included, but that the car will come with some old school Zender rims -- which if they're in good shape, would be a period correct wheel and probably pretty desirable themselves.
Finally, this auction is no reserve with a starting bid of $3k. There is a buy-it-now shown for $6500 and only 3 days remaining. If this car slips under the radar and someone can snag it for close to $3k, that would be a stellar buy. On the other hand, $6500 looks really fair too.
1988 Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Convertable, this is the top of the line model loaded...38k Org. miles, 5sp, 2L dual cam motor, leather, original hardtop w/glass windows. Comes w/car cover, cockpit cover, and manuals. Also gets good gas mil. I have the title. Must sell, separation sale... $12,000 obo
Anytime I start considering a Miata on perfect spring days, I find myself battling internally if an Alfa Spider would be a better buy. It's classier, it has a pedigree, it's got styling provided by Pininfarina, and it should have soul being Italian. $11k sounds a bit rich, but there can't be many 88's in this condition, with the hardtop, with such low miles left anywhere. And I have to say the Black is pretty fetching! What would you pay? Leave a comment!
The design would take Legend Industries 18 months to figure it out where it would be viable and economical and still accomplish the task of providing Fiat with a powerful version of their already very successful 124 line. The results, a Spyder that would outperform the Triumph TR8 and the Porsche 924 Turbo. Road & Track, Car & Driver and Motor Trend magazines all would taught this car as a champion amongst its competitors.
This has got to be one of the finest Pininfarina Spiders in the Country! With only 24,000 original one owner miles this beautiful automobile is destined for investment appreciation. These cars are becoming increasingly harder to find in excellent condition so this one is a rare find indeed.
The owner is asking $15k and the thread gets pretty cluttered with board member opinions on how much the car is actually worth. It's been for sale for a while, so what do you think?
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