Car Talk - Non S2000 General Motoring and Non S2000 Car Talk

Cloverleaf Badge Returns

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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 04:25 AM
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Default Cloverleaf Badge Returns

This just makes me so sad...


From PH

A new version of Alfa Romeo Alfa Gt will be in the showrooms soon - and it will have the marque's iconic Cloverleaf badge on it.

The Cloverleaf is a rare symbol associated with Alfa's racing heritage and is meant to denote enhanced sports handling characteristics along with distinctive styling additions.

Topping the range is the 1.9JTDM 16V Cloverleaf Q2 170bhp, featuring a Q2 limited slip differential to deliver outstanding cornering ability, along with a sport button that varies the mapping of the throttle to give a normal or sporty accelerator response.

All Alfa GT Cloverleaf models come with a wide range of impressive additions with three versions sporting the subtle Cloverleaf badge on the boot lid, while the 170bhp version features the Cloverleaf inside a white triangle above the front wheel arch.

The Alfa GT line-up features ABS anti-lock braking with EBD, VDC with brake assist, dual zone air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted stereo controls and rear parking sensor.

The 170bhp 1.9 JTDM powers the Alfa GT Q2 Cloverleaf from 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 134mph; while the 150bhp 1.9 JTDM will accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 130mph.

The 2.0JTS engine version will accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.7 seconds, and reach a top speed of 134mph, while the 1.8 petrol engine version has a top speed of 124mph, with 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds.
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 07:27 AM
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170bhp 1.9 diesel sounds ok, but 0-62 in 8.2, thats not that impressive.

and the 2.0JTS in 8.7 thats poor !

Got to say they are good looking cars though, I miss my 156
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 07:55 AM
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I miss my Cloverleaf
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 07:57 AM
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seriously considering trading my Mondeo for a 159.
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 08:03 AM
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Chi ha mangiato tutte le torte?

(Pies decorated with cloverleafs, that is)
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Old Jun 24, 2008 | 11:38 PM
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Originally Posted by RobJ1,Jun 24 2008, 04:57 PM
seriously considering trading my Mondeo for a 159.
Why?

By all accounts the 159 / Brera platform is 'over engineered' and way over weight. None of them of particularly good mpg or performance as a result and the residuals are poor.

However, I think the 159 and Brera are both gorgeous to look at, but that's typically Alfa these days.

Considering how good looking the Sypder is, you rarely if ever see on on the roads which is a shame.

Even Alfa admit the misgivings with the Brera and 159, but I do hope they move to RWD across the range as they are doing on the new 169.
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 12:09 AM
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Originally Posted by RobJ1,Jun 24 2008, 03:57 PM
seriously considering trading my Mondeo for a 159.
and I'm seriously considering trading my beater for a Brera S.

They are simply beautiful - and with current weekday traffic conditions its difficult to maintain a decent 'cruising altitude'.

That, and a toy in the garage for weekends to me would make the perfect stable.
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Old Jun 26, 2008 | 01:41 PM
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I'm glad I traded the Volvo beater in the for the 156. Just nice to be in something a bit different. Actually it's nice to be in full stop.



Not a brilliant phone pic, I'm afraid ...
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Old Jun 26, 2008 | 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by moff,Jun 25 2008, 07:38 AM
Why?

By all accounts the 159 / Brera platform is 'over engineered' and way over weight. None of them of particularly good mpg or performance as a result and the residuals are poor.

However, I think the 159 and Brera are both gorgeous to look at, but that's typically Alfa these days.

Considering how good looking the Sypder is, you rarely if ever see on on the roads which is a shame.

Even Alfa admit the misgivings with the Brera and 159, but I do hope they move to RWD across the range as they are doing on the new 169.
I know Alfa's (except the GTA's) are not fast. I know they have reasonably high running costs. But they look good.

They feel nice to drive.

The layout of my old 156 just felt right, I have long arms and the wooden steering wheel was in the perfect possition. The gear stick took some getting used but felt perfect after a few 100 miles.

I havent driven a 159 yet, but if its anything like the 156 I will probably go for one. I believe they also have rear folding seats these days too !!
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Old Jun 26, 2008 | 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by RobJ1,Jun 26 2008, 02:41 PM
I havent driven a 159 yet, but if its anything like the 156 I will probably go for one. I believe they also have rear folding seats these days too !!
Blimey I actually saw one of these today - I had to do a double take, dont see many of them about! They are far too porky under the skin though, much too heavy. I know they have tried to put this model on a diet, but there is only so much that can be done (not a lot), until the next generation arrives.

Watching the Brera attempt the track on Top Gear was one of the funniest things I have ever seen, I just couldnt stop laughing! The body roll, the dive under braking, it was just hilarious!!!!! Plus, the overhangs are much too long /wheelbase appears too short - just a weird looking car!
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