23^rd January,  2002

156 V6 gains a new edge with 6-speed manual box

Alfa Romeo’s award-winning 156 is to get a new performance edge, with the launch of a six speed manual version.

To be available from Monday 11^th February, the new model mates Alfa's emotion stirring 2.5 litre 140 kW V6 engine to the new close ratio six speed gearbox,  enabling the 156 V6 to dispatch the dash to 100 kmh in just 7.3 seconds, while the top speed (where the law permits, of course) is lifted to 230 kmh.

"The new six speed gearbox will enable Alfa 156 V6 owners to extract even more driving excitement and satisfaction from the legendary Alfa Romeo V6 engine," said Kevin Wall, general manager for Alfa Romeo in Australia.

"The Alfa V6 is renowned for its broad torque and power spread, providing drivers of the new six speed Alfa 156 V6 with a choice of letting the torque provide effortless progress, or letting rip with all six gears for maximum performance."

At a recommended retail price of $57,500, the new six speed manual slots into the 156 range between the 2.0 Twin Spark powered 156 Selespeed, with its unique Formula One derived gearshift and the range topping 156 V6 24V Q-System with its exclusive automatic/H-gate manual gearbox.

The new 156 version shares its equipment level with the self-shifting 156 V6, so it carries a full range of sporting and luxury features.
 
Hand crafted leather trim is used throughout the interior, including the steering wheel and the gear knob, along with rich deep pile carpet for the floor and the fully lined boot. Climate control air conditioning, electric windows, power steering, remote control and heated door mirrors, front and rear fog lights and a powerful audio system with six speakers are all standard.

The accomplished chassis of the Alfa 156 is claimed to be more than able to take the added performance of the six speed manual, providing a driving experience that is both involving and safe, with suspension and steering that responds with alacrity to driver input. The powerful brakes are fitted as standard with the latest ABS anti-lock system that boasts Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

But the heart of the six-speed manual Alfa Romeo 156 V6 is its engine. The latest in a long line of classic Alfa Romeo engines designed for one purpose - performance driving – this 2.5 litre 140 kW unit is not shared with `ordinary’ vehicles. The only cars this engine is shared with are the Alfa Romeo sports cars and the range topping Alfa 166.

And the close ratio six speed gearbox fitted to the 156 V6 is not the existing five speed box with an extra ratio. It is the same gearbox as used in the V6 versions of the Alfa GTV V6 and Spider V6 sports cars, a heavy-duty unit designed to cope with the performance provided by the V6.

"Not to put too fine a point on it," says Kevin Wall, "we believe that not only is the six speed manual another superb addition to the 156 range, but it is also destined to become another classic Alfa Romeo, in the mold of the many superb Alfas that have gone before it."