Alfa Romeo 155 (typ -167)
Developed to replace the 75 and based on the parent company Fiat Group's Tipo Tre platform, the 155 was somewhat larger in dimension than the 75 and had evolved styling from that of its predecessor. The 155 was designed by Italian design house I.DE.A Institute. An exceptional drag coefficient of 0.29 was achieved with the body design. The boxy design of the 155 allowed for a big boot space of 525 L.
The most significant technical change from the 75 was the switch to a front-wheel drive layout. A four-wheel-drive model called the 155 Q4 was also available, which had a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and a permanent four-wheel drive powertrain, both derived from the Lancia Delta Integrale; it was essentially considered to be a Lancia Delta Integrale with a different body.
The new model came in "Sport" and "Super" trims. The Sport had a slightly lowered ride height and more aggressive dampers while the Super had the option of wood trim and electronically controlled dampers and seat controls.
The reception of the 155 was generally lukewarm. The 75 had been conceived prior to Fiat's acquisition of Alfa Romeo, so as the last automobile independently developed by Alfa Romeo made it cast a shadow over the 155; the loss of rear-wheel drive was frequently cited as the main cause of disappointment. Nevertheless, the 155 was entered in Touring Car racing and was very successful in every major championship it entered, which gradually improved its image.
Alfa Romeo 155 (typ -167)
Developed to replace the 75 and based on the parent company Fiat Group's Tipo Tre platform, the 155 was somewhat larger in dimension than the 75 and had evolved styling from that of its predecessor. The 155 was designed by Italian design house I.DE.A Institute. An exceptional drag coefficient of 0.29 was achieved with the body design. The boxy design of the 155 allowed for a big boot space of 525 L.
The most significant technical change from the 75 was the switch to a front-wheel drive layout. A four-wheel-drive model called the 155 Q4 was also available, which had a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and a permanent four-wheel drive powertrain, both derived from the Lancia Delta Integrale; it was essentially considered to be a Lancia Delta Integrale with a different body.
The new model came in "Sport" and "Super" trims. The Sport had a slightly lowered ride height and more aggressive dampers while the Super had the option of wood trim and electronically controlled dampers and seat controls.
The reception of the 155 was generally lukewarm. The 75 had been conceived prior to Fiat's acquisition of Alfa Romeo, so as the last automobile independently developed by Alfa Romeo made it cast a shadow over the 155; the loss of rear-wheel drive was frequently cited as the main cause of disappointment. Nevertheless, the 155 was entered in Touring Car racing and was very successful in every major championship it entered, which gradually improved its image.