Appealing style, refined technology and all the temperament of true sports cars: meet the new Alfa Spider and Alfa GTV at their Italian debut. Just over one month after their world premier (at the recent Geneva Motor Show), the new models designed by the Pininfarina Style Centre are ready to meet the world's motor trade press ahead of their May launch date. Both models come with a brand-new look and a revised range of specifications and power units, though their timeless appeal is unchanged: driving satisfaction in a sporty, stylish package.
A quick glance at the shape reveals improvements to the car's exterior appearance. Firstly, the front end is now more imposing and distinctive. This impression of solidity and dynamism is complemented by side pillars that are the source of the traditional V-shape on the bonnet: two converging ribs that delimit and emphasise a central bulge that hints at the presence of the powerful, beefy engine beneath. The new Alfa Spider and Alfa GTV also preserve the same wedge-shaped line emphasised by a cut-off tail that gives the vehicle body a strong sense of aggression. Similarly, it was decided not to change the strongly raked windscreen and the emphatically shelved side that give both models their slender, dynamic looks. The much-appreciated profile of both sports models has also been kept, including the Alfa GTV's high cut-off end and the open-topped sports car's slender, tapering rear.
Several new features have been added inside the new Alfa Spider and Alfa GTV, beginning with a lower driver seating level in relation to the ground (H point) for improved driving comfort. The interiors have also been redefined to make them more stylish and user-friendly. This tendency is evident in the black facia and the brand-new central console panel that houses the ASR key, radio and satellite navigation system. The lighting on the instrument panel and controls is now red while a new cloth trim is available for seats and interiors. All these factors help emphasise the concept of stylish sportiness that has always typified the Alfa Romeo brand.
Company press release, last updated before 12 / 01 / 2004
Dear ds_carfan, I wouldn't be so sure about the outcome! Although it is not too wise to compare these two cars, (Alfa is more expensive and FWD unfortunately) you haven't taken under consideration that the spider's roadholding is out of this world. Also have in mind that you can order a spider with 156 GTA's 3.2 engine and 240ps. Quite fast don't you think?
The Miata Competitor
ds_carfan 28-4-2003
With 165hp and 3000lbs, I believe that this car could possably compete with the great Mazda Miata, a first at that. Though everybody knows the great Miata would win, it would be fun to see an Italian lose to a Mazda.
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Spider 2.0 JTS
Appealing style, refined technology and all the temperament of true sports cars: meet the new Alfa Spider and Alfa GTV at their Italian debut. Just over one month after their world premier (at the recent Geneva Motor Show), the new models designed by the Pininfarina Style Centre are ready to meet the world's motor trade press ahead of their May launch date. Both models come with a brand-new look and a revised range of specifications and power units, though their timeless appeal is unchanged: driving satisfaction in a sporty, stylish package.
