Alfa Romeo 164

Alfa Romeo 164
Overview
Manufacturer	Alfa Romeo
Also called	Alfa Romeo 168
Production	1987–1998
Assembly	Arese, Milan, Italy
Designer	Enrico Fumia (Pininfarina)
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive / four-wheel-drive
Platform	Type Four platform
Related	Fiat Croma Lancia Thema Saab 9000
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L TS I4 (petrol) 2.0 L I4 Turbo (petrol) 2.0 L V6 Turbo (petrol) 3.0 L V6 (petrol) 2.5 L I4 TD (diesel)
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual (Getrag) 4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP18Q) 4-speed automatic (ZF 4HP18QE)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,660 mm (104.7 in)
Length	4,554 mm (179.3 in) (1988–1990) 4,557 mm (179.4 in) (1991–1992) 4,560 mm (179.5 in) (1993–1994) 4,665 mm (183.7 in) (Super)
Width	1,760 mm (69.3 in)
Height	1,390 mm (54.7 in) (1988–1990) 1,393 mm (54.8 in) (1991–1992) 1,390 mm (54.7 in) (1993–1995)
Curb weight	1,200–1,510 kg (2,650–3,330 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 Alfa Romeo 90
Successor	Alfa Romeo 166

The Alfa Romeo 164 (Type 164) is a four-door executive sedan manufactured and marketed by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo from 1987 to 1998 and styled Enrico Fumia at Pininfarina.

Unveiled at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 164 was the last model to be developed while the Alfa Romeo was still a fully independent company, and was formally launched a few months after Fiat purchased the company.

The 164 was superseded by the Alfa Romeo 166 in 1998 after 273,857 had been produced.

Design

In October 1978, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia and Saab came to an agreement to develop their own executive cars from the Type Four platform to compete with the likes of the Ford Granada and Opel Rekord (Vauxhall Carlton) as well as premium products from the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Project 164 started life as Project 154, then still under Alfa Romeo, which was completed in 1981, a year before 164 was complete as 1:1 scale model. Then in 1982 it was transformed to fit onto Type Four platform. The Alfa Romeo 164 was styled by Enrico Fumia at Pininfarina in 1982.

The 164 was the first Alfa to feature extensive use of computer aided design for calculating structural stresses, resulting in a very rigid but still relatively lightweight body. The 164 was based on the Type Four platform, shared with the Lancia Thema, Fiat Croma and Saab 9000. The 164 had more variation in design to the other Type Four cars, and in order to permit this design variation, an exclusive front suspension was developed. It was also the last of the four cars to enter production, almost a decade after the Type Four project got underway.

The 164 introduced improved build quality over previous Alfas, featuring galvanised steel frame and various body panels for the first time.

Equipped with the most complex wiring harness of any Alfa Romeo, the 164 was designed to compete in the executive car segment dominated by the German cars. It offered better value for money in terms of technology (having three onboard computers, one for air conditioning, one for instrumentation, and one for engine management; air conditioning and instrument functions shared a multiple-mode coded Z-80-class microcontroller for dashboard functioning). Air-direction within the ventilation system was controlled by a pair of servomechanisms, which were constructed using notoriously fragile plastic gears and were prone to failure; possible high part costs are alleviated by the commonality of these parts with the 166. At least one aftermarket company has also developed metal replacement gears which eliminates the breakage issue

The car featured automatic climate control and electronically controlled damping suspension (in the top-line Cloverleaf models and 164S). This suspension actively reduced damping in response to conditions to provide a dynamic compromise between road holding and comfort.

Alfa Romeo 164 QV

International marketing

The 164 was the last Alfa saloon to be sold in the North American market, where only the 3.0 L V6 was offered (12-valve from 1991 to 1993, 24-valve from 1994 to 1995).

The 164 was rebadged as the 168 for the Hong Kong and Malaysian markets, as the number "164" had a very negative connotation (In Chinese it is a homophone to "一路死" — all the way to death), and "168" has quite the opposite ("一路發" — all the way to prosperity).

Alfa Romeo 164 Quadrifoglio Verde

The 164 Quadrifoglio Verde (badged as the 164 QV) was available from 1990-1992 as the top of the range model. It featured an extended front spoiler, deeper side-skirts and a deeper rear apron. Inside, the 164 QV featured sculpted sports seats and mechanically the car featured an up-rated 3.0 12V V6 (147kW vs 132kW for the standard car) and adjustable damper settings. This was the only 164 available with a manual transmission in Australia. From 1992 this version was available with new 24V V6 engine.

Alfa Romeo 164 Q4

Alfa Romeo 164 Q4

In 1993, Alfa introduced a four-wheel-drive variant called the Q4 (short for Quadrifoglio 4), which was equipped with an even more powerful version of the 3.0L V6 engine. 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.

Development

Alfa Romeo 164 Super 3.0 V6

Alfa Romeo 164 Super 3.0 V6

• Initial testing of the 164's dynamic elements began in 1984, where Giuliettas where used as test mules for engines and drivetrain. Initial handling bugs were ironed out on the factory's test track in Arese.
• In 1985, the first pre-production 164's were put through their paces on the road. Heavily disguised, with many false panels and even a false nose design (borrowing heavily from the then equally undeveloped 155), sporting 4 round headlamps, these vehicle mules served to test the 164 for the gruelling 1 million kilometre static and road testing demanded of the design.
• In 1986 and 1987, the first 150 164's were given their pre-production testing. In terms of engineering demands, these exceeded every Alfa before, and by quite a substantial margin.
• In Morocco, desert testing saw 5 grey 164 Twinsparks and V6's undergo the equivalent of the Paris-Dakar rally. Road conditions varied from good tarmac to off-road conditions, and accelerometers confirmed the superiority of the 164 in terms of passenger comfort. This data was cross-confirmed in the engineering laboratory with a sophisticated dummy in the driver's seat, with accelerometers both in its seat, and in its ears to mimic that of the semi-circular canals of the ear.
• The Twinspark and the V6 underwent handling trials at Arese. The Twinspark displayed very mature driving manners at the limit, with minimal skid. The V6 displayed a 25% increase in at-the-limit skid, a natural consequence of its greater nose weight.
• ABS testing confirmed that the Twinspark has superior braking to the V6. Brake linings of the 164's were run at maximum braking until they literally glowed with heat, and displayed no deviation in form. The 164 was the first Alfa to feature slotted double-walled disc brakes. At no point were the discs drilled to release excess heat, the original design being demonstrated to be excellent.
• Sound production was tested in an anechoic chamber, the car being subjected to stress and road noise testing, with instruments and with live subjects at the wheel, on a specially designed rig.
• Electromagnetic stability of the complex electronic system was also tested, in an anechoic chamber equipped with EM emitters (radar).
• The 164 engines were run to destruction, the Twinspark proving to be the most robust, and with the longest possible engine life. The V6 displayed only 10% shorter overall engine life.

Engines

The base 164 engine was the 2.0 L Twin Spark I4 engine with two spark plugs per cylinder. Apart from that, this engine was also notable for having a two-stage valve timing system (before Honda's famous VTEC), and an induction valve blade-type system, aimed at improving low-end torque.

The block of the Twin Spark was the same 2.0 L that had been a part of Alfa's road and race car history since the 1930s. The engine featured fuel injection, controlled by a Bosch Motronic system as well as achain-driven DOHC cylinder head, a single cooling fan and generator belt, improved reliability and reduced parasitic friction. The battery of all 164s is placed in the trunk to achieve a close 50:50 weight distribution.

Next was a turbocharged 2.0 L 8-valve engine, derived from the Lancia Thema i.e. Turbo, and including an overboost feature (this was later replaced by a turbocharged V6 in some markets).

The top-line engine was the 3.0 L "Arese" V6 designed by Giuseppe Busso originally for the Alfa 6. Initially it was of the older 12v design but was later revised to 24 valves for the QV model.

The 3.0 L 24 valve V6 was also used to power the four-wheel drive Q4 variant.

For some markets, a turbocharged 2.0 L V6 was developed, based from the 3.0 L engine with reduced displacement and a very sophisticated engine management system from Bosch.

Finally, there was also a turbodiesel version with an engine sourced from the Italian engine maker VM Motori. Rated at 125 PS (92 kW), even this weakest version was capable to propel the 164 past the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark.

Alfa Romeo 164QV 24V

Specifications

Model	Type	Displacement	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h	Top speed	Model year
Petrol engines
2.0 T.Spark 8v	I4	1,962 cc (119.7 cu in)	108 kW (148 PS)	187 Nm (138 lbft) at 4700 rpm	9.2 s	215 km/h (134 mph)	1987–1989
2.0 T.Spark 8v (cat)	I4	1,962 cc (119.7 cu in)	106 kW (144 PS)	187 Nm (138 lbft) at 4700 rpm	9.9 s	210 km/h (130 mph)	1990–1992
2.0 TS 8v	I4	1,962 cc (119.7 cu in)	105 kW (144 PS)	193 Nm (142 lbft) at 5000 rpm	9.9 s	215 km/h (134 mph)	1992–1994
2.0 TS Super 8v	I4	1,995 cc (121.7 cu in)	105 kW (144 PS)	187 Nm (138 lbft) at 5000 rpm	9.9 s	215 km/h (134 mph)	1995–1997
2.0 Turbo 8v	I4	1,995 cc (121.7 cu in)	129 kW (175 PS+overboost)	265 Nm (195 lbft) at 2500 rpm	7.2 s	225 km/h (140 mph)	1987–1991
2.0 V6 Turbo 12v	V6	1,997 cc (121.9 cu in)	156 kW (210 PS+overboost)	306 Nm (226 lbft) at 2750 rpm	7.2 s	240 km/h (150 mph)	1991–1994
3.0 V6 12v	V6	2,959 cc (180.6 cu in)	141 kW (192 PS)	261 Nm (192 lbft) at 4900 rpm	8.1 s	230 km/h (140 mph)	1987–1989
3.0 V6 12v (cat)	V6	2,959 cc (180.6 cu in)	135 kW (184 PS)	261 Nm (192 lbft) at 4900 rpm	8.1 s	230 km/h (140 mph)	1990–1992
3.0 V6 12v Super	V6	2,959 cc (180.6 cu in)	132 kW (180 PS)	255 Nm (188 lbft) at 4400 rpm	8.0 s	230 km/h (140 mph)	1992–1997
3.0 V6 12v QV	V6	2,959 cc (180.6 cu in)	147 kW (200 PS)	274 Nm (202 lbft) at 4400 rpm	7.7 s	237 km/h (147 mph)	1990–1992
3.0 V6 24v Super	V6	2,959 cc (180.6 cu in)	155 kW (211 PS)	266 Nm (196 lbft) at 5000 rpm	8.0 s	240 km/h (150 mph)	1992–1997
3.0 V6 24v QV	V6	2,959 cc (180.6 cu in)	170 kW (232 PS)	276 Nm (203 lbft) at 5000 rpm	7.0 s	245 km/h (152 mph)	1992–1993
3.0 V6 Q4	V6	2,959 cc (180.6 cu in)	170 kW (232 PS)	276 Nm (203 lbft) at 5000 rpm	7.7 s	240 km/h (150 mph)	1993–1997
Diesel engines
2.5 Turbodiesel	I4	2,499 cc (152.5 cu in)	86 kW (117 PS)	260 Nm (191 lbft) at 2200 rpm	11.1 s	200 km/h (120 mph)	1987–1992
2.5 Turbodiesel	I4	2,499 cc (152.5 cu in)	92 kW (125 PS)	288 Nm (212 lbft) at 2000 rpm	10.8 s	202 km/h (126 mph)	1992–1997

Timeline

• 1981 – Alfa Romeo launches Project 154.
• 1982 – Alfa Romeo launches Project 164.
• 1984 – Early testing of drivetrains begins at Arese, using Nuova Giuliettas as test mules.
• 1985 – External and Internal Design in conjunction with Pininfarina frozen at this point.
• 1985 – Summer and Winter testing of prototypes in Africa and Sweden.
• 1986 – 150 pre-series vehicles tested over a 1 million km test course in extreme climates. Crash test compliance for introduction into the American market.
• 1987 – 164 unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show.
• 1988 – 164 goes on sale throughout Europe (Series 1).
• 1990 – Mild suspension tweaks to alleviate torque steer, styling update on rear light clusters; Also, introduction of Bosch electronic switchgear internally, and revised instrument switchgear in Lusso versions (Series 1.5).
• 1993 – Range revamped. Many small exterior changes including new slim headlight clusters with elipsoidal lights and revised bumpers. New dashboard centre console switchgear. 3.0 L V6 engine upgraded to 24-valves, but the 12-valve engine remains. (Series 2).
• 1994 – Four-wheel drive Q4 model introduced with the 3.0 L V6 engine. New interior design and fittings, and final-series trim options introduced. (Series 3).
• 1995 – Alfa sales in United States cease.
• 1997 – 164 production ends.
• 1998 – 164 selling ends.

164 Pro-Car and concept cars

164 Pro-Car at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed

The 164 served as the basis of the all-wheel drive Alfa Romeo Proteo. The 164 also served as the basis of the Italdesign Scighera supercar concept — interestingly, only the engine output was uprated, the majority of the car's underpinnings, and even its interior being shared with the 164 without significant change.

The Alfa Romeo 164 Pro-Car made in 1988 was a 3.5L V10 mid-engined racing car. The Alfa Romeo V10 engine was originally planned to be used for Ligier Formula One cars and produced 620 bhp (462 kW; 629 PS) at 13300 rpm and 39 kg·m (380 Nm; 280 lbft) of torque at 9500 rpm. Weighting only 750 kg (1,653 lb) the 164 Pro-Car achieved a top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph) and went quarter of a mile (~400 m) in only 9.7 seconds. It was planned to race in a special racing series (as a support event to Formula One Grands Prix). Alfa was only manufacturer who made a car for this series before it was canceled. Only one chassis with an Alfa Romeo V10 was built by Motor Racing Developments Ltd., the company behind the Brabham Formula One team, which was owned by Alfa Romeo at the time.

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Last updated on 4 January 2014 at 13:15.