Alfa Romeo 145 and 146

File:Alfa Romeo 145 002.JPG

Development of Tipo 930, the replacement for the ageing 33 in the competitive family hatchback market, lasted four years.{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/luglio/07/dall_Alfa_ecco_auto_che_co_0_940707152.shtml |title=Dall'Alfa ecco l'auto che non c'era |first1=Paolo |last1=Artemi |first2=Nestore |last2=Morosini |date=7 July 1994 |newspaper=Corriere della Sera |language=it |access-date=17 January 2015}} The first offspring of the project, the three door 145, made its début on static display at the April 1994 Turin Motor Show{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/aprile/24/vedo_non_tocco_co_0_9404241208.shtml |title=Ti vedo e non ti tocco |first=Marco |last=Matteucci |date=24 April 1994 |newspaper=Corriere della Sera |language=it |access-date=17 January 2015}} and then at the Paris Motor Show in July; a simultaneous European commercial launch was planned for 9 September, but it was delayed until October.{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/settembre/08/dal_ottobre_145_vendita_co_0_9409089146.shtml |title=Dal 15 ottobre 145 in vendita |date=8 September 1994 |newspaper=Corriere della Sera |language=it |access-date=17 January 2015}}

In April 1992, work began on a second car, the 146 or Tipo 930B, derived from and to be sold alongside the 145; with its more traditional Alfa Romeo style, it was aimed at a different clientele, that of the outgoing 33.{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/maggio/04/Sportiva_con_linea_famiglia_co_0_9505047896.shtml |title=Sportiva con linea da famiglia |first=Nestore |last=Morosini |date=4 May 1995 |newspaper=Corriere della Sera |language=it |access-date=17 January 2015}} The 146 premiered in November 1994 at the Bologna Motor Show{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/novembre/26/secondo_passo_ecco_146_co_0_94112612305.shtml |title=Secondo passo, ecco 146 |first=Paolo |last=Artemi |date=26 November 1994 |newspaper=Corriere della Sera |language=it |access-date=17 January 2015}} and went on sale in May 1995.{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/aprile/29/Arriva_146_Alfa_formato_famiglia_co_0_9504291218.shtml |title=Arriva 146, l'Alfa formato famiglia |trans-title=146 arrives, the family-sized Alfa |first=Nestore |last=Morosini |date=29 April 1995 |newspaper=Corriere della Sera |language=it |access-date=17 January 2015}}

At launch, the engine line up for both cars comprised a 1.9 litre inline four turbo diesel and the boxer petrol engines from the 33, in 1.3{{efn|The same 1,351 cc engine was badged 1.4 on some markets, e.g. on the German one.}} 8 valve, 1.6 8 valve and range topping 1.7 16 valve forms.{{cite book |title=Automobil Revue '83 |editor-last=Büschi |editor-first=Hans-Ulrich |publisher=Hallwag, AG |pages=170–171 |location=Berne, Switzerland |volume=78 |date=10 March 1983 |isbn=3-444-06065-3}}

Depending on the market, the engines were available in either or both base and better equipped L (for "Lusso") trim levels; L trim standard equipment was richer on larger engined cars.

Flagship sport models with the two litre 16 valve Twin Spark inline four engine from the 155 arrived a year after the début: the 145 Quadrifoglio and 146 ti. Each of the two litre versions had a unique trim level; both included more standard equipment than the L trims, like ABS, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob and Momo sport seats.

The 145 Quadrifoglio (145 Cloverleaf in the United Kingdom), launched at the September 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show and on sale from October,{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1995/settembre/09/Trasparenze_super_motori_anche_curve_co_0_95090911049.shtml |title=Trasparenze e super motori, ma anche curve nelle code |first=Paolo |last=Artemi |date=9 September 1995 |newspaper=Corriere della Sera |language=it |access-date=17 January 2015}} had deep body colour side skirts with "green cloverleaf" badges and five hole alloy wheels.

The 146 ti{{efn|The acronym, standing for turismo internazionale–international touring, evoked the sport versions of the first Alfa Romeo Giulietta.}} went on sale in February 1996.{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/febbraio/08/Sulla_coda_del_Biscione_rispunta_co_0_9602088804.shtml |title=Sulla coda del "Biscione" rispunta la mitica sigla Ti |trans-title=The mythical Ti badge is back on the "Biscione's" tail |first=Luca |last=Delli Carri |date=8 February 1996 |newspaper=Corriere della Sera |language=it |access-date=17 January 2015}} It came with painted side skirts, a boot spoiler and twelve hole alloy wheels. Two litre cars were equipped with stiffer suspension, uprated all disk braking system, ABS, wider, lower profile tyres and 'quick rack' direct steering (also seen on the 155, GTV and Spider) which improved responsiveness, but also compromised the turning circle.

File:Alfa Romeo 146 base model rear (Portugal).jpg

From January 1997, all the boxers were phased out in favour of 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 versions of the Twin Spark 16 valve engine.{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1996/dicembre/05/nuovi_cuori_Alfa_eterna_giovinezza_co_0_9612059388.shtml |title=I nuovi cuori Alfa, l'eterna giovinezza Lancia |trans-title=Alfa's new hearts, Lancia's eternal youth |first=Paolo |last=Artemi |date=5 December 1996 |newspaper=Corriere della Sera |language=it |access-date=17 January 2015}}{{cite web |url=http://www.carsfromitaly.net/alfaromeo/index.html |title=Alfa Romeo/Models/Alfa Romeo 145 & 146 |access-date=1 August 2007 |website=carsfromitaly.net |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070731140300/http://carsfromitaly.net/alfaromeo/index.html| archive-date=31 July 2007 |url-status = live}}

1.8 litre cars adopted the sport chassis, steering, and brakes of the Quadrifoglio/ti, and also offered some of their optional equipment such as the sport seats. At the same time, the interior was updated: a new air conditioning system, a redesigned dashboard and an upholstered insert were fitted for left-hand drive cars.{{cite web |url=http://www.alfaromeopress.com/press/article/2019 |title=Alfa Romeo al 57º Salone Inter. Dell'Automobile di Francoforte |website=alfaromeopress.com |date= 1 September 1997|language=it |access-date=15 January 2015}} Right-hand drive cars retained the previous dashboard design. Outside changes were minor: new wheel covers and alloy wheels and a wider choice of paint colours.

In September 1997, Alfa Romeo introduced the Junior, a trim level targeted at young buyers that combined the sport styling and chassis setup of the range topping models, with the affordable entry level 1.4 powertrain,{{cite web |url=http://www.alfaromeopress.com/press/article/2013 |title=Alfa 146 Junior: Giovane con grinta |website=alfaromeopress.com |date= 1 September 1997|language=it |access-date=15 January 2015}} later the 1.6 engine was added to this trim as well. Based on the 1.4 L, Junior cars were distinguished by the Quadrifoglio's side skirts with "Junior" badges, specific 15-inch alloy wheels, and the stainless-steel exhaust tip (as well as, on the 146, the boot spoiler) from the ti.

By March 1998, 1.8 and 2.0 Twin Spark engines received the updates first introduced on the 156; due to variable length intake manifolds the two powertrains gained 4 to 5 PS and reached peak torque at engine speeds some 500 rpm lower.{{cite web |url=http://www.alfaromeopress.com/press/article/2046 |title=Alfa 145 e 146 al 68º Salone di Ginevra |website=alfaromeopress.com |date= 3 March 1998|language=it |access-date=15 January 2015}}

File:Alfa Romeo 145 first registered in UK October 2000 1598cc photographed at Knebworth.jpg

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1999, Alfa Romeo introduced the restyled '99 line up for both models.{{cite web |url=http://www.alfaromeopress.com/press/article/2199 |title=69º Salone di Ginevra: Alfa 145 e 146 |website=alfaromeopress.com |date=8 March 1999|language=it |access-date=16 January 2015}} The new common rail direct injection 1.9 turbo-diesel JTD engine replaced the 1.9 TD.

The main changes outside were new, body colour bumpers with round fog lights and narrow protection strips; the interior got new upholstery and detail trim changes such as chrome vent surrounds. Optional side airbags complemented the already available passenger and standard driver airbags.

The Junior trim level was discontinued, in favour of "pack sport" option package that included side skirts, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel and sport seats, all standard features on the two litre models. A second "pack lusso" package offered leather steering wheel, velour upholstery and mahogany wood trim.

In September of the next year, at the Paris Motor Show the all-new 147 was officially launched.{{cite web|url=http://www.alfaromeopress.com/press/article/114 |title=L'Alfa Romeo al 74º Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile di Parigi - Press Releases - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles EMEA Press |publisher=Alfaromeopress.com |date=27 September 2000 |access-date=19 February 2016}} Eventually, in 2000, the 145 and 146 were superseded by the all-new 147, which was a far bigger commercial success, with its acclaimed front end styling and improved quality.

Based, as they were, on the Fiat Group's Tipo Due (Type Two) platform, the 145 and 146 had a unibody structure, front MacPherson strut and rear trailing arm suspension. A peculiarity of these cars is that they were designed to be fitted with both longitudinal engines (the older Boxers) and with transverse engines (the diesels and the Twin Spark).

The former were mounted in the same configuration as on the 33 or Alfasud, that is longitudinally overhanging the front axle with the gearbox towards the cabin; the latter in the conventional transverse position with the gearbox to the left side. All engines were coupled to a five speed manual transmissions. Steering was rack and pinion, with standard hydraulic power assistance.

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{{Commons category multi|Alfa Romeo 145|Alfa Romeo 146}}

• [http://www.alfa145.co.uk/index2.html Alfa Romeo 145 / 146 Technical Centre] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213101/http://www.alfa145.co.uk/index2.html |date=3 March 2016 }}

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