| Alfa Romeo at the 2006 Paris International Motor Show
Alfa Romeo returns to the Paris International Motor Show with a stunningly staged exhibition of standard models and special versions designed to emphasise - as if we needed reminding - the unique position of the brand in the world motoring scenario.
The design of the exhibition area is defined by simple geometrical shapes. Spaces closed on one side are offset by an aluminium and glass sunscreen at the front. These structural elements define the image of an Alfa Romeo villa built in accordance with the canons of Italian rationalist architecture. The rigour and sparseness of the design as it translates into the shapes, colours and materials help to create an ideal setting for the sinuous, aggressive cars, turning them into the stars of the show: everything is dominated by the red and black that have always been used to express Alfa Romeo's twin soul, a combination of passion and technology.
The true heart of the stand, featuring horizontal surfaces juxtaposed with swathes of glass, is undoubtedly the area devoted to the gorgeous Alfa 8C Competizione: this showcase protects the latest addition to the Alfa Romeo stable as though it were a jewel, a precious object to be admired and desired.
Behind this fabulous showcase, visitors can discern the Alfa Romeo building that houses the offices, the Alfa Café and lounge areas, all bearing the same stamp of sophisticated style and state-of-the-art technology.
Cars making their world premieres and current production models sit easily alongside one another at the Paris Motor Show. They also neatly represent the marriage between sportiness and style so typical of Alfa Romeo. The outcome of cutting-edge technology and a unique heritage made up of the cars, designers, races and engines that have marked technological progress and the sporting events of the twentieth century.
Alfa 8C Competizione
The absolute star of the stand is the Alfa 8C Competizione, an exclusive Gran Turismo model that will be produced in limited numbers. The new car, designed by Alfa Romeo, is the best blend of the values that have always distinguished the brand: technology and emotion. The Alfa 8C Competizione sets out to play a starring role and forcefully assert Alfa Romeo's unique position in the world: i.e. the brand's ability to wed a thrilling shape to driving satisfaction.
Alfa 159 and 159 Sportwagon
First up on the French catwalk are two Alfa 159s (one equipped with a 2.2 Selespeed, the other with a 1.9 JTD 16v power unit) - that were recently awarded the coveted 5-star ranking by Euro NCAP - and two Alfa 159 Sportwagons (the former with a 260 bhp 3.2 V6 Q4 engine, the latter with a 200 bhp 2.4 JTDm engine). All the cars are distinguished by an Ocean Black body colour that effectively expresses Alfa Romeo's interpretation of classic sportiness. The four versions offer a wealth of equipment that differs according to the specification: including top-quality Frau 'grosgrain' leather, tri-zone climate control system, electric seats, Cruise control, 7 airbags, VDC with hill holder, parking sensors, map radio navigation system, telephone with voice commands and the sophisticated 'Blue&Me' system.
Three of these cars are also fitted with the new 6-speed 'Q-Tronic' gearbox that operates in automatic or sequential mode to exploit the power produced by the 200 bhp 2.4 JTDm engine to the full (the gearbox will shortly also be available on the 150 bhp 1.9 JTDm).
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