Revised Alfa 166 In The UK

Alfa Romeo 166

Greater Active And Passive Safety

Together with the standard fitment of front, side and window airbags to all versions, the revised Alfa Romeo 166’s comprehensive range of state-of-the-art electronic braking, traction control and stability systems now includes a sophisticated Vehicle Dynamic Control system, fitted as standard across the range.

ABS anti-lock braking is combined with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution over all four wheels, while the Vehicle Dynamic Control unit enhances cornering stability. VDC is further augmented by Anti-Slip Regulation to limit wheelspin during acceleration, and Motor Slip Regulation to modulate braking torque when changing down through the gears.

2.0 litre Twin Spark versions of the revised Alfa 166 are equipped with 281 mm ventilated front discs, and 276 mm discs at the rear. Both 3.0 Sportronic and 3.2 V6 models boast enlarged, 310 mm ventilated front discs with, once again, 276 mm discs at the rear.

All versions of the revised Alfa 166 range are fitted with a Bosch 5.3 ABS anti-lock braking system as standard. The system incorporates an electronic brakeforce distributor with four active sensors, four channels and an 8-valve electronic control unit which includes an electronic brake force distributor (EBD).

The active sensors perform in the same way as traditional sensors to measure wheel speeds, but process the signal themselves instead of sending it to a control unit. This ensures that the system cuts in faster and can also recognise speed signals close to zero, passive sensors being unable to measure speeds of less than 2.5 mph. The active sensors are also less sensitive to electromagnetic interference.

EBD distributes braking action over all four wheels to prevent the rear wheels locking, and ensures full control of the car in all situations. To reduce brake pad overheating, the system also adapts its operation to both grip availability and brake pad efficiency.

Permanently engaged, the innovative Vehicle Dynamic Control system is activated under extreme conditions when vehicle stability is at risk, helping the driver to control the car. As befits a true Alfa Romeo, however, the VDC is a sporting system that does not interfere prematurely, allowing the full satisfaction of driver control to the limit of critical conditions.