Alfa's striking next 5 Series rival
2003-11-12 07:52
The Alfa 168 will replace the 166, which recently received a face-lift, in the next two years. Sources say that the 168 will boost Alfa's image as a prestige car manufacturer even further.
Auto Express says to achieve this more upmarket image the 168 will adopt the same basic front-engined and rear-driven layout as the new Maserati Quattroporte and Ferrari 612S.
Another new gizmo that is destined for the 168 is a new electronically-controlled rear-wheel steering system. This system has a safety advantage for a rear-drive chassis making it more controllable for the driver,
According to Auto Express in many modern rear-drive cars oversteer is kept under control by increasingly sophisticated electronic traction and skid-control systems.
Alfa's new system will be able to respond to the onset of oversteer with much greater subtlety and correct the car's attitude without the driver being aware of the intervention.
Rear-wheel steering can also be used to help maintain stability at speed, increase agility at low speeds and make emergency manoeuvres much safer.
The 168 will also be a bigger car than the current 166 and apparently build and overall quality will be much better.