75/Milano HISTORY

[Luca <nodoubt@domain.elided>]

Found an issue (3/92) of the italian car mag AutoCapital containing
a date by date 75/milano chorno-history.  
I think it's worth sharing with ya all, so here it come (Translated ofcourse):

- -May 1985
the 17th the new "75" is uncovered. It come from the "K1 project" began 
in early 80s as the evolution of "Giulietta" of which it keeps the 2,51m
step (wheel's center to wheel's center distance, I'm not sure about the
english word for it), the double shaft brillant engine, and the rear end
with TRANSLAXE system, that's also known as "DE DION" bridge, with brakes
and gear all in one with diff.
Versions available are: 
1.6 (1570cc, 110hp@5800rpm, 180kph)
1.8 (1779cc, 120hp, 190kph)
2.0 (1962cc, 128hp, 195kph)
2.0 TD (1995cc, 95hp, 175kph, turbodiesel)
2.5 Quadrifoglio Verde (6 Cylinders,2492cc, 156hp, 210kph)
Prices were between 18.5 and 30 millions Lire.
Optionals (in all but the 2.5QV): power steering, electric windows, 
centralized locking, air conditioning, opening roof.

- -March 1986
The 1.8 Turbo joins the 75 range: it's a 1779cc, 155hp, 210kph, 0-100kph 
in 7.7sec, equipped with INTERCOOLER, Garrett T3 turbine and Bosch EFI).
Price was 29,000,000 ITL.
Outside, it differs from the other for larger fender (made with in 
plastic), 6 1/2 rims, and front and back buffers painted as the car.
Interiors are the same as the 2.5 QV.
Still in '86, it comes the 75 Milano, made for USA market. It has the 2.5 V6
engine, with EFI, catalized, and it offers 154hp, with a top speed of 205kph.
This Milano is made in 4 versions: Quadrifoglio Argento, Quadrifoglio Oro,
Quadrifoglio Platino and Quadrifoglio Verde (the most poweful);

The versions with more prestige got leather interiors, air cond, ABS,
power steering... that were all optionals on the others. All got 4 electric
windows, anatomical front seats, and external as standard USA requires
(ie those reflecting panels on the sides, close to front and rear end).
At TORINO showroom, there's the prototype of the 75 SportWagon, made by
Rayton Fissore. A nice project that will have no future, for several
reasons, least but not last the crisis that ended in merging to FIAT.

- -March 1987
At Ginevre showroom, Alfa shows the 2.0 Twin Spark, using the experience
of the GTA: two spark plugs per cylinder, EFI and automatic phase variation.
Outside it has the larger fenders like the 75Turbo, it has the aerodynamic
plastic parts under the doors' line, new front spoiler, and "antiturbo"
at front windows. Interiors is much better, more detailed, a newer steering
wheel (Replacing the TERRIBLE old one). New gauges graphic.  The 2.0
TwinSparks
offers 146hp and top speed is 205kph.
Meanwhile, the 6 cylinders improves and becomes "3.0 America" (2959cc, 185hp,
220kph), using the experience made developing the Milano for USA market.
Externals are very detailed, with painted buffers and alloy rims.
Stock there's a self locking diff (25%) that was optional for the Twin Spark).
Optional: leather interiors, opening roof, air cond. Price was 36,700,000 ITL.
with air cond.

- -May 1987
It's the 1.8 Turbo Evoluzione's time. Made in 500 units for omologation for
"Gruppo A" (racing)... it has aerodinamics parts all over, suspensions and 
relative set up made for racing, and power was about 280hp in ALFA CORSE
modified
version. Stock version had the same Turbo engine of the normal Turbo version.

- -Summer 1987
1.8 turbo becomes 1.8 Turbo America, looking as the 3.0.  
Price decreases by 2,000,000 ITL (26.885.000ITL) to enhance sellings.

- -Autumn 1988
Two new versions are on the market: 1.8 IE, a 1779cc with Bosch Motronic
EFI, and phase variating, with the same power and performances of the 1.8
fed with carbs. The other new version is a 2.4TD, Turbodiesel with 110hp and
185kph top speed. Outside, the 1.8 has the rear spoiler, th 2.4 looks
like the Twin Spark.  New seats for both and new gauges graphic.
All the 75 version get a new front end (that plastic part between lights)
remembering older Alfas, and new MONOCHROME rear optical group.
Optional: ABS.

- -Autumn 1989: debut of the 1.6IE, the 1600 with EFI, 105hp, 180kph.

- -Spring 1990: The Turbo version becomes QUADRIFOGLIO and gains 10hp (165hp
and 212kph). 3Hp more even for the 3.0 V6 (222kph). Meanwhile it becomes
available the whole 75 range with catalist exhaust for European Market.

- -April 1991: the 1.8IE is made in "INDY" version with seats and interiors
in sport looking.
The 1.8 Turbo Quadrifoglio and the 2.0 Twin Spark are made in a limited
edition (declared "FOR COLLECTORS ONLY", as Alfa says). They will be
respectively made in 1000 and 3500 units. Exclusive design alloy rims,
new design for mirrors, painted as the rest of the bodywork, front fog lites,
RECARO sport seats, new internal doors covers; gear box lever, and steering
wheel are covered with leather. A special plate, made in silver, attached
in the gauges zone, shows the progressive number. Available colors are:
red, black, cold white, metal dark gray, metal light gray.
On the mechanic side, there's, stock, the self locking diff and power
steering.

- -January 1992:  New born in Alfa: the 155 that will replace the 75.
Meanwhile Alfa keeps making the 1.6IE and the 2.0 TD only, out of the
whole serie. These two versions will be with buffers and mirrors painted
as the car, rear spoiler, anatomical seats (all similar to the 2.0 TS).
In these years, Alfa made 380,000 Alfa75, 260,000 of 'em sold in ITALY.

ciao, I hope ya all enjoyed the story :-)

nodoubt, 
937 landpilot
"A lifetime isn't enough"
937RS2, 75 Turbo, RM250

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/6818/

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