2006 Alfa Romeo Spider: First Look

By Feann Torr - 8/Feb/2006

Ever since the Bertone-styled GT Coupe made its debut back in early 2003, the Alfa Romeo brand has gone from strength to strength in terms of visual appeal, bringing back a level of class that had seemingly been missing from earlier model line-ups.

With the official launch of the Italian automakers crucial convertible mode, simply called the Alfa Romeo Spider, the company continues its run of appealing product, and together with a pair of muscular engines, not to mention the choice of front- or all-wheel drive transmissions, the new Spider will no doubt whet the appetites of drivers looking for a stylish European drop top.

The Alfa Spider will make it official debut at the Geneva Motor Show - arguably the place for all self-respecting European's to be seen - sporting the marque's now-familiar face. 

Featuring slimline headlight clusters comprised of three headlamp elements apiece that originated on the Brera concept, and the highly distinctive vertical grille, the 2006 model Spider amalgamates seamlessly into the Alfa Romeo family, while touches such as the flared wheel arches and multispoke wheels add a dash of sportiness to the Spider's overall look.

The rear end, meanwhile, is a slightly more daring design than seen on the vehicles like the attractive new 159. For starters, the Spider gets shiny 'look-at-me' quad exhaust pipes, and the slimline brake light clusters are also a bit flashier than those seen on the 159, featuring four lamps with silver bezelsbeneath frosted lenses, while a black background adds contrast. 

The rear decklid also receives Porsche Boxster-esque bulges on its flanks (which can be seen in the top and bottom images quite clearly), adding a little more interest to the car's backside.

Strictly a 2-seater, the Spider looks rather attractive with the top dropped, showing off the vehicle's classy leather interior and metallic rolls bars. It measures 1,830mm wide and 4,396mm long, putting in the region of vehicles such as BMW's popular 3 Series convertible.

Speaking of the 3 Series convertible, Alfa Romeo appears to have gained much ground with its rival in the power stakes, providing the Spider with a pair of powertrains - 4- and 6-cylinder - that increase the Italian vehicle's performance significantly.

The entry-level Spider gets Alfa's new and improved 2.2-litre JTS 4-cylinder engine, which now outputs a healthy 138kW of power, which is quite handy for a 2.2-litre 4-banger. The 3.2-litre JTS V6 engine, meanwhile, will give the BMW 330Ci convertible a good run for its money, outputting 194kW (260hp) of power at the crankshaft.

Interestingly, the range-topping V6 Spider can be ordered with an AWD package, which the company calls 'Q4' and is a feature that may force the hands of other roadsters to follow suit. Though it adds a bit more weight, the AWD system will improve the vehicle's dynamics in certain situations, while vehicle dynamic control (VDC) and cruise control will be standard features on both models.

With a sports-tuned multilink rear suspension setup and double wishbones up front, Alfa Romeo reckons that its new convertible car will provide "outstanding dynamic performance" when the occasion calls for it, while at the same time ensuring the vehicle has a relaxed and comfortable ride for cruising purposes. The best of both worlds? We'll wait and see...

Though it has given no specifics, such as the number of airbags or other integrated systems, Alfa Romeo stands firm in its belief that the new Spider is one of its safest models yet, following in the footsteps of the Euro NCAP 5-star rated Alfa Romeo 159. Which leaves us wondering why they couldn't disclose its safety features if it's so secure?

All will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in early March however, when the spiritual successor to classic Alfas such as the Giulietta Spider of the 1950s makes itself known to all and sundry. It's good to see the elegant new design philosophy at Alfa Romeo continue with its Spider, and together with a pair of powerful new front-mounted engines, it is destined to be one of the Italian car maker's best drop tops to date. 

The local importer claims that Alfa's new Spider reach dealerships in Australia sometime in 2007, at which point it will release local pricing and specifications.