Alfa Romeo exploited the most up-to-date methods in designing and creating the technological processes for the manufacture of the 164 bodyshell.
They were looking for:
The Alfa 164 bodysh elI was designed with the aid of finite element analysis that involves the structural examination of the individual body parts on the basis of the definition and simulation of the loads they will be subjected to on the road.
The CAD-designed structure and the use of high strength steel sheet for all parts subjected to greatest stress explains the exceptional rigidity and toughness of the Alfa 164 body.
These virtues were also maximised by:
60% of the body weight is provided by parts made of sheet steel that has been galvanised on one side. The roof frame, the rear floor, the wheel arches, the bonnet and boot lid and the mudguards, all parts most exposed to corrosion, are all made of this material.
Maximum protection against rust is also provided by:
The painting procedure adopted on the Alfa 164 is a highly diversified process involving the following stages:
The interior of the 1 64 is the result of meticulous design and ergonomic research. The aim was to create a superbly functional sports car environment while providing the level of aristocratic refinement befitting the image of a prestige Alfa Romeo.
The facia with its soft leather-like matt surface is padded with thick foam.
On the passenger side, the facia contains a locking interior-lit glovebox.
Each end of the fa cia has an adjustable air vent and the controls that open and close it and direct the flow of air horizontally and vertically.
At the centre the facia blends smoothly into the vertical console that houses (from top to bottom):
The seats on the Alfa 164 were designed to make the best possible use of the space available while optimising comfort, appearance and practicality.
The front seats were also designed to offer efficient support under strong cornering forces.
The driver and the front seat passenger are also ensured total comfort by devices providing the following seat adjustments:
On the 3.0 V6 the first three functions are electrically controlled as standard. On the other versions electrical adjustment of both front seats is available as an option.
A front central armrest is also available on the 3.0 V6 and the Turbo Petrol version.
The rear bench seat offers plenty of room for two, or even three when the big central armrest is retracted. Some versions are also provided with an enclosed ski housing between the boot and the passenger compartment.
On request, the bench seat on the 3.0 V6 and Turbo Petrol versions can be replaced by two electrically adjusted separate individual seats with a seat back travel of about 80 mm (3.1 in.) to ensure perfect comfort. The control buttons are lodged in the central armrest. Each seat back returns to normal position when the nearest door is opened.
The interior trim of the Alfa 1 64 features:
Great care has been taken over the choice of upholstery materials, upholstery type and stitching, and in the blending of finish and body colours to ensure that the interior of the Alfa 164 offers a sensation of opulence and warmth.
The seats are upholstered in a combination of plain and patterned velour, both of them high quality, hard wearing and elegant.
Natural leather upholstery is available on request.
The preformed roof is padded with sound deadening, insulating material and is covered in fabric.
The floor is carpeted in velour.
The headlight and dipper control is stalk-type and mounted to the left of the steering column. In the same position on the right we find the windscreen wiper/washer stalk.
The buttons for the back window heater (a timer is incorporated in the electronic heating/ventilation control unit), the front and rear foglamps, and the flashing emergency warning lights are lined up in a single row with the three clock adjustment buttons and the one that opens the boot (as long as the engine is not running) on the central console.
Clear ideograms indicate the functions of all these buttons which are illuminated by a refraction system at night and incorporate a tiny green warning light that goes on when the button is pressed.
A button on the steering column left of the driver is used to open the filler cap-hatch from inside the car.
The handbrake lever and the front and rear window buttons (standard or optional) are placed between the front seats. These pushbuttons are provided with different surfaces so that the driver can find the right one by touch without taking his eyes off the road, and a cut-out button is also provided for the rear windows for extra safety if there are children on board.
The electric rear windows can also be adjusted by buttons on the rear doors.
Below the handle on the driver's door there is a panel holding the button that adjusts the external rear view mirror or mirrors (according to version or choice of options).
Any high class car must offer a comfortable ride. For this reason the heating/ventilation on the Alfa 1 64 was the subject of meticulous research and experiment that has produced a system that functions perfectly in all weathers.
The air mix system adopted incorporates a heating unit (fan, heat exchanger, hot/cold air mixer) and an air distribution assembly.
In winter the system quickly raises the passenger compartment air temperature to the level selected (18-27oC) and keeps it there for as long as you like, whatever the speed of the car or the weather outside.
The system is managed by a microprocessor that continuously processes a stream of data from a number of sensors, two of which monitor the temperature inside and outside the car. On the basis of the programs memorised, the system continuously modulates the position of the rotary drum-type mixing and distributing "valves" via electrical actuators.
The microprocessor also adjusts fan speed as the need arises.
When you start the car in cold weather, the control unit will not start the fan until the engine water has reached a suitable temperature, so the occupants are spared a disagreeable blast of chilly air.
The 11 air vents incorporated in the system are directed towards the windscreen and windows and the sides, centre, bottom and back of the passenger compartment to ensure that the fresh or mixed air reaches all parts of the car.
The 14 heating/ventilation control buttons on the Alfa 164 are arranged in two parallel lines at the top of the central console and ensure precise and diversified control of the system in both automatic and manual mode. These controls can be grouped into 3 categories:
Temperature controls. The " + " and " - "buttons are used to set the temperature desired which is shown on a liquid crystal display in either Centigrade or Fahrenheit as selected on a small slider switch.
The Alfa 164 heating/ventilation system is also endowed with a diagnostic function. Thanks to a special program, all system malfunctions are identified and signalled.
Though very definitely a sports car, the Alfa 164 was designed and manufactured to offer a superbly quiet drive.
A whole series of adjustments to the body in the early design stages that were then repeatedly tested in the wind tunnel have made a significant contribution to the efficiency of the soundproofing.
The designer's main objective was to eliminate all wind noise and aerodynamic noises in general.
A further series of soundproofing measures were introduced early in the 164's design, the most significant being:
When it came to actually building the 164, further measures were taken to ensure minimum noise;
The use of off-line pre-assembly of certain sub-assemblies and online function checking also helped to improve the soundproofing of the 164, particularly in the case of the facia.
Back to Contents