Functional, adaptable driving position

Given the distinctly sporting personality of the Alfa 164, particular care was taken over the design of the driving position to ensure functional and ergonomic perfection.

The process involved exhaustive statistical analysis and the application of the basic data to the results of a special ergonomic research project.

A simulated cockpit was created so that the basic parameters could be changed, recorded and analysed. The Alfa Romeo Medical Unit was consulted on medical and anthropometric aspects. Two hundred people were asked to express their preferences and their reactions to different configurations.

The data obtained were memorised by a computer and processed for subsequent simulations.

The computer also played a vital role in other ergonomic studies. For example the profile of the glass covering the instrument panel and the lip above it were designed by means of a special program to prevent reflexions on the glass or on the windscreen at night.

Computerised design techniques were also used to assess the visibility and accessibility of the instruments in a wide variety of simulated sitting positions and seat-steering wheel adjustments.

The following items made a major contribution to the functional and ergonomic quality of the Alfa 164 cockpit.

• the shape of the driver's seat;
• the wide range of driver's seat adjustments; the wide range of steering wheel adjustments;
• the functional layout of the instruments on the panel that highlights the ones most important to the driver;
• the rational distribution of the secondary controls depending on how often they are used, the clearly legible ideograms that identify the various functions, some of them identifiable by touch so that the driver can keep his eyes on the road;
• the rational electronically controlled heating/ventilation system.

Instrument panel

The analogue instruments on the Alfa 164 can be read at a glance. The top of the panel, protected by a big trapezoidal lip that cuts out glare, holds the two main instruments, the rev counter and the speedometer, both of them electronic, with the door closure check in the middle.

The following indicators (only visible when they light up) are ar- ranged in a big horizontal strip:

• hand brake on
• brake pad wear
• stop lights working
• coolant overheating
• low brake fluid
• low engine oil
• low coolant
• low window cleaning fluid
• low oil pressure
• maximum turbo pressure (on T.B. and T.D. versions only)
• left direction flasher
• right direction flasher
• fuel reserve
• parking lights on
• headlamps on
• high beam
• low alternator charge
• backlight heater on
• rear fog lights on
• emergency flashers on
• preheater plugs on (on the T.D. version)

The same strip also holds the indicators for the optional front foglights and ABS failure.

The following analogue instruments are lined up on the bottom half of the panel:

voltmeter (on the 3.0 V6 and T Spark) or turbo pressure gauge (on the T.8. and T.D.)
• oil pressure gauge
• coolant temperature gauge
• fuel level indicator.

The mileometer and trip are mid mounted between the minor gauges.

A small facia panel left of the steering wheel holds:

• the button used to test all warning lights;
• the instrument lighting rheostat;
• the trip zero button.

Check control

Alfa 164 instrumentation also includes a control system (the Alfa Romeo Control).

Indicators light up to warn the driver of all failures or faults in functions of major importance for the proper running and safety of the car.

The system also checks engine starting, and warning indicator function (the bulbs and the wiring that connects the sensors to the electronic control unit).

If the ignition circuit fails for more that 50 milliseconds, the system will check it again as soon as it starts working.

In line with its advanced, high class image, the Alfa 1 64 offers an exceptionally comprehensive, luxury trim in all its versions.

There is also a wide range of options to give the car extra individuality.

O = Option
- = not available
AM = After market

Body colours

The new Alfa 164 will be available in four pastel and four metallic body colours.

The standard interior trim is velour with cloth as an option. Here in detail are the combinations of body colours and interior trim: