The Alfa Romeo 155 (Type 167) is a compact executive car produced by Alfa Romeo between 1992 and 1998. It was unveiled in January 1992 in Barcelona, launched publicly at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1992, and 195,526 units were made before the 156 replaced it.
Alfa Romeo 155 at a glance
| Production | 1992–1998 |
|---|---|
| Units built | 195,526 |
| Platform | Fiat Group Tipo Tre |
| Design | I.DE.A Institute |
| Drag coefficient | Cd 0.29 |
| Boot space | 525 L |
| Drive | front-wheel drive; 155 Q4 with permanent four-wheel drive and a 2.0 L turbo engine from the Lancia Delta Integrale |
| Trims | Sport and Super |
| Replaced | Alfa Romeo 75; replaced by the 156 |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only, so the figures could not be cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Alfa Romeo 155
The 155 was developed to replace the 75 and was based on the Tipo Tre platform of the parent Fiat Group. It was somewhat larger than the 75 and had evolved styling, with an exceptional drag coefficient of 0.29, and the boxy body allowed a boot space of 525 litres.
The biggest technical change from the 75 was the switch to front-wheel drive. The reception was generally lukewarm: the 75, conceived before Fiat’s acquisition of Alfa Romeo, was the last car developed independently by the company, and the loss of rear-wheel drive was often cited as the main cause of disappointment. Nevertheless the 155 was entered in touring car racing and was very successful in every major championship it entered, which gradually improved its image. It received a facelift in 1995.
Design and features
- Aerodynamics: a drag coefficient of 0.29.
- Trims: the Sport had a slightly lowered ride height and more aggressive dampers; the Super could have wood trim and electronically controlled dampers and seat controls.
- 155 Q4: a permanent four-wheel-drive version whose engine and drivetrain came from the Lancia Delta Integrale; it was essentially a Delta Integrale with a different body.
Alfa Romeo 155 versions
- 155 (1992): front-wheel-drive saloon in Sport and Super trims.
- 155 Q4: the turbocharged four-wheel-drive version.
- 155 V6 Ti: the touring car racing version; our older “V6” page about its engine is covered here.
More Alfa Romeo cars are in our Alfa Romeo collection, for example the Alfa Romeo 75 and the Alfa Romeo 156.
Alfa Romeo 155 questions and answers
When was the Alfa Romeo 155 built?
From 1992 to 1998.
How many were made?
195,526.
What did the 155 replace?
The Alfa Romeo 75; the 156 replaced the 155.
Was it front-wheel drive?
Yes, which was the main change from the rear-wheel-drive 75; the Q4 version had four-wheel drive.
What was its drag coefficient?
0.29.
Sources
- Alfa Romeo 155, English Wikipedia: design, production, versions
