ALFA ROMEO 4x4history
The Alfa Romeo Matta (known officially as the Alfa Romeo 1900M) is a 4x4 off-road vehicle. There were two different versions made, the AR51 and the AR52 (Autovettura da Ricognizione, (Reconnaissance Vehicle or "Scout Car")). The AR51 was produced for the Italian army and the AR52 was the same car, but intended for civilian use. The Matta had a 1884 cc 65 PS (48 kW; 64 hp) twin cam engine with dry sumped lubrication. The Matta was built on a separate chassis which is similar to the setup on most off-road vehicles.
The Matta was built from 1952 to 1954, 2007 pieces AR51 and 154 AR52 version. Starting from 1954, the Italian army abandoned the AR51 and switched to the Fiat Campagnola, which was technically simpler..
The Alfa Romeo 33 road car was essentially an evolution of its predecessor, the Alfa Romeo Alfasud, which was based on the same floorplan, chassis and mechanicals albeit with some minor modifications.. Launched in 1983 as a 5-door hatchback, and a station wagon version (initially badged Giardinetta, later badged SportWagon) was introduced the following year as the same time as a 4x4 version of the hatchback. The hatchback (Berlina) was styled by the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, Ermano Cressoni, and station wagon was restyled by Pininfarina. The Alfa Romeo 33 became renowned for its nimble handling and powerful boxer engines, but also became equally well-known for its unreliable electrics and tendencies to rust (a frequent complaint on Italian cars in general at
Built to replace the 75 and based on the parent Fiat Group's Tipo platform, the 155 was somewhat larger in dimension than the 75 but evolved its styling from that of its predecessor. The 155 was designed by Italian design house I.D.E.A. Institute. A exceptional drag coefficient of 0.29 was achieved with the body design.
The single most significant technical change from the 75 was the change to a front-wheel drive layout. This new configuration gave cost and packaging benefits but many Alfa die-hards and the automotive press lamented the passing of the "purer" rear-wheel drive layout on a car from this sporting marque — the 155 was considered not in the tradition of Alfa's sporting saloons.
Also available was the 155 Q4 which had a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine and a permanent four-wheel drive powertrain both derived from the Integrale; it was essentially a Lancia Integrale with a different body>
The Alfa Romeo 156 Crosswagon transmission features 4 permanently engaged drive wheels, three differentials and torque distribution preferentially to the rear.
The Torsen C differential continuously modulates torque distribution between front and rear axles according to grip. This feature makes for a sporty drive that in turn increases active safety.
Kamal was designed to tackle any situation on the road and any climatic condition. It features reinforced live axle and 4 wheel drive with electronic control, with three differentials and Torsen system, which splits the torque variably between the front and rear wheels. Electronic controls include VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and ASR (Anti Slip Regulation)..
