Positioning:
        
        
            Sporty Italian Coupe / Convertible, competing with BMW 3 Series Coupe, Audi A4 Coupe, and Porsche Boxster in its segment.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors 1996-1998:
        
        
            BMW E36 3 Series Coupe, Audi A4 B5 Coupe (when available), Mercedes-Benz CLK W208, Porsche 986 Boxster (later in the period).
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Language:
        
        
            Iconic wedge-shaped design, distinctive Alfa Romeo 'Scudetto' grille, sleek and aerodynamic profile.
        
     
    
        
            Driving Dynamics:
        
        
            Renowned for sharp handling, communicative steering, and engaging driving experience characteristic of Alfa Romeo.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Options:
        
        
            Available with the legendary Alfa Romeo Twin Spark and later the powerful Busso V6 engines.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Full engine teardown, rebuild, timing belt replacement, diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Engine Management:
        
        
            Fuel injection, ignition system, ECU diagnostics, sensor testing
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, shift mechanism repair
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Not typically applicable to early GTV models with these engine options, but if present, would cover basic diagnostics and fluid service.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension component replacement, alignment procedures
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Brake system overhaul, ABS diagnostics, rotor and pad replacement
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering column repair
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay identification
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, climate control diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Bodywork:
        
        
            Panel replacement, interior trim removal, cosmetic repairs
        
     
    
        
            Exhaust System:
        
        
            Exhaust component replacement, catalytic converter diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Radiator, water pump, thermostat replacement, coolant flushing
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel pump, injector service, fuel tank removal and installation
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, fault code interpretation
        
     
    
        
            Component Replacement:
        
        
            Detailed instructions for replacing virtually all mechanical and electrical components
        
     
    
        
            Rebuilding Procedures:
        
        
            Complete engine and gearbox rebuild instructions
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Testing:
        
        
            Step-by-step testing procedures for electrical sensors and actuators
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Comprehensive and detailed electrical schematics for all systems
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/gearbox rebuilds)
        
     
    
        
            Diagrams:
        
        
            Abundant part diagrams, exploded views, and system schematics
        
     
    
        
            Illustrations:
        
        
            High-quality photographs and illustrations supporting repair procedures
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code And Type:
        
        
            AR 34101 (Twin Spark 4-cylinder)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            1970 cc (2.0 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            83.0 mm x 91.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            10.5:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            150 hp @ 6200 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            187 Nm (138 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Bosch Motronic M2.10.4 Fuel Injection
        
     
    
        
            Valve Actuation:
        
        
            DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (Twin Spark ignition system with two spark plugs per cylinder)
        
     
    
        
        Optional Engine 1996-1998
    
 
    
        
            Engine Code And Type:
        
        
            AR 16102 (Busso V6)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            2959 cc (3.0 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            93.0 mm x 72.5 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            10.0:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            208 hp @ 6300 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            260 Nm (192 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Bosch Motronic M1.5.5 Fuel Injection
        
     
    
        
            Valve Actuation:
        
        
            DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Gear Ratios 2.0 Ts:
        
        
            1st: 3.467, 2nd: 2.158, 3rd: 1.481, 4th: 1.156, 5th: 0.875, Final Drive: 3.733
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic (optional on some markets/engines, less common for the period covered)
        
     
    
    
        
            Clutch Type:
        
        
            Hydraulically operated dry single plate clutch
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
        
        
            API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., Tutela Technos 75W-90 or equivalent)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
        
        
            Dexron III or equivalent (if applicable)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            4250 mm (167.3 in)
        
     
    
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            1340 mm (52.8 in)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            2530 mm (99.6 in)
        
     
    
        
            Front Track:
        
        
            1518 mm (59.8 in)
        
     
    
        
            Rear Track:
        
        
            1502 mm (59.1 in)
        
     
    
    
        
            Seating Capacity:
        
        
            2+2 Seating (rear seats are very small)
        
     
    
    
        
            Trunk Volume:
        
        
            Approx. 235 liters (8.3 cu ft)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight 2.0 Ts:
        
        
            Approx. 1350 kg (2976 lbs)
        
     
    
        
            Curb Weight 3.0 V6:
        
        
            Approx. 1400 kg (3086 lbs)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
        
        
            Approx. 1750 kg (3858 lbs) (Varies by model)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Euro Ncap Rating:
        
        
            Not tested by Euro NCAP in the contemporary format for the 1996-1998 models. Later models saw improvements.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System (Bosch ABS III)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Optional Traction Control System (ASR) on some variants
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and passenger front airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
        
     
    
        
            Body Structure:
        
        
            Reinforced safety cell, deformable crumple zones
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player, often with integrated amplifier and speaker system. Options for premium sound systems available.
        
     
    
        
            Climate Control:
        
        
            Manual or automatic climate control systems, depending on trim level.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Optional on many models, particularly higher-spec variants.
        
     
    
    
        
            Connectivity Features:
        
        
            Limited by era; primarily focused on basic in-car entertainment and climate control.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
        
     
    
        
            Oil Filter Replacement:
        
        
            At every oil change.
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
        
        
            Crucial: Every 50,000 km (31,000 miles) or 4 years, due to the interference engine design. Failure leads to catastrophic engine damage.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles) or 2 years for Twin Spark plugs.
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
        
        
            Crucial: Every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years. Also replace associated tensioners and idler pulleys.
        
     
    
        
        Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
    
 
    
        
            Engine Oil Spec:
        
        
            API SJ/SL, ACEA A3/B3 or A3/B4, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 (depending on climate/engine type). Consult manual for specific viscosity.
        
     
    
        
        Fluid Specifications Coolant
    
 
    
        
            Coolant Spec:
        
        
            Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. Use a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Paraflu UP or similar.
        
     
    
        
        Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
    
 
    
        
            Brake Fluid Spec:
        
        
            DOT 4 (low viscosity recommended for ABS systems)
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Wear Items:
        
        
            Wear on suspension bushings, engine mounts, and potential for oil leaks from gaskets/seals.
        
     
    
        
            Twin Spark Specifics:
        
        
            Coil pack failures, distributorless ignition system issues, potential valve guide wear over time.
        
     
    
        
            Busso V6 Specifics:
        
        
            Can suffer from timing belt tensioner failure if not replaced at intervals, oil consumption, exhaust manifold cracks.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Gremlins:
        
        
            Common for older Italian cars; issues with wiring harnesses, sensors, and central locking are not uncommon.
        
     
    
        
            Rust Potential:
        
        
            Areas like wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms can be susceptible to rust, particularly in climates with road salt.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Heritage Summary:
        
        
            Alfa Romeo boasts a rich motorsport history and a legacy of producing stylish, performance-oriented Italian automobiles.
        
     
    
    
        
            Predecessor:
        
        
            Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV / GTV6, Alfa Romeo 75 (Milano)
        
     
    
        
            Design Inspiration:
        
        
            Designed by Enrico Fumia at Pininfarina, heavily influenced by the Alfa Romeo Proteo concept car.
        
     
    
        
            Facelift Year:
        
        
            The GTV (916) received a significant facelift in 2003, not covered by this manual.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Plant:
        
        
            Arese, Italy (primarily)
        
     
    
        
            Production Years Covered By Manual:
        
        
            1996, 1997, 1998
        
     
    
        
            Key Market Introduction:
        
        
            Introduced in 1995, with significant sales in Europe from 1996 onwards.