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.