Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.1 Spider (1998-04)

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.1-I Spider (1998-00)

Overview

Released in July 1998, the Alfa Romeo Mk.1 Series I (Mk.1-I) Spider was a two-door convertible with a power operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Arese, Italy, the front-wheel drive Spider was initially available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed manual transmission. From 2000, however, the Mk.1 Spider was manufactured in Turin, Italy.

Twin Spark engine

The 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder ‘Twin Spark’ engines had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The Twin Spark engines were so-called because one spark plug was positioned in the centre of the cylinder, with a second spark plug positioned at the very edge of the combustion chamber between the inlet and exhaust valves.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the related GTV coupe , the Spider was the same length (at 4285 mm) and width (1780 mm), but was 3 mm lower (1315 mm); wheelbase length was also unchanged (2540 mm). Furthermore, the Mk.1 Spider had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower wishbones and independent four-link rear suspension with unequal length wishbones.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Spider included dual front airbags, ABS, front seatbelt pretensioners and anti-submarining front seats. From April 1999, the Spider was also equipped with electronic brake force distribution.

Features

Standard features for the Spider included 16-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, leather seats, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.

May 1999: Alfa Romeo Spider update

In May 1999, the Spider was updated with additional features and styling changes. Visually, these updated models were distinguished by their more prominent and chrome-embellished Alfa Romeo shield, new alloy wheels and pearlescent paint finishes. Inside, there was a new dashboard (available in black, deep red and dark blue) with a revised centre console with brushed aluminium highlights and new switchgear. Features were also enhanced with Momo leather upholstery, climate control air conditioning and remote central locking fitted as standard.

Revisions to the engine management system sought to improve power delivery and refinement for the 2.0 Twin Spark engine, while there modifications were also made to the suspension and gearshifting.

Alfa Romeo Spider Millennium

In November 1999, limited-run ‘Millennium’ editions of the Twin Spark variant were released; these models were distinguished by their standard satellite navigation.

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.1-II Spider (2000-03)

Overview

Released in July 2000, the Mk.1 Series II (Mk.1-II) Spider introduced a revised range and production was relocated to Turin, Italy. The existing 2.0 Twin Spark – with its power-operated soft-top roof – became the Luxury edition, and a new-entry level edition was introduced. This entry-level model omitted the Luxury’s 16-inch alloy wheels, had cloth upholstery instead of Momo leather and a manually-operated roof.

In June 2001, the range was expanded with a 3.0 V6 variant, which was similarly equipped to the 2.0 Twin Spark Luxury. The 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce

In November 2002, a limited-run Veloce edition of the 2.0 Twin Spark was released; the Veloce was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels with low profile tyres, two-tone leather interior, front seats with embossed Alfa Romeo logo and power-operated roof. Furthermore, the 2.0 Twin Spark Veloce was available in two paint finishes: metallic silver (with black and silver leather interior) or metallic black (with black and red leather interior).

Review: Alfa Romeo Mk.1-III Spider (2003-04)

Overview

Released in October 2003, the Mk.1 Series III (Mk.1-III) Spider represented a significant update, with the 2.0 Twin Spark replaced by the 2.0 JTS and the 3.0 V6 replaced by the 3.2 V6.

2.0 JTS and 3.2 V6 engines

Of the engines,

• the 2.0-litre JTS (short for Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) engine had direct injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 11.3:1; and,
• the 3.2-litre V6 engine had double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Features

Compared to its 2.0 Twin Spark predecessor, the 2.0 JTS gained 16-inch alloy wheels. With its leather seats and power-operated roof, the 2.0 JTS Lusso effectively replaced the 2.0 Twin Spark Luxury, while the range-topping 3.2 V6 was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels.

Related links

• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo GTV and Spider (September 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: Alfa Romeo GTV and Spider