Get ready for new nomenclature with Alfa Romeo. The boot badge on the 156 2.0 litre petrol model that we were driving a few weeks ago said JTS, not the more familiar T-Spark which, of course, is Twin Spark.
The new abbreviation stands for Jet Thrust Stoichiometric - quite a mouthful.
JTS signifies Alfa's new direct-injection petrol technology and it promises motoring nirvana - more power and torque with better fuel economy. It's all set to identify an entire family of new highly advanced Fla engines.
A friend who drives a 2.0 litre T-Spark 156 groaned at the news. He thinks his car has a superb engine: for him it's a brilliant all-rounder that thrives on revs. Was Alfa Romeo taking a retrograde step in the interests of economy, he wondered.
Our driving experience suggested otherwise. Alfa Romeo engineers emphasised to us that they approached direct-injection technology from a performance-
oriented angle. Our 2.0 JTS test car had power up 15bhp over the T-Spark, to a new peak of 165bhp.
JTS is a complicated system, but the key is a fuel-saving lean-burn ratio as used by other direct-injection petrol units. However, here the lean-burn bit applies only up to 1,500rpm - so it's great for saving fuel in traffic jams.
We found driving the 2.0 156 that there was little to distinguish the JTS from the old T-Spark. Taking the JTS engine up towards its rev limit has to be still the sort of aural experience that Alfa aficionados love. It's a smooth engine that sounds crisp and clean, delivering a linear flow of power.
Like the engine it replaces, the JTS is a consummate match for the 156's agile chassis and delightfully quick steering. Threading the JTS through twisting roads in northern Italy proved a firm but not uncomfortable ride. Despite crests, dips and changes of camber, body movements were well checked. The five-speed manual gearbox carried over from the T-Spark was also slick and positive.
JTS is but one development in a revamp of the 156 model line-up which includes the exhilarating 156GTA and a more powerful 2.4 litre five-cylinder JTD engine. With the latter, power has been boosted by 10bhp to 150bhp through a revised engine management system. The 156, in its original diesel form, was a pioneer here: it was the first to embrace common-rail technology.
JTS is a new badge for Alfa Romeo but GTA was created away back in 1965. Now, 37 years on, it adorns the 156 in saloon and Sportwagon forms with a 3.2 litre V6 24 valve engine that delivers a hefty 250bhp and sprints from 0 to 62mph in just over six seconds.
THE brief for building the GTA was simple: create a car for everyday use that could under the right circumstances give drivers the performance, behaviour and driving sensations of a car built for racing. The 156GTA, with its sporty side skirts and big air intake below the front bumper, will stand out in any crowd or car park. Otherwise the 156 range remains virtually untouched externally - proof surely of how the profile remains alluringly stylish.
Alfa Romeo, however, has taken the opportunity to freshen up the 156's cabin. Most noticeable is the revised centre console that's now covered in an aluminium-effect trim. There has been brightening-up work on the new three-spoke steering wheel, gearlever and gearshift gait. New ventilation switchgear and integrated stereo controls complete the refurbishment.
Specification levels have been enhanced. All models now get automatic climate control, window bags for front- and rear-seat passengers , electric front and rear windows and a CD player. VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and EBS (Emergency Brake Assist) are part of the safety armoury, cutting in when the car's stability is at risk.
No fewer than 16 versions of the revised 156 range, including GTA models, will start going on Irish sale within the next few weeks. The entry-level car remains the 1.6 litre Twin Spark model with 120bhp. No prices are yet available but a "modest" increase on the old models is likely.