Alfa's GT, powered by the 110 kW 1.9 JTDm engine gets the company's all new Q2 system that's intended to boost control and traction in all driving conditions.

It's essentially a self-locking front differential which incorporates the strong points of a front-wheel drive system (active safety, driving enjoyment and control) while providing some of the advantages typical of four-wheel drive — at a lower cost and weight.

In addition to this mechanical upgrade, the Alfa GT ‘Q2’ is cosmetically distinguished by specific 18" rims, dual chromed exhaust terminals, a satin finish grille complemented by front ‘whiskers’ and mirror housings, a lower stance and a ‘Q2’ logo on the tailgate.

The styling of the interior underlines Q2’s sporty character: an instrument panel with a red background and white lighting, black leather seats with red stitching and the Alfa Romeo logo, the steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake gaiters in black leather with red stitching, special ‘Q2’ heel-high scuff plates, grey anthracite facia trims and aluminium pedals.

And finally, radio controls on the steering wheel, radio with CD and MP3 player, and a Bose Hi-Fi system with sub-woofer are all standard.

How the Q2 system works

The main element of the system is a limited slip differential, of the Torsen mechanical type. This differential splits torque between the front drive wheels, according to driving conditions and the road surface. Combined with the double wishbone front suspension, the system allows effective fine tuning of the car.

The system embodies all the strengths of front-wheel drive: increasing roadholding, traction and stability while attenuating understeer on acceleration, the intervention of the electronic control systems and steering wheel vibration.

So, when taking a corner when grip is poor and the inside wheel starts to lose grip, torque is partially transferred to the outside wheel, producing less understeer, greater stability, and increasing cornering speed.

The improved mechanical efficiency of the ‘Q2’ transmission delays the intervention of the vehicle control systems, for better traction as the car exits the bend.

And on surfaces with poor grip torque is gradually transferred to the wheel with the most grip, simplifying a hill start, for example, and making driving on all roads with changing surface conditions safer and more comfortable.

Power and perks

The GT is powered by a 1910cc Multijet direct injection diesel with turbo and intercooler featuring a Bosch EDC 16 electronic control system. With a power output of 110kW at 4000rpm and torque of 305Nm at 2000rpm, it accelerates the Alfa from 0 to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds, en route to a maximum speed of 209km/h. Combined fuel consumption is 6.7 litres per 100km.

Safety features include six airbags — front, side and window — and ABS with EBD, ASR (Traction Control) and VDC (Stability Control), while the modcon list features electric windows and mirrors, central locking, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, dual-zone climate control and trip computer.

Behind the wheel

Well, an Alfa Romeo GT Q2 with a turbo-diesel engine is not exactly true Alfa fair. However it did prove one thing — the all-new Q2 Torsen drive certainly places its road-holding qualities and at a definite high-point.

Thrashing the Q2 GT around Gerotek’s short and highly technical test track proved more than interesting, and even more so around the skid-pan proving.

But one salient feature emerged — for the same amount of driver input the Q2 gets you around the track quicker and safer, without you realising this to any great extent.

Though, it should be said, driving a powerful diesel around the track with its oh-so-narrow rev-ranges is not that rewarding either.

Pricing:

Alfa Romeo GT 1.9 JTDm: R286 000
Alfa Romeo GT 1.9 JTDm Q2: R299 000
Alfa Romeo GT 3.2 V6: R 342 000

The Q2 comes with a three-year 100 000km warranty (three years on paintwork and five years on rust anti-perforation) as well as a three-year 60 000 km maintenance plan. It has 20 000 km service intervals. The new models are covered by the AA Fleetcare roadside assistance for 12 months.