Quadrifoglio and ti

Flagship sport models with the two litre 16 valve Twin Spark inline four engine from the 155 arrived a year after the début: the 145 Quadrifoglio and 146 ti. Each of the two litre versions had a unique trim level; both included more standard equipment than the L trims, like ABS, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob and Momo sport seats.

The 145 Quadrifoglio (145 Cloverleaf in the United Kingdom), launched at the September 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show and on sale from October,^[13] had deep body colour side skirts with "green cloverleaf" badges and five hole alloy wheels.

The 146 ti^{[lower-alpha 2]} went on sale in February 1996.^[14] It came with painted side skirts, a boot spoiler and twelve hole alloy wheels. Two litre cars were equipped with stiffer suspension, uprated all disk braking system, ABS, wider, lower profile tyres and 'quick rack' direct steering (also seen on the 155, GTV and Spider) which improved responsiveness, but also compromised the turning circle.

First revisions

From January 1997, all the boxers were phased out in favour of 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 versions of the Twin Spark 16 valve engine.^[15][16] 1.8 litre cars adopted the sport chassis, steering, and brakes of the Quadrifoglio/ti, and also offered some of their optional equipment such as the sport seats. At the same time, the interior was updated: a new air conditioning system, a redesigned dashboard and an upholstered insert were fitted for left-hand drive cars.^[17] Right-hand drive cars retained the previous dashboard design. Outside changes were minor: new wheel covers and alloy wheels and a wider choice of paint colours.

In September 1997, Alfa Romeo introduced the Junior, a trim level targeted at young buyers that combined the sport styling and chassis setup of the range topping models, with the affordable entry level 1.4 powertrain,^[18] later the 1.6 engine was added to this trim as well. Based on the 1.4 L, Junior cars were distinguished by the Quadrifoglio's side skirts with "Junior" badges, specific 15 inch alloy wheels, and the stainless steel exhaust tip (as well as, on the 146, the boot spoiler) from the ti.

By March 1998, 1.8 and 2.0 Twin Spark engines received the updates first introduced on the 156; due to variable length intake manifolds the two powertrains gained 4 to 5 PS and reached peak torque at engine speeds some 500 rpm lower.^[19]

1999 restyling

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1999, Alfa Romeo introduced the restyled '99 line up for both models.^[20] The new common rail direct injection 1.9 turbo-diesel JTD engine replaced the 1.9 TD.

The main changes outside were new, body colour bumpers with round fog lights and narrow protection strips; the interior got new upholstery and detail trim changes such as chrome vent surrounds. Optional side airbags complemented the already available passenger and standard driver airbags.

The Junior trim level was discontinued, in favour of "pack sport" option package that included side skirts, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel and sport seats, all standard features on the two litre models. A second "pack lusso" package offered leather steering wheel, velour upholstery and mahogany wood trim.

In September of the next year, at the Paris Motor Show the all-new 147 was officially launched.^[21] Eventually, in 2000, the 145 and 146 were superseded by the all-new 147, which was a far bigger commercial success, with its acclaimed front end styling and improved quality.

Engines

Performance