High-powered diesel versions of Alfa Romeo’s multi-award winning Alfa 147 and Alfa GT models now feature a sporty twist, in the form of a limited slip front differential that further improves and increases driving enjoyment and control. The system is available exclusively with the 150bhp JTDM engine in the Alfa GT and Alfa 147.

Drivers choosing this option will benefit from a more sensitive set-up that maintains traction, roadholding and stability during hard acceleration in low grip conditions, and notably when exiting corners.

Up front, Alfa Romeo’s new Q2 limited slip differential splits torque between the two front wheels constantly and dynamically in response to changing driving conditions and road surfaces; ensuring that effective grip is maintained at all times.

Whilst not the first manufacturer to employ an LSD installation at the front of the vehicle, Alfa Romeo has combined the technology with an exclusive double wishbone front suspension to allow very effective fine tuning of the car’s chassis. In addition, Alfa Romeo has lowered the ride height, and specified different anti-roll bars, springs and dampers, along with bigger wheels with low-profile tyres.

Perhaps the most seductive advantage of Alfa’s Q2 system is that it works with the traction control to maintain power and acceleration at all times. Without the Q2 arrangement in place, all traction control systems will reduce power to a spinning wheel to allow the car to regain grip – effectively slowing the car down. With Q2, it simply shifts the power to the wheel with more grip, and therefore maintains acceleration.

To help differentiate these Q2 models from their stablemates, both the Alfa 147 and Alfa GT models boast a number of exterior and interior stylistic changes.

Outside, these include a satin finish on the ‘whiskers’, grille and mirror housings plus special 17” alloys on the 147 – 18” on the GT – a rear spoiler, chromed exhaust, lowered suspension and a Q2 boot badge.

The sporty theme continues inside with red dials and white lighting, plus leather upholstery and red stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake gaiter. Other neat touches include grey anthracite trims on the steering wheel spokes and console, and special Q2 kick plates and aluminium pedals.

One further enhancement is the fitment of steering wheel mounted controls for the Bose stereo, cruise control and the VDC system.

Alfa Romeo UK Marketing Director, Nicholas Bernard, says: “These Alfa 147 and Alfa GT models bring a new level of driving enjoyment to the range. Q2 will excite motorists who really love to drive their cars. In short, the innovative system provides many of the advantages typical of four-wheel drive, but at a significantly lower cost and weight.”