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• Alfa Romeo 156 launched in 1997
• More than 680 000 units
• 156 won 13 Touring Car championships
It was the year 1997, and international media attendees gathered in Lisbon, Portugal for the launch of the all-new Alfa Romeo 156. It was a big moment for Alfa, seeing that the 156 was the first front-wheel-drive car it produced, ever.
Rear-wheel-drive was forgotten as the car was pushed to its limits, impressing with each passing kilometre. Alfa Romeo says that the car was a "game-changer from a technical perspective; combining power, lightness and control - the eternal features of the Alfa Romeo DNA."
Coinciding with the launch, Alfa invited a million people to attend the launch at its dealership around the world. In just a few months, more than 100 000 orders were placed, and between 1997 and 2005 - the production period - more than 680 000 units were sold, globally.
In 1998, it won the European Car of the Year award. And for ten years of competing in Touring Car championships, even after production came to an end, the 156 won a total of 13 titles.
Have you ever experienced an Alfa Romeo 156? Email us with your story.
Compiled by: Charlen Raymond
