The four-door body was fairly conventional and used a similar style to the existing Alfa Romeo Alfetta, and in fact both vehicles share a great number of parts, including door panels; Design work on the 6 was done prior to the Alfetta, but the fuel crisis of 1973 delayed further development and led to the 6's belated 1979 debut.

Power came from an all-new 2.5-litre V6 engine which generated 158 PS (116 kW; 156 hp) at 5,600 rpm using a total of six carburettors and a single, belt driven camshaft in each cylinder head.

The car was also designed to set new standards in safety; for example it featured a shock sensor in the boot which would cut off the fuel supply in the event of a crash.

In 1983, the car was revamped, with single rectangle headlights replacing the twin round units, new bumpers, a new grille and new trim around the rear lights.

Minor interior changes were also carried out, whilst mechanically the engine's troublesome six carburettors were replaced by Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, with the power remaining at 158 PS (116 kW; 156 hp).