The rear de Dion transaxle found on the Alfetta and derivatives- GTV, 90 and 75- provided these cars with an excellent weight distribution.

The front suspension design was unusual in that it incorporated independent longitudinal torsion bar springs acting directly onto the lower wishbones and with separate dampers.

The Alfetta saloon was launched in 1972, with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine as a three-box, four-door, five-passenger notchback design ("Berlina" in Italian) penned in-house by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo.

The front end was characterised by twin, equal-sized headlamps visually connected to a central narrow Alfa Romeo shield by three chrome bars, while the taillights featured three square elements.

At the 1975 Brussels Motor Show Alfa Romeo introduced the 1,594 cc (97 cu in), 108 PS (DIN) Alfetta 1.6 base model, distinguished by its single, larger round front headlamps.

[13] The turbodiesel engine, a first on an Alfa Romeo's passenger car, displaced 2.0 litres and produced 82 PS (60 kW; 81 hp).

An initial batch of ten examples were assigned to taxi drivers in Milan, to verify operation and performance in real-world situations.

[17] All models in this range had black plastic rubbing strips, side sill mouldings, tail light surround and hubcaps; the 2000 sported a satin silver grille and a simulated mahogany steering wheel rim.

July 1982 saw the introduction of the range topping Alfetta Quadrifoglio Oro (meaning Gold Cloverleaf, a trim designation already used on the Alfasud),[18] which took the place of the then discontinued 2000 L. The Quadrifoglio Oro was powered by a 128 PS (94 kW; 126 hp) (DIN) version of the usual 1,962 cc engine, equipped with the SPICA mechanical fuel injection used on US-spec Alfettas; standard equipment included several digital and power-assisted accessories like a trip computer, check control panel and electrically adjustable seats.

In March 1983, the Alfetta received its third and final facelift;[19] the exterior was modernised with newly designed bumpers (integrating a front spoiler and extending to the wheel openings), a new grille, lower body plastic cladding, silver hubcaps and, at the rear, a full width grey plastic fascia supporting rectangular tail lights with ribbed lenses and the number plate.

Top of the range models adopted an overhead console, which extended for the full length of the roof and housed three reading spot lamps, a central ceiling light, and controls for the electric windows.

Alongside the facelift two new models were introduced: the 2.4-litre Turbo Diesel, which in most markets gradually replaced the previous 2.0-litre which was instead installed in the marginally smaller Giulietta.

It became well known throughout the world since it was Italian former Prime Minister Aldo Moro's official escort car when he was kidnapped by the Red Brigades.

Beginning in October 1982, the Quadrifoglio Oro model was marketed as the Alfa Romeo 159i, with the fuel injected two-litre engine.

From 1978 to 1979 a mildly restyled version was sold under the name "Sport Sedan"; this design was also offered in Italy as the "Alfetta 2.0 LI America".

Introduced in 1974, similarly to the saloon it was initially available only with the 1.8-litre (1,779 cc) version of the Alfa Romeo Twin Cam engine.

Autodelta also introduced a limited edition 2.0-litre turbocharged model, named Turbodelta, of which 400 were made for FIA Group 4 homologation.

Outside there were new one-piece taillights, grey plastic bumpers, C-pillar vents and side skirts; all bright stainless steel save for the Alfa Romeo triangular grille was changed to matte-black trim.

With Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection instead of the six downdraught Dell'Orto carburettors in the early Alfa 6 application, the V6 was much easier to start and retained its state of tune much better.

All 150 cars were available only painted silver and with a black leather interior; and came with "Maratona" badging on the rear decklid, front fenders and glove box door.

[32] In addition to numerous small component upgrades, the Callaway GTV 6's included a somewhat revised suspension (most notably eschewing the metric Michelin TRX wheel/tire combination—then standard on the GTV-6, in favor of Pirelli or Goodyear tires on conventionally sized BBS, Speedline, or OZ lightweight alloys), improved brakes and, most importantly, a twin-turbocharger system.

Racing versions of the Alfetta GT and GTV were built by Autodelta, initially with the naturally aspirated engines from the earlier GTAm racer based on the 105 series coupé, for homologation under FIA Group 2.

Despite such results, Autodelta's efforts with the Group 2 Alfetta were desultory and ended prematurely, due to Alfa's budgetary constraints and heavy commitments to Formula One and the World Championship for Sports Cars.

At the end of the 1975 season, Autodelta also rallied an Alfetta GTV with a 3.0-litre V8 engine, derived from the 2.6-litre V8 of the Montreal coupé and sharing the same mechanical fuel injection by SPICA.

This version was driven by Ballestrieri in the relatively minor Valli Piacentine Rally, but development of the V8 Alfetta as a competition machine was not pursued when the plan to produce 400 roadgoing units of this model for homologation was abandoned.

A racing version was campaigned in rallies and developed during 1979 and 1980 seasons: entries backed by Jolly Club were driven by Pregliasco, Ormezzano and Verini.

The last development of the Gp.4 Turbodelta featured wide arches, 15x11 Campagnolo rims fitted with massive 290 mm (11 in) tyres, big brakes, light body and huge engine bonnet covering induction to intercooler and turbo system.

Despite scoring a win at the Danube Rally, development of the Gp.4 Alfetta Turbodelta was not pursued as Carlo Chiti, Autodelta chief engineer, had more interest in SportsCars and F1.

[37] In 1986 production of the GTV 6 ceased and Alfa Romeo turned its Group A racing and rallying efforts to the 75/Milano saloons, which were based on the same rear transaxle chassis.

However, 1986 also saw the GTV 6 post one of its finest rallying victories when Yves Loubet's example won the Group A in the tragic 1986 Tour de Corse and placed 3rd overall among the monstrously powerful four-wheel-drive Group B cars, while in 1987 Greg Carr, win the Australian rally Championship with the Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV V6.