( Worldcarfans ) - The Alfa Romeo 147, currently in its seventh year of production, has undergone a Ducati Corse treatment, boasting a more aggressive look combined with a number of performance-enhancing technical tweaks. Today Alfa Romeo announced that the limited special series 147 Ducati Corse will be premiered in Bologna, Italy on December 5, 2007.
Powered by a new 170 bhp 1.9 JTDM turbodiesel engine, the 147 Ducati will perform a 0- 100 km/h sprint in 8 seconds and reach a top speed of 215 km/h. Coupled with Alfa's recently launched Q2 self-locking front differential system, Alfa claims that the car should "improve roadhold, traction and stability" while offering less understeer during acceleration, something powerful front-wheel driven Alfas have never had a shortage of.
Over a standard 147 the Ducati Corse offers a whole lot of "racing ambiance." For starters, inside the cockpit you'll find a sport button, which "varies the mapping of the accelerator pedal," giving you a choice between a 'touristy' mapping or a sportier configuration. Given a choice between three colors (red, black and white) and the optional red brake calipers, the Ducati Corse offers chromed exhaust pipes, a satin-finished grille 18" alloys with a red edging as standard equipment. Inside you'll find Ducati Corse inspired interior combined with a proper BOSE audio system.
The 147, a follow up to the classic 145 and 146, was launched in October 2000 and has been a commercial success with over 360,000 sold units in its first four years on the market. In the fall of 2006 the 147 went through a facelift with minor exterior modifications. Still a over a year from the expected launch of the successor - the Alfa 149, the Ducati Corse model should offer a good combination of performance and style for true Alfa enthusiasts.
The Alfa 147 Ducati Corse will be available in Italy, the main European markets, Japan as well as Australia.