08.09.2004 Spy photos, just shot in the Sicilian City of Catania, offer the closest detailed look yet at the interior of Project 939, the soon-to-be-unveiled successor to the Alfa Romeo 156

These spy photos, just shot by a photographer from Club Cuori Alfisti in the Sicilian City of Catania, offer the closest look yet at the interior of Project 939, the soon-to-be-unveiled successor to the Alfa Romeo 156.

Taking advantage of the recent very hot, dry conditions, recently prevailing in Southern Italy, this 'mule', fitted with a 2.4-litre JTD engine, and automatic transmission, has been climate testing.

The new model, known internally as Project 939, is expected to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March. Here it throws up some of its new features, close-up, for the first time, including the incorporation of an 'engine start' push-button.

This car, it is hoped, will finally vault the sporty Italian marque right into BMW and Audi territory, continuing on the path outlined by the 156 saloon, a car that itself pushed Alfa Romeo standards forward with great aplomb.

A clear, close-up, look at the speedometer and rev counter, reveal effective, no-nonsense silver detailing, while nestling in between the dials is an LCD information display screen, similar to those found on the latest Ferrari and Maserati products.

The sweeping bezels that shroud the dials in true Alfa Romeo-style, are much more aggressive than usual, and have been designed to blend neatly into the prominent centre console, which itself follows the curve of the steering column as it chases down towards the cabin floor.

Alfa Romeo are working hard to get this car exactly right, with previously unheard of standards now being targeted. The photographer was impressed by the quality of the materials being used, despite this being a pre-production model.

The engine 'start' button is now revealed in detail, another new feature that is more likely to be found on a Ferrari or Maserati, than a higher volume production saloon car.

The centre console incorporates a low slung, fixed position arm-rest, covering a storage compartment. The foldable arm-rest on the current 156 was considered too high-up by certain customers, and, while in the up position, it blocked access to objects in the rear. This has therefore been remedied on the new model.

A large chromed surround for the auto-gearbox gate and chromed detailing on the gearknob, as well as the interior door catch and a finishing sliver positioned below it, offer some hints at what will be an opulent interior finish.

by Edd Ellison

Photos: Club Cuori Alfisti.com