The 27 kgm Sportronic C.A.E. (Cambio Automatico Elettronico - electronic automatic transmission) is again fitted to the 3.0 V6 24 valve version. This innovative four-speed automatic transmission (electronically controlled) offers a choice between fully power-assisted self-adaptive management and manual mode. In the first case, the system analyses the way that the driver uses certain controls for a short period. Then it decides on the best gearshift sequence on the basis of this information (and also on car condition and route type). The transmission achieves this by comparing results obtained with certain algorithms present in its memory. When in manual mode, the Sportronic allows the driver to decide which gear to engage to ensure typical Alfa Romeo driving satisfaction.

The sophisticated new generation Aisin automatic transmission (5 speed) fitted to the 175 bhp 2.4 Multijet 20v engine deserves a section to itself.

The Aisin Automatic Transmission

Many aspects of the Aisin automatic transmission (fitted to New Alfa 166 cars with the powerful 2.4 JTD 20v engine) were tested under extreme conditions and using the device beyond the limits of normal service. The result is a gearbox capable of great comfort and also all the features that make it one of the most innovative in its segment. 

First and foremost, the Alfa 166 automatic transmission offers 5 dual-purpose speeds. You can use the normal P, R, N and D positions when the lever is moved up in the gate. When in D position, however, all you have to do is move the lever to the left, into the areas marked 'plus' and 'minus' and the automatic device converts to a sequential manual gearbox with all the freedom that can offer, including the ability to set off in second or third when the car is driven over slippery ground.

The newest features offered by the device are to be found in the automatic part of the transmission. This sophisticated system: 

- is integral with all the electronic car control systems and thus interacts with the VDC, ABS and the entire braking system as well as with the engine;
- is easy to manoeuvre because you do not have to press any buttons to move from one position to another;
- is safe because the fretted gate in which the lever moves prevents accidental gear engagement;
- is self-adaptive because it identifies the motorist's driving style in a few seconds and adapts its response to the habits of the person behind the wheel. The electronic control unit achieves this by using different gearshift software maps that offer a choice between an economical drive, a normal drive or a performance drive.

These basic attributes are joined by many other interesting functions. For example: 

- at traffic lights the driver only has to touch the brake pedal lightly (and not depress it completely as he would on most other cars), because the automatic transmission on the New Alfa 166 incorporates 'Neutral control', which eliminates the typical creep when the car is stationary, thus enhancing driving comfort, and reducing vibration and consumption; 
- if the driver brakes sharply, the control unit understands that he wishes to stop the car in the shortest possible distance, and it changes down to exploit the engine brake, just as he would do with a manual gearbox ('Braking' function); 
- on 'difficult' corners (indicated by the different speeds of the inside and offside wheels) the system maintains the same ratio even if the driver asks for more power; this has the dual advantage of greater safety on the steered wheels and a faster exit from the bend, thanks to the generous torque reserve which lets the car change up straight away ('Cornering' function); 
- on mountain roads the New Alfa 166 driver can relax and enjoy the absence of noise because, both up and downhill, the control unit of the automatic transmission adopts strategies (Up1 - Up2 - Down) that reduce the number of gear changes to guarantee greater comfort while enhancing downhill safety through the intervention of the engine brake; 
- the flagship responds perfectly in all situations; on mixed routes, for example, when the accelerator is released fast, the system strategy ('Fast off') responds by maintaining the gear engaged instead of changing up, because it understands that it will soon be followed by pressure on the brake. When starting on snow-covered roads, or any road where grip is poor, the gearbox decides automatically to set off in second or third to exploit all available grip. It then continues to make gearshifts computed to guarantee maximum stability ('Low µ' function). When it stops, it may set off again in a higher ratio to avoid wheel slip; 
- when the Alfa Romeo flagship is parked, it cannot be started or moved by an accidental manoeuvre (a curious child, an involuntary nudge with an elbow): the shift lock function ensures that the brake pedal must be pressed before the lever can be moved from position P to any other position; 
- the system protects against any oversight: for example, it will prevent you taking the key out of the panel (key lock) if you forget to move the lever to P before leaving the car. And a set of acoustic signals indicates situations of possible danger: such as the case described above, or if reverse is engaged when the driver's door is opened with the engine running.