My first proper drive....
Discussion
Last Monday was the 1st day I had the chance to take the Spider out for a good long run and despite some scuttle shake with the hood down on bad roads I was really impressed.
Handling and cornering are superb, very neutral under and over steer which gives a very positive driving experience (it goes where you point it), not much body roll either.
The twinspark is pretty lively, especially as the revs pile on but it is a little lifeless at lower revs when booted. When a sedate speed increase is required at lower revs it appears to pick up nicely, almost like the induction is a bit restrictive. The solidity of the car is most impressive with a heavy feel to the doors and nice clunk when closing. The momo leather seats are superb, high quality and hold you very well. The dash looks great and all controls well placed.
The hood operation is excellent and the design is very impressive.
Overall my opinion is it is more of an open top sportscar than a cruising machine. I found myself following a Boxster wishing he'd speed up and give me some fun in following him around the twisties but sadly he didn't.
The V6 with the stiffer suspension and more go must be a lot of fun!
Handling and cornering are superb, very neutral under and over steer which gives a very positive driving experience (it goes where you point it), not much body roll either.
The twinspark is pretty lively, especially as the revs pile on but it is a little lifeless at lower revs when booted. When a sedate speed increase is required at lower revs it appears to pick up nicely, almost like the induction is a bit restrictive. The solidity of the car is most impressive with a heavy feel to the doors and nice clunk when closing. The momo leather seats are superb, high quality and hold you very well. The dash looks great and all controls well placed.
The hood operation is excellent and the design is very impressive.
Overall my opinion is it is more of an open top sportscar than a cruising machine. I found myself following a Boxster wishing he'd speed up and give me some fun in following him around the twisties but sadly he didn't.
The V6 with the stiffer suspension and more go must be a lot of fun!
Kentish said:
The twinspark is pretty lively, especially as the revs pile on but it is a little lifeless at lower revs when booted. When a sedate speed increase is required at lower revs it appears to pick up nicely, almost like the induction is a bit restrictive.
Variable length intake - it switches over at a certain point which probably explains that feeling.
pdV6 said:
Kentish said:
The twinspark is pretty lively, especially as the revs pile on but it is a little lifeless at lower revs when booted. When a sedate speed increase is required at lower revs it appears to pick up nicely, almost like the induction is a bit restrictive.
Variable length intake - it switches over at a certain point which probably explains that feeling.
Ah I see (I think)
Is there any way to overcome this, ECU remap or MAF sensor mod perhaps?
Between that first proper drive and this weekend I fitted a Raggazon exhaust, eliminating the two rear silencers and boy does it sound great now!
I also noticed that there is a little more power and better throttle response.
It certainly is a car that you enjoy more and more as you clock the miles up.
Incidentally, I now have a genuine Alfa (almost new) rear ehaust if anyone needs one
I also noticed that there is a little more power and better throttle response.
It certainly is a car that you enjoy more and more as you clock the miles up.
Incidentally, I now have a genuine Alfa (almost new) rear ehaust if anyone needs one
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