Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ

Infobox Automobile


name = Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ
manufacturer = Alfa Romeo
parent_company =
aka = Alfa Romeo TZ
production = 1963–1967
assembly =
predecessor = Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ
successor = Alfa Romeo GTA
Alfa Romeo Tipo 33
class =
body_style = 2-door coupe
layout = FR layout
platform =
engine = 1.6 L I4
transmission = 5-speed manual
wheelbase = 2200 mm (86.6 in.)
length = 3950 mm (155.5 in.) TZ
3680 mm (144.9 in.) TZ2
width = 1509 mm (59.4 in.) TZ
1600 mm (63 in.) TZ2
height = 1199 mm (47.2 in.) TZ
1020 mm (40.2 in.) TZ2
ground_clearance =
front_track = 1300 mm (51.2 in.)
rear_track =
1300 mm (51.2 in.)
weight = 660 kg (1455 lb) (TZ)
620 kg (1366.8 lb) (TZ2)
top_speed = 215 km/h (134 mph) (TZ)
245 km/h (152 mph) (TZ2)
fuel_capacity =
related =
similar =
designer = The Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ (also known as the Alfa Romeo TZ or Tubolare Zagato) was a small sports car manufactured by Alfa Romeo from 1963 to 1967. It replaced the Giulietta SZ.

TZ

The original TZ, currently sometimes referenced as TZ1 to differ from later TZ2, was developed in together with Autodelta, a company led by Ex-Ferrari engineer Carlo Chiti. It featured a 1570 cc twin cam engine and other mechanical components shared with the Alfa Romeo Giulia and carried a 105 series chassis numberCite web|url=http://www.international-auto.com/index.cfm?fa=ad&aid=59|title=Alfa Romeo Model Identification|accessdate=2007-09-05|work=international-auto.com] , but was a purpose built sports racing car, with a tubular spaceframe chassis, light all-aluminum bodywork, disc brakes and independent suspension. The result was a lightweight coupé of only 650 kg [David Owen, Great Marques Alfa Romeo, P62. "650 kg (1430 lb) ready for the track"] and top speed of Auto mph|134.The TZ was built both for street and racing trim, with the latest racing versions producing up to Auto bhp|160|0. Alfa's twin-spark cylinder head, as also used in the GTA, contributed to the speed of the TZ; the standard Giulia alloy block with wet steel liners was installed at an angle under the hood of the TZ to improve airflow.

Aiding the TZ in its quest for performance was the treatment of the rear bodywork. Incorporating the research of Dr. Wunibald Kamm, the TZ used a style called "coda tronca" in Italian, meaning "short tail.", otherwise known as the Kamm tail. The principle is that unless you are willing to incorporate an aircraft-like extended tail (not practical for an automobile), there is surprisingly little increase in drag by simply chopping the tail at an angle. Zagato had previously proved the success of this tail treatment in their "coda tronca" Sprint Zagato sports-racing cars, and it was a natural evolution to adapt this to the Giulia TZ.

The car debutedat the 1963 FISA Monza Cup, where TZs took the first four places in the prototype category. At the beginning of 1964 the TZ was homologated (100 units were needed for homologation) to the Gran Turismo category.Cite web|url=http://www.italiancar.net/pilot/ms054.htm|title= Autodelta - a history|accessdate=2007-09-05|work=italiancar.net] After homologation it started to take more class wins in Europe and North-America. Of the first TZ, 112 units were built between 1963 and 1965.

Engine

*1570 cc straight-4 DOHC 112 bhp (82 kW) at 6500 rpm (road trim), 160 bhp (118 kW) (race trim)

TZ2

In 1965 the car was updated with new fibreglass bodywork providing lower drag and reduced weight (620 kg). This new version was also made by Zagato. The new design was called the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2. The TZ2 was only built as racing version with Autodelta prepared twin plug, dry sump lubrication engine producing around Auto bhp|170|0. With this engine the car reached top speed ofAuto mph|152.Cite web|url=http://www.autozine.org/Classiccar/html/Alfa/Giulia_TZ.html|title=Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ|accessdate=2007-09-05|work=autozine.org] The rear window was also changed, now single unit rather than three part window in TZ. Development of TZ cars was stopped in the end of 1965, to make room for new GTA racing program. The TZ2 was built only 12 units.Cite web|url=http://www.carsfromitaly.net/alfaromeo/index.html|title=Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ|accessdate=2007-09-05|work=carsfromitaly.net] Only built as limited amount these TZ models are quite collectibles nowadays, listed price around 150,000-200,000 US dollars.Cite web|url=http://www.sportscarmarket.com/Profiles/2001/February/Alfa%20Romeo/|title=1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ|accessdate=2007-09-05|work=sportscarmarket.com]

Engine

*1570 cc straight-4 DOHC (twin plug) 170 bhp (125 kW) at 7000 rpm

See also

* Alfa Romeo in motorsport
* World Sportscar Championship

Notes

References

*cite book | last = Owen | first = David | title = Great Marques Alfa Romeo | publisher = Octopus Bks | year = 1985 | isbn = 0706422198
* [http://www.qv500.com/indexalfa.php Alfa Romeo Guides] on [http://www.qv500.com/ QV500.com]