Alfa Romeo History and Design

Discover Alfa Romeo’s history and design origins with help from Alfa Romeo of Alfa Romeo of Naperville in Naperville, IL. Learn how the legendary brand first got started and how its origins shaped its design, performance and legacy. Started in 1910 when Cavalier Ugo Stella received shares of Societa Italiana Automobili Darraq (Italian plant of a French car maker) and by 1915 the factory changed its name to Alfa. Short for Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili which means Lombardian Car Factory and the last name of the entrepreneur Nicola Romeo, who took control of the company.

Who owns Alfa Romeo?

Alfa Romeo is a company that originated in Italy. Nicola Romeo, a Neapolitan entrepreneur, purchased Società Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili (ALFA) in 1915.

Where is Alfa Romeo from?

The company was located in Naples, then the first factory was built in Portello, Italy between 1906 and 1909.

When did Alfa Romeo come to the US?

Alfa Romeo was imported to the United States by Max Hoffman from the mid-1950s. In 1961 Alfa Romeo started exporting cars to the United States through its own dealer network.

What is the Quadrifoglio logo?

Since 1923, the quadrifoglio logo (also called the ‘cloverleaf’) has been the symbol of Alfa Romeo racing cars and since WWII. The logo consists of a green cloverleaf with four leaves, contained with a white triangle.

 

Alfa Romeo Design | Alfa Romeo of Naperville

Alfa Romeo Design

Throughout the years Alfa Romeo has had several influential designers, starting with Sergio Pininfarina. The designer of the first mass-produced Alfa Romeo, the 1955 Giulietta Spider. Additional Alfa designers include: Elio Zagato who designed the racing version of the Giulietta, the Giulietta SZ, which won two FIA Sports Car Championships for the 1.3 liter class, Franco Scaglione who created the legendary and beautiful Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, and lastly Nuccio Bertone who created the unique and ground-breaking design of the 1968 Alfa Romeo Carabo.

Today, Alfa Romeo continues to offer a unique style unlike anything its competitors have to offer. Still maintaining its Italian tradition, while also innovating, Alfa Romeo models of today include great premium features including:

  • Leather Seats with 10-Way Power Driver and Front Passenger Seats Including Four-Way Lumbar Adjustment and Driver Seat Memory.
  • 18-Inch sport aluminum wheels or available 19-Inch Bright five-hole aluminum wheels.
  • Available Sport Interior Package with Steering Column-Mounted Paddle Shifters.
  • Gloss black window surrounds.
  • Available genuine dark gray oak interior or light walnut.
  • Available genuine aluminum interior trim, aluminum pedals and black headliner.

Alfa Romeo Performance | Alfa Romeo of Naperville

Alfa Romeo Performances

Alfa Romeo’s are famous not just for their influential design but also their legendary performances. With notable drivers including Enzo Ferrari, Ugo Sivocci, Antonio Ascari and Juan Manuel Fangio, Alfa Romeo has a history dominating on and off the track. Alfa made their name by having innovative engines made out of lightweight alloy with semicircular chamber, spark plugs placed in the middle, two rows of valves and two camshafts. All leading to the motorsport success and the ability to cultivate a global brand based off of style and performance.

Today Alfa Romeo continues its performance legacy with innovative features that highlight their core design principles. These performance highlights include:

  • Near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
  • Available Q4 all-wheel drive and available adaptive suspension.
  • All-Aluminum 2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine, putting out 280 HP and 306 lb-ft of torque.
  • Class-Exclusive lightweight carbon fiber driveshafts.

Alfa Romeo Technology | Alfa Romeo of Naperville

Alfa Romeo Innovations

With an innovative 8-cylinder engine and long wheelbase, the 8C 2300 delivered Italy’s first win at Le Mans in 1931. Success continued throughout the next two decades, culminating in Alfa Romeo’s first Formula 1® World Championship victory at Silverstone, England in 1950. Earning podiums and victories across the German Touring Car and Italian Superturismo series in the 1990s was the iconic Alfa Romeo 155 V6 Ti — which also became a hit with buyers across the globe.

Today the innovations continue, giving every consumer premium style, performances and technology at affordable and approachable prices. Class-leading performances in Alfa Romeos can be found today in the Giulia Quadrifoglio, an all-aluminum 90-degree 2.9 liter Bi-Turbo V6 engine that produces class-leading 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. The historical influences don’t stop there, the Giulia also boasts Alfa Romeo’s Italian design and efficient performance. Additional Alfa Romeo innovations include:

  • New 8.8-inch touchscreen with customizable screens and available 3-D Navigation.
  • Apple CarPlay® Support and Android Auto™ integration.
  • Available Active Driver Assistance, alert features and Level 2 autonomous.
  • Standard Forward Collision Warning Plus System.
  • Standard backup cameras and rear park sensors.

Get your piece of Italian history today at Alfa Romeo of Naperville

We know that you have high expectations, and as a car dealer we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each and every time. Allow us to demonstrate our commitment to excellence! If you’d like to see a vehicle in person, visit our contact page, or give us a call. We look forward to serving you!

Alfa Romeo of Naperville

Alfa Romeo of Naperville, West Ogden Avenue, Naperville, IL, USA

Find Your Vehicle

Search By Keyword

Search By Filters

Saved Vehicles

SAVED VEHICLES

You don't have any saved vehicles!

Look for this link on your favorites:

Save

Once you've saved some vehicles, you can view them here at any time.

Contact Us

331-209-5500

Call Now

1540 Ogden Avenue • Naperville, IL 60540

Get Directions

Today's Hours:

Open Today! Sales: 9am-8pm

Open Today! Service: 8am-5pm

Alfa Romeo of Naperville 41.772862, -88.185006.