Eindhoven, 16 June 2008
Autodelta will launch the latest addition to their range, the supercharged 159 J4 2.2 C, on Friday 20th June at the E.W. Driessen BV shipyard, Oude Haagseweg 47 in Amsterdam. The Autodelta 159 J4 represents the latest in the range of Autodelta cars to be derived from the theme of the Brera J5 which was launched in September 2006.
As with previous Autodelta editions, the design of the Autodelta J4 bodykit was styled and developed in close working relationship with Dutch-based design studio KesselsGranger DesignWorks. Already responsible for work on two successful Autodelta models previously (J5 and J6), the J4 represents the third Autodelta addition to the KesselsGranger portfolio.
The first sketches of the Autodelta J4 were put on paper in summer 2006 and the final design direction was decided in January 2007. Since then the design was crafted by hand under the guidance of Autodelta Managing Director Jano Djelalian. This highly productive working relationship included customer clinics with selected longstanding Autodelta clients around the world before the final design was readied in the first quarter of 2008.
One of the prerequisites of KesselsGranger is the studio’s understanding of working with legendary brands such as Alfa Romeo. The Alfa 159 already presented a highly emotional shape, masterfully created by Italdesign Giugiaro. In order to respect the original design and the glorious legend which stands behind the Alfa Romeo brand, the design team at KesselsGranger took a very careful approach – not only looking at the latest trends, but also absorbing and reinterpreting themes from historical Alfa Romeo models.
For instance, the design of the front splitter is inspired by the latest trends in aerodynamics, as well as historically significant models in Alfa Romeo’s history such as the Montreal and Alfetta GTV8. The “flicks” on either side of the splitter can also be linked to the eyebrows on the Giulia Berlina – a car which was “designed by the wind” and represented the backbone for the original Autodelta models of the 1960s.
With the front splitter KesselsGranger had to improve the stance of the car which called for a more muscular bumper section. As the splitter uses the existing bumper as a base this was a challenge to achieve. The striking “flicks” on either side of the front skirt run parallel with the lines flowing from the Alfa Romeo grille. The result is a dynamic and thrusting stance which emphasises the concentration applied to the suspension and braking characteristics of the J4 model.
At the rear the designers at KesselsGranger concentrated on an apron and splitter, again using the existing bumper as a base. The apron had to accommodate and house the quad exhaust tailpipes as requested by Autodelta engineers, as well as evolve the diffuser style first seen on the Autodelta 147 GTA AM. The result is a logical evolution, playing with a contrast between subtle details and a freshly defined diffuser.
Both the front and rear skirts are married in the centre of the car by specifically designed side skirts. The skirts continue the lines starting from the front and bridge them to their endpoint at the exhaust terminals. This was a logical and graphically strong solution, which has resulted in a clear visual connection between the individual components of the J4 styling package.
Designers who worked on the project included the founding partners of KesselsGranger DesignWorks, Steven Kessels and James Granger.
Link: www.autodelta.co.uk
Images: KesselsGranger DesignWorks
