Alfa locked and loaded

ALFA Romeo has introduced a new variant known as Q2 – which features a self-locking front differential – on overseas versions of selected front-drive GT and 147 models.

The Italian car-maker, which intends to roll Q2 out across other vehicle lines, claims the system provides some of the advantages typical of four-wheel drive but at a significantly lower cost and weight.

Q2 is presently only available with the 112kW JTDM turbo-diesel engine, which according to Alfa Romeo Australia general manager David Stone makes it an unlikely proposition for sale here - until it becomes available on other variants.