{"id":42272,"date":"2025-10-20T11:47:37","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T09:47:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.italpassion.fr\/?p=42272"},"modified":"2025-10-20T11:47:37","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T09:47:37","slug":"40-years-ago-lalfa-romeo-90-inaugurated-active-aerodynamics-before-anyone-else","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.italpassion.fr\/en\/alfa-romeo\/il-y-a-40-ans-lalfa-romeo-90-inaugurait-laerodynamique-active-avant-tout-le-monde\/","title":{"rendered":"40 years ago, the Alfa Romeo 90 inaugurated active aerodynamics before anyone else!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In the shadow of the legendary Alfetta and 75, the Alfa Romeo 90 never got the recognition it deserved. Yet, released in 1984, this elegant, streamlined sedan hid beneath its discreet looks an innovation that few people are aware of: a retractable front spoiler, automatically controlled according to speed. Long before Lancia Thema 8.32<\/a>, Alfa Romeo<\/a> had already paved the way for active aerodynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Italian sedan born in a period of transition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The early 1980s were a pivotal time for Alfa Romeo. Between the sporting heritage of the 1970s and the arrival of new standards of comfort, the brand was seeking to reinvent itself. The 90, unveiled in November 1984 at the Turin Motor Show and designed by Bertone, was based on the Alfetta's transaxle architecture (engine at the front, gearbox and axle at the rear). The more sober bodywork marks a shift towards a more middle-class clientele, without denying Italian elegance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Inside, the 90 is a surprise: digital instrumentation on V6 versions, electrically adjustable seats, window controls... on the ceiling! The top-of-the-range Quadrifoglio Oro even features a removable case in place of a glove compartment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The automatic front spoiler: a brilliant idea that went unnoticed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Under its front bumper, the Alfa 90 hides a unique feature for its time: a retractable spoiler that automatically lowers above around 80 km\/h and raises below 40 km\/h. The system, mechanical and controlled by gas springs, improves high-speed stability, air penetration and engine cooling. A principle of adaptive aerodynamics ahead of its time, totally unprecedented on a mass-produced sedan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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