A SOPHISTICATED new electronic driving control system recently been developed by Alfa Romeo engineers has been fitted as standard equipment on the Alfa 166 3.0 V6 24v Super, writes David Duffy.

Even on slippery surfaces, the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC) makes a car safer when the driver has to make a sudden manoeuvre, or if the vehicle is about to lose grip.

Alfa Romeo says the system monitors all driving conditions from braking to acceleration, to ensure stability. The firm says it makes critical situations controllable, even by relatively inexpert drivers.

If there is a loss of grip at the rear axle, the tail is brought under control by decelerating the outer wheel so that the rear recovers the necessary amount of lateral grip. If the front end loses grip, the system reduces power by partly closing the electronic throttle to reduce speed and restore control.

The price of the Alfa 166 3.0 V6 Super remains unchanged at 25,075 on the road.