The Alfa Romeo 01608 is a 1,995 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2022 and 2023. It features DOHC valvetrain, 16-valve configuration, and direct fuel injection, delivering 180 kW (245 PS) at 5,750 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 2,250 rpm. In standard form it was tuned for strong mid-range performance and responsive throttle delivery, making it ideal for sporty driving dynamics.
Fitted to the Alfa Romeo Giulia (952) and Stelvio (954) Ti Sport trims, the 01608 was engineered for high-performance driving with a focus on throttle response and acoustic refinement. Emissions compliance is achieved through dual catalytic converters and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 6d-TEMP standards throughout its production run.
One documented concern is premature carbon buildup on intake valves, highlighted in Alfa Romeo Technical Bulletin 08/2022. This issue, primarily affecting vehicles with frequent short-trip usage, can lead to reduced airflow and rough idle. Revised ECU fueling strategies introduced in 2023 reduced deposit accumulation, while recommended induction service intervals were formalized in SIB 08/2022.
All production years (2022–2023) meet Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8899).
The Alfa Romeo 01608 is a 1,995 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for performance sedans and SUVs (2022–2023). It combines direct fuel injection with variable valve timing to deliver strong mid-range torque and linear throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances sporty performance with urban drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 81.3 mm | |
| Power output | 180 kW (245 PS) @ 5,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 2,250–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5, up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single BorgWarner EFR turbo with electronic wastegate | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted, low wear) | |
| Oil type | SAE 0W-30 (API SN/CF, ACEA C2/C3) | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The direct-injected turbocharged design enables strong low-end torque and responsive driving, but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using 0W-30 full-synthetic to protect turbo and VVT components. SAE 0W-30 meeting ACEA C2/C3 is essential due to high-temperature operation and tight tolerances in the timing chain system. Use of fuel below 95 RON may trigger knock sensor adaptation and reduce performance. Carbon buildup on intake valves is common in low-mileage or short-trip vehicles; induction cleaning every 40,000 km is advised per Alfa Romeo SIB 08/2022. Dual catalytic converters require inspection for backpressure, especially in urban-driven vehicles.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 0W-30 meeting ACEA C2/C3 (Alfa Romeo SIB 03/2018). Supersedes API SN/CF.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to all models (2022–2023) (VCA #VCA/EMS/8899). Includes RDE testing for real-world compliance.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R83-06. Output requires 98 RON fuel for peak performance (Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. 01608-201).
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01608-201, 01608-205, SIB 03/2018
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8899)
UN Regulation No 83 (Emissions)
The Alfa Romeo 01608 was used across Alfa Romeo's 952/954 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) global platforms. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-intake tuning in the Giulia and revised cooling in the Stelvio-and from 2023 the facelifted Giulia LCI adopted updated emissions controls, creating partial interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-left cylinder block near the timing cover (Alfa Romeo TIS 01608-201). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('B' for 2.0 Turbo petrol). Pre-2023 models have silver valve covers; post-2023 units use black. Critical differentiation: intake manifold design changed in 2023 to improve airflow; pre-2023 parts are not compatible with later ECU calibrations. Service parts require production date verification—intake components for engines before 01/2023 are incompatible with updated control modules (Alfa Romeo SIB 08/2022).
The 01608's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal FCA quality reports from 2023 noted increased intake restriction in city-driven Giulia models, while UK DVSA records show elevated lambda sensor faults in vehicles with infrequent highway use. Frequent cold starts and low-RON fuel increase actuator and knock sensor stress, making oil quality and fuel grade adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (2022-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2022-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO AR01608.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with ALFA-ROMEO or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
ALFA-ROMEO Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialALFA-ROMEO documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
