The Alfa Romeo AR 16101 is a 1,750 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust. In standard tune, it delivers 147 kW (200 PS) at 5,700 rpm and 330 Nm of torque at 1,750–4,500 rpm, providing strong mid-range performance and responsive driving dynamics.
Fitted to the Giulia and Stelvio, the AR 16101 was engineered for balanced performance and everyday usability. Its longitudinal mounting supports Alfa Romeo’s rear-wheel-drive architecture, while the compact turbo layout enables optimal weight distribution. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter and precise knock control, allowing the engine to meet Euro 6b standards across European markets.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves, particularly in vehicles with frequent short-trip driving. This issue, referenced in Alfa Romeo Technical Circular 12/2017, stems from the lack of fuel washing over intake ports in direct-injected engines. From 2018, revised piston ring materials and updated ECU calibrations were introduced to reduce oil consumption and mitigate deposit formation.
Production years 2015–2017 meet Euro 6b standards; 2018–2020 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Alfa Romeo AR 16101 is a 1,750 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for mid-size performance models (2015–2020). It combines direct fuel injection with dual variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver sharp throttle response and high specific output. Designed to meet Euro 6b (and later Euro 6d-TEMP) standards, it balances sporty character with regulated emissions performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,750 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (IHI twin-scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 75.2 mm | |
| Power output | 147 kW (200 PS) @ 5,700 rpm | |
| Torque | 330 Nm @ 1,750–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (2015–2017); Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | IHI twin-scroll turbo with electronic wastegate | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Fiat 9.55535-S2 (SAE 0W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 130 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides strong mid-range pull ideal for spirited driving but requires consistent warm-up and cool-down cycles to extend turbo and bearing life. Fiat 9.55535-S2 (0W-30) oil is essential due to its low-SAPS formulation protecting turbocharger and variable valve timing components. Short-trip driving accelerates intake carbon buildup due to lack of fuel cleaning on valve stems. Regular induction cleaning is recommended every 40,000 km per Alfa Romeo Technical Circular 12/2017. High-boost variants demand premium 98 RON fuel to maintain ignition timing and prevent knock. Oil changes every 15,000 km or 24 months are mandatory to sustain engine longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires Fiat 9.55535-S2 (0W-30) specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 12/2017). Replaces ACEA C3-04 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to 2015–2017 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679). Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2018–2020 units with enhanced OBD monitoring.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE Regulation 83. Output achieved using 98 RON fuel (Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. AR-TIS-16101-F).
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AR-TIS-16101-A to AR-TIS-16101-F
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
UN ECE Regulation 83: Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to the emissions from petrol engines
The Alfa Romeo AR 16101 was used across Alfa Romeo's 952 platform with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the Stelvio and higher-boost calibrations in the Giulia-and from 2018 the facelifted Giulia and Stelvio adopted updated ECU maps and piston ring materials, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Alfa Romeo TIS AR-TIS-16101-ID). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for AR 16101 series). Pre-2018 models have red valve covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-2018 units use dark grey valve covers. Critical differentiation from base 1.8L: AR 16101 features a high-pressure fuel pump on the left side and a twin-scroll turbo. Service parts require model-year verification—turbo actuators and ECUs from Giulia Quadrifoglio are not interchangeable with base models (Alfa Romeo SIB 14/2018).
The AR 16101's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Alfa Romeo internal service reports from 2019 indicated over 30% of pre-2018 units required induction cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data links a notable share of misfire-related failures to intake flow restrictions. Frequent cold starts and low-speed operation increase deposit formation, making regular maintenance and proper oil specification critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (2015-2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO AR16101.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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