Retaining the same mechanical layout as the original road car, the Alfa 156s 2-litre Twin Spark engine is linked to a six-speed sequential gearbox and a limited split differential. The Alfa 156 took the honours in both the constructors and drivers championships in the 1998 Italian Superturismo Championship with Nicola Larini and Fabrizio Giovanardi behind the wheel as well as winning the European Super Touring Cup the same year with Giovanardi as the driver. The 1999 season sawfurther success with Alfas second consecutive constructors title. Following its success in the European Touring Car Championship of 2000, the 156 Super Turismo enjoyed further triumph taking the European title once again in the 2001 season.