Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeo 159
Manufacturer:	Alfa Romeo
Production:	2005-present
Layout & Class:	FF Mid-size car
Body styles:	4-door sedan or Stationwagon
Engines:	140 bhp 1.8-litre 160 bhp 1.9 JTS 185 bhp 2.2 JTS 230 bhp 2.8 JTS V6 260 bhp 3.2 JTS V6 120 bhp 1.9 JTD 150 bhp 1.9 JTD 200 bhp 2.4 JTD 250 bhp 3.0 JTD V6
Related:	Alfa Romeo Brera Alfa Romeo Spyder Alfa Romeo Kamal
Predecessor:	Alfa Romeo 156
Successor:	Still in production
Competitors:	Acura TSX Audi A4 BMW 3-Series Jaguar X-Type Lexus IS 300 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Designer:	Giorgetto Giugiaro

File:Alfa 159 Sportwagon 3 lg.jpg

Current production Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon

The 159 was introduced in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show as a replacement for the successful Alfa Romeo 156. The Giugiaro-designed sedan uses the GM/Fiat Premium platform, shared with the Brera, Spyder, and Kamal.

Stylistically, the 159 is designed to share features with the Maserati Quattroporte introduced in the same year. The 159 is available with either front or four-wheel drive, called the Alfa Sportwagon Q4.

A Sportwagon variant was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006. In 2007, Alfa Romeo will release a GTA variant with a 4.2 L 450+ hp Maserati V8 petrol engine.

Alfa 159 MY 08, berlina and Sportwagon

Widely appreciated by critics and the European clientele, the 159 model (berlina and Sportwagon) is refreshed proposing some aesthetic re-touches, a widening of the range available, and numerous changes in the field of comfort and mechanics. The spirit of the car, obviously though, remains unchanged: in fact the Alfa 159 is an exclusive berlina which combines refined Italian “style” with the “sporty elegance” of Alfa Romeo. The Alfa 159 Sportwagon MY 08, instead re-interprets the concepts of Italian style, performance and sporty handling, adding flexibility and versatility in the use of the prestige station wagon space.

Renewed design and widening of the range

As regards to the style, the most noticeable differences have been the changes to the cockpit. The Centro Stile Alfa Romeo has been involved in the interior design, from the dashes (Titanium coloured) to the upholstery, which in the Sport and TI versions is a striking black. The instrument display has new graphics, whilst another change is the multifunctional “user-friendly” satellite navigator at the centre of the dashboard. The “dual-zone” automatic climate control is today even more ergonomic and easy to use. Not to be forgotten, the new wraparound ergonomic seats (rear and front) in their sporty set-up guarantee increased comfort and are perfect for long journeys. These winning characteristics are even more evident in the TI model with the sporty seats, now available in leather as well as black, and adorned with the Alfa Romeo logo woven into the headrests. Further news in the Alfa 159 MY 08 and 159 Sportwagon MY 08 range, is the introduction of the rear logo, fitted with a “push” system, for immediate and safe opening of the boot. The upholstery is also available in the exclusive “Alfatex” fabric (for the Distinctive version). Lastly, exclusive to the Sportwagon model, is the introduction of the Fix&Fold system, which allows total use of the baggage space by quickly and simply, folding down the rear seats. The new Sport set-up broadens the range of the 159 model (berlina and Sportwagon). The Sporty connotation, is helped on the exterior, by the exclusive 17” alloy wheels, with a specific 5-spoke design (combined to 225/50 tyres). The interior, instead, boasts the sporty driving-wheel replete with radio controls, the gear stick lined in leather with black stitching, the new sports seats swaddled in black Alfatex fabric along the sides and Floccato textile on the seat, available either in black or red. For further sportiness, the roof, luggage rack and panneling are in black whilst the dashes are in “brushed aluminium”. The display panel has new sporty graphics. Lastly, the rich range of features which come as standard include: dual-zone climate control, fog-lights, VDC and the innovative Blue&MeTM system which allows phone-calls and listening to music as you drive, safely and simply, thanks to the Bluetooth voice recognition technology. Lastly, the new range introduces three new tints (Ice White, Crystal Blue and Grey Indigo) and three not-seen-before alloys (16” or 17”, in a sporty or elegant design).

Changes in the field of propulsion and mechanics

On the new versions of the Alfa 159 MY 08, two changes have taken place: firstly, in the field of safety, the new “electronic Q2” system now comes as standard. Second is the introduction of the 3.2 V6 260 CV with front traction (up to now only available with the Q4) which allows a top speed of 250 km/h. Furthermore, the Alfa 159 MY 08 and 159 Sportwagon MY 08 guarantee a road handling with no compromises, thanks to the precise steering and supensions used on both vehicles. In the front, a high wishbone solution enables maximum side handling, great efficiency and response in the handling with superb movement. In the rear, a multiple bracket suspension makes the vehicle extremely stable in high-speed manoeuvres and very agile in “tight-driving” conditions like all true sport cars. Furthermore, the 3.2 V6 has a Q4 traction control that operates permanently, with three differentials. A maximum 57% torque can be driven to the rear wheels with the self-locking Torsen C that manages the engine power transfer, leaving 43% traction to to the front wheels. A further change made to the 2008 range, is the optimization applied to structure of the model. In fact, the technicians, have revisited the technological process for the realization of some details in the two cars (berlina e Sportwagon), with the aim of improving comfort, dynamism, and actual consumption as perceived by the client in different driving conditions. For example, the alloy wheels, which are lighter in comparison to previous solutions, are made via the optimization of the mechanical properties of the alloys. Using “flow-forming” technology for the larger dimensions. At the same time, the front suspension brackets are made in aluminium. In the same manner, the stabilizing bar is “tubular”, and the front brake calipers (on the 4 cylinder versions) are in single-body aluminium. These modifications, united to some aerodynamic refining, have led to a 45 kilo reduction in the vehicle's total weight.

First class security

Obviously, the Alfa 159 MY 08 confirms the extraordinary attention made to all aspects which involve safety. A care which allowed the preceding model to obtain 5 prestigious Euro NCAP stars. The vehicles include: ABS complete with EBD, the sophisticated VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), the ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) system, and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) which comes into use in case of an emergency brake. When HBA is in use the emergency lights automatically switch on. Lastly, the Hill Holder system facilitates sloped starts. It's in the field of passive security though that the Alfa 159 MY 08 and 159 Sportwagon MY 08 have their major strength. The most important features are the mountings (pre-tensioner buckle and inertia-reel safety-belts) front seats with anti-whiplash head restraints, and the availability of 8 airbags (worth noting the knee airbag airbag and side airbags that run alongside the glass surfaces). In addition to all this, we add superb torsional rigidity in the frame placing the model at the top of their range. This is thanks to the new “premium” floorpan that utilises the latest dual-phase steels, multiple sheet metal and precision welding, as well as the numerous interventions Alfa Romeo engineers carried out on the body and architecture.

A precise response to every request

The 2008 range hosts a wide array of engines and transmission. On offer the 1.8 with 140 CV, three engine JTS with variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust camshaft: the 3.2 V6 24v with 260 CV, the 2.2 with 185 CV and the 1.9 with 160 CV a power range between 81 e 85 CV/l. All are high-performance propulsions that respect the environment, and use the JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) combustion system. Furthermore, the diesel set-up is made up by the 2.4 JTDM 5-cylinder 20v with 210 CV and the two 1.9 JTDM (with 150 CV and a 120 CV), all fitted with a particulate filter. Concluding the offer, depending on the model version, is the automatic 6-speed gearshift, automatic Q-Tronic gears and sequential self-shifting Selespeed gears. Lastly, depending on the model, the accessories range include a long list of systems and applications offered as standard or on request. Including: the unique Frau® floral print upholstery, the tri-zone climate control, electronic seats, Cruise Control, 7 airbags, VDCror system with hill holder, parking sensors, and voice controlled satellite navigator with mobile communications. Furthermore, available as optionals, is TMPS (warning sensor in case of insufficient tyre pressure) and new seats in a sporty configuration, upholstered in Tibet fabric.

Motorsport

Alfa Romeo 156 (N.Technology), James Thompson driving the WTCC car during the 2007 WTCC season.

David Pinkney driving for Alfa Romeo at the Snetterton round of the 2007 British Touring Car Championship.

The 156 is still today (2009) used in touring car racing. Here is Mattias Andersson in STCC Mantorp 2009.

The Alfa Romeo 156 was as well vested in motorsport as its predecessor, the 155. It ran in the British Touring Car Championship as well as various European championships, most notably the WTCC and formerly the ETCC where it was especially successful. The 156 sports car program was run by Fiat Group's partner N.Technology S.p.A., originally founded as Nordauto Squadra Corse to compete in Italian Touring Car Championship. In 1994 name was changed to Nordauto Engineering and 2001 to N.Technology. In 1998 Alfa Romeo also offered for sale the 156 Group N version for the track. The 156 Group N had no carpets, seats or upholstery, but included additional track safety devices.

The 156 has won the following titles:

• 1998 Italian Super Touring Car Championship - Alfa Romeo 156 D2, Fabrizio Giovanardi
• 1999 Italian Super Touring Car Championship - Alfa Romeo 156 D2, Fabrizio Giovanardi
• 2000 European Super Touring Car Cup Winner - Alfa Romeo 156 D2, Fabrizio Giovanardi
• 2001 FIA European Touring Car Championship - Alfa Romeo 156 D2, Fabrizio Giovanardi
• 2002 FIA European Touring Car Championship - Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Super 2000, Fabrizio Giovanardi
• 2003 FIA European Touring Car Championship – Alfa Romeo 156 Super 2000, Gabriele Tarquini

Touring versions:

• Alfa Romeo 156 D2, 1997 cc 310 PS @ 8200 rpm
• Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Super 2000, 1998 cc 260 PS @ 8450 rpm
• Alfa Romeo 156 Super 2000, 1998 cc 275 PS @ 8450 rpm

Coloni S1 Alfa Romeo 156

Italian race car constructor Coloni made an one-off racing car prototype for FIA Group-E Formula Libre called the Coloni S1 Alfa Romeo 156, or 156 Maxiturismo. The car is a carbon fibre silhouette racing car on a tubular frame, powered by a 3.0 litre Alfa Romeo V6 engine producing between 380 bhp and 500 bhp. The car has a 6-speed Hewland-Coloni sequential gearbox and weighs around 900 kg. It is capable of achieving over 310 km/h.

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  2008 Alfa 159e and 159 Sportwagon MY - Press Photos 2008

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