Alfa Romeo 159

The 159 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with the Alfa Centro Stile. The nose features a traditional Alfa Romeo V-shaped grille and bonnet, and cylindrical head light clusters. A high waistline broadens until it reaches the rear “C” pillar. The interior also features styling treatments familiar from earlier cars, including the 156, such as deeply recessed instruments which are angled towards the driver. However, the 159 is larger than its predecessor at 4660 millimetres (183.4 in) long (some 225 mm (8.9 in) longer than the Alfa 156), 1828 mm (71.9 in) wide and 1417 mm (55.7 in) high.

The 159 is available in both front and four-wheel drive, configurations. The “Q4” four-wheel drive system utilises a Torsen type C twin differential (front and center differential in the same unit) and is available on the 3.2 litre petrol and 2.4 litre diesel engines. The gearbox is a six-speed manual on most models (1.8 has a five-speed), and a six-speed automatic Q-Tronic gearbox (Aisin AW TF-80SC) is available for the 1.9 diesel, 2.4 diesel and 3.2 petrol models. The Selespeed gearbox is for sale in some countries with the 2.2 petrol engine.

Several levels of trim are available, depending on market. Four trim levels: Progression, Distinctive, Exclusive and Turismo Internazionale (TI). In the UK there are three levels of trim: Turismo, Lusso and Turismo Internazionale (TI). Among other options, the 159 is also available with the Blue&Me infotainment system. The torsional rigidity of the chassis is one of the best in this category, at 180.000 daNm/rad.

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A Sportwagon variant was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006. An automatic gearbox option for the 2.4 JTDM diesel model was also launched that year, and later extended to other versions. In 2007 a four wheel drive diesel model was released and the 2.4-litre diesel engines’ power output increased to 210 PS (150 kW; 210 hp), with a newly reintroduced TI trim level also available as an option.

For model year 2008 the mechanics and interiors of the 159 were further developed. The 3.2 litre V6 model is offered in front wheel drive configuration, achieving a top speed of 250 kilometres per hour (160 mph). All model variants are equipped with Alfa’s electronic “Q2” limited slip differential. As a result of newly introduced aluminium components, a 45 kilograms (99 lb) weight reduction has been achieved. Recent model versions were introduced in Geneva Motor Show in 2008.

For model year 2009 Alfa Romeo introduced a new turbocharged petrol engine badged as “TBi”, this 1742 cc unit has direct injection and variable valve timing in both inlet and exhaust cams. This new engine has 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) and 320 N·m (240 lb·ft) of torque. Eventually this unit will replace GM derived 2.2 and 1.9 JTS units. Also a new 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) JTDm diesel became available.

In 2010, all petrol engines except for the 1750TBi were retired, ending the use of General Motors based engines in the 159. The only remaining diesel engines are now the 120 and 170 PS 2.0 JTDm engines.