>>Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeo 159

Manufacturer	Alfa Romeo
Production	2005–2011
Assembly	Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy
Predecessor	Alfa Romeo 156
Successor	Alfa Romeo Giulia
Class	Compact executive car
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive /four-wheel drive
Platform	GM/Fiat Premium platform
Engine	Petrol: 1.75 L TBi I4 1.8 L MPI I4 1.9 L JTS  I4 2.2 L JTS  I4 3.2 L JTS  V6 Diesel: 1.9 L JTD  I4 2.0 L JTD  I4 2.4 L JTD  I5
Transmission	5 and 6-speed manual 6-speed Sequential manual Magneti Marelli Selespeed 6-speed automatic Aisin AWTF-80 SC
Wheelbase	(sedan/sportwagon) 2700/2703 mm (106.3/106.4 in.)
Length	4660/4661 mm (183.4/183.5 in.)
Width	1828/1830 mm (71.9/72.0 in.)
Height	1417–1422 mm (55.7–55.9 in.)
Curb weight	1,430–1,680 kg (3,200–3,700 lb)
Related	Alfa Romeo Brera Alfa Romeo Spider
Designer	Giorgetto Giugiaro

159 Sportwagon.

Polizia Penitenziaria's 159.

Carabinieri's 159 "Gazzella", partially armored vehicle.

159 "Pantera" (Polizia di Stato).

159 with TI trim level.

The Alfa Romeo 159 is a compact executive car that was produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo between 2005 and 2011. The 159 was introduced in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show as a replacement for the successful Alfa Romeo 156. The 159 uses the GM/Fiat Premium platform, shared with the Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider production cars, and with the Kamal and Visconti concept cars. The 159 placed third in the 2006 European Car of the Year awards.

Production of the 159 ended in late 2011 to make way for its replacement, the Giulia. The 159 is however still available to purchase new from stock.

Development

The Alfa Romeo 159 had a troubled development, being designed in the midst of the Fiat-General Motors joint venture which was terminated in 2005. Originally the 159 was intended to use GM's Epsilon platform, however late during its development it was changed to the GM/Fiat Premium platform. (The Premium platform is more refined and expensive, being intended for E-segment executive cars such as an Alfa Romeo 166 successor but that never materialized, so Alfa Romeo attempted to recoup some of the platform development costs with the 159. General Motors originally planned Cadillac, Buick and Saab models for this platform but ending up discarded them over cost concerns.) Unfortunately, the 159's late transition to what was fundamentally made as an E-segment platform resulted in the 159 having excessive weight, a problem shared by its sisters, the Alfa Romeo Brera coupe and Spider convertible.In 2008, changes made to the interior, dashboard, instruments and materials, and aluminium components were introduced, which reduced kerb weight by 45 kilograms (99 lb).

As a result of its executive car platform, 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's size made it considerably more comfortable than the 156 due to its larger roomy interior. However the considerable growth in dimensions deterred many 156 owners from considering the 159 as a direct replacement model.

Due to the sophisticated Premium platform that the 159 is based upon, high level of passive safety was achieved, and the torsional rigidity of the chassis is one of the best in this category at 180.000 daNm/rad.

Styling

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. Several exterior design cues were intended to made the car appear larger, supposedly to appeal to potential buyers in the United States, however the 159 was never exported to that region.

The interior also features styling treatments familiar from earlier cars, including the 156, such as deeply recessed instruments which are angled towards the driver. Alfa Romeo intended for the 159 to compete more directly with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi by using higher quality interior materials, however it has been said that Alfa Romeo misjudged their brand's positioning relative to the more well-known Germany luxury automakers.

Year by year changes

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.

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 Gasoline (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 Gasoline (Petrol) engines except for the 1750 TBi were retired, ending the use of General Motors based engines in the 159. The only remaining diesel engines are now the 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) and 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) 2.0 JTDm engines.

In 2011, the 159 was powered only by diesel engines, with both the 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) and 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) 2.0 JTDm available on the 159 Sportwagon, and only the 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) variant available on the 159 sedan.

Alfa Romeo stopped taking orders in the UK for the 159 on 8 July 2011. Other European countries followed shortly afterwards.

Powertrain

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 Gasoline (PGasoline (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 Gasoline (Petrol) models. The Selespeed gearbox is for sale in some countries with the 2.2 Gasoline (Petrol) engine.

All Gasoline (Petrol) engines are direct fuel injection type (except 1.8L), named as JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric). JTD diesels are common rail direct fuel injection.

Gasoline (Petrol)

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Comp. Ratio	Years
1.75 TBi	I4	1742 cc	147 kW (200 PS) @5000 rpm	320 N·m (240 lb·ft) @1400 rpm	9.5:1	2009–2011
1.8	I4	1796 cc	103 kW (140 PS) @6500 rpm	175 N·m (129 lb·ft) @3800 rpm	10,5:1	2005–2010
1.9 JTS	I4	1859 cc	118 kW (160 PS) @6500 rpm	190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4500 rpm	11,3:1	2005–2010
2.2 JTS	I4	2198 cc	136 kW (185 PS) @6500 rpm	230 N·m (170 lb·ft) @4500 rpm	11,3:1	2005–2010
3.2 V6 JTS Q4	V6	3195 cc	191 kW (260 PS) @6200 rpm	322 N·m (237 lb·ft) @3800 rpm	11,25:1	2005–2010

Diesel

Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Comp. Ratio	Years
1.9 JTDM 8V	I4	1910 cc	88 kW (120 PS) @4000 rpm	280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @2000 rpm	18,0:1	2005–2010
1.9 JTDM 16V	I4	1910 cc	110 kW (150 PS) @4000 rpm	320 N·m (240 lb·ft) @2000 rpm	17,5:1	2005–2010
2.0 JTDM 16V	I4	1956 cc	100 kW (136 PS) @4000 rpm	350 N·m (260 lb·ft) @1750 rpm	16.5:1	2010–2011
2.0 JTDM 16V	I4	1956 cc	125 kW (170 PS) @4000 rpm	360 N·m (270 lb·ft) @1750 rpm	16.5:1	2009–2011
2.4 JTDM	I5	2387 cc	147 kW (200 PS) @4000 rpm	400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @2000 rpm	17,0:1	2005–2010
2.4 JTDM	I5	2387 cc	154 kW (210 PS) @4000 rpm	400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @1500 rpm	17,0:1	2007–2010

Performance

Model	Top Speed, km/h (mph)		0–100 km/h,s 0–62 mph,s		Fuel cons. combined EU		Years
	manual	automatic	manual	automatic	manual	automatic
1.75 TBi	235 (146)		7.7		8.1 L/100 km (35 mpg-imp; 29 mpg-US)		2009–2011
1.8	206 (128)		10.2		7.7 L/100 km (37 mpg-imp; 31 mpg-US)		2005–2007
1.8	208 (129)		10.2		7.6 L/100 km (37 mpg-imp; 31 mpg-US)		2008–2010
1.9 JTDM 8V	191 (119)		11.0		5.9 L/100 km (48 mpg-imp; 40 mpg-US)		2005–2007
1.9 JTDM 8V	193 (120)		10.7		5.9 L/100 km (48 mpg-imp; 40 mpg-US)		2008–2010
1.9 JTDM 16V	210 (130)	210 (130)	9.4	9.4	6.0 L/100 km (47 mpg-imp; 39 mpg-US)	7.1 L/100 km (40 mpg-imp; 33 mpg-US)	2005–2007
1.9 JTDM 16V	212 (131)	209 (130)	9.2	9.5	5.9 L/100 km (48 mpg-imp; 40 mpg-US)	7.1 L/100 km (40 mpg-imp; 33 mpg-US)	2008–2010
2.0 JTDM 16V 136 PS	202 (135)		9.9		5.1 L/100 km (55 mpg-imp; 46 mpg-US)		2010–2011
2.0 JTDM 16V 170 PS	218 (135)		8.8		5.4 L/100 km (52 mpg-imp; 44 mpg-US)		2009–2011
1.9 JTS	212 (132)		9.7		8.7 L/100 km (32 mpg-imp; 27 mpg-US)		2005–2007
1.9 JTS	214 (133)		9.5		8.7 L/100 km (32 mpg-imp; 27 mpg-US)		2008–2010
2.2 JTS	222 (138)		8.8		9.4 L/100 km (30 mpg-imp; 25 mpg-US)		2005–2007
2.2 JTS	224 (139)		8.7		9.2 L/100 km (31 mpg-imp; 26 mpg-US)		2008–2010
2.2 JTS Selespeed	222 (138)		8.8		9.2 L/100 km (31 mpg-imp; 26 mpg-US)		2005–2007
2.2 JTS Selespeed	224 (139)		8.7		9.1 L/100 km (31 mpg-imp; 26 mpg-US)		2008–2010
2.4 JTDM	228 (142)	224 (139)	8.4	8.4	6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg-imp; 35 mpg-US)	8.0 L/100 km (35 mpg-imp; 29 mpg-US)	2005–2007
2.4 JTDM (210 PS)	231 (143)		8.1		6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg-imp; 35 mpg-US)		2008–2010
2.4 JTDM (200 PS Q-Tronic)		225 (140)		8.3	7.9 L/100 km (36 mpg-imp; 30 mpg-US)		2008–2010
2.4 JTDM (210 PS)[13]	230 (143)		8.2		6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg-imp; 35 mpg-US)		2007–2010
2.4 JTDM Q4 (210 PS)	226 (141)		8.4		7.5 L/100 km (38 mpg-imp; 31 mpg-US)		2005–2007
2.4 JTDM Q4 (210 PS)	227 (141)		8.3		7.2 L/100 km (39 mpg-imp; 33 mpg-US)		2008–2010
3.2 V6 JTS Q4	240 (149)	240 (149)	7.0	7.2	11.5 L/100 km (24.6 mpg-imp; 20.5 mpg-US)	12.2 L/100 km (23.2 mpg-imp; 19.3 mpg-US)	2005–2007
3.2 V6 JTS FWD	250 (155)		7.1		11.0 L/100 km (25.7 mpg-imp; 21.4 mpg-US)		2008–2010
3.2 V6 JTS Q4	244 (151)	242 (150)	7.0	7.2	11.4 L/100 km (24.8 mpg-imp; 20.6 mpg-US)	12.1 L/100 km (23.3 mpg-imp; 19.4 mpg-US)	2008–2010

Safety

The 159 is fitted with seven airbags as standard, with additional knee airbags also available as an option. The car performed well in rear-end crash protection tests, benefiting from "anti-whiplash" seats.

Alfa Romeo 159 passed the Euro NCAP car safety tests with following ratings:

Euro NCAP test results
Alfa Romeo 159 (2006)
Test	Score	Rating
Adult occupant:
Child occupant:
Pedestrian:

Awards

• Auto Bild Design Award 2006
• Design Award in the 2006 Fleet World Honours
• Die Besten Autos 2007 Import category (Auto, Motor und Sport)
• 'L'Automobile piu Bella del Mondo

Alfa Romeo 159 in film

Two black 159s (3.2 JTS V6 TI) appeared in the opening scenes of the 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace. They featured in the car chase with James Bond's Aston Martin DBS V12 around Lake Garda in Italy. The Alfa Romeo 159 also appeared in the 2009 film Angels and Demons.

Four 159s were featured in the Johnny English Reborn movie that were used to chase Rowan Atkinson's character.

Alfa Romeo 159 in Motorsports

The Alfa Romeo 159 has been involved in touring car racing at Bathurst in the 12 Hour Challenge fom 2007. Claiming first place in the unique fuel category, Alfa Romeo has claimed this result for consecutive years. Alfa use the 2.4 Litre JTDM engine for this event.

In addition the Alfa Romeo 159 has been used as a safety car, in various motorsport events.