Alfa Romeo 159
| Alfa Romeo 159 | |
|---|---|
 Alfa Romeo 159 2.0 JTDm ECO Elegante | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Alfa Romeo |
| Production | 2004–2011 [1] |
| Assembly | Italy: Pomigliano d'Arco |
| Designer | Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact executive car (D) |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 5-door estate car |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive / four-wheel-drive |
| Platform | GM/Fiat Premium platform |
| Related | Alfa Romeo Brera Alfa Romeo Spider |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.75 L TBi I4 t/c petrol 1.8 L MPi I4 petrol 1.9 L JTS I4 petrol 2.2 L JTS I4 petrol 3.2 L JTS V6 petrol 1.9 L JTDm I4 t/c diesel 2.0 L JTDm I4 t/c diesel 2.4 L JTDm I5 t/c diesel |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed Selespeed semi-automatic 6-speed Q-Tronic AWTF-80 SC automatic[2] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (110 in) |
| Length | 4,660 mm (183 in) |
| Width | 1,828 mm (72.0 in) |
| Height | 1,417 mm (55.8 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,385–1,695 kg (3,053–3,737 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Alfa Romeo 156 |
| Successor | Alfa Romeo Giulia (Type 952) |
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The Alfa Romeo 159 (Type 939) is a compact executive car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo between 2004 and 2011. It was introduced at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, as a replacement for the 156. The 159 used the GM/Fiat Premium platform, shared with the Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider production cars, and with the Kamal and Visconti concept cars. Production commenced on 5 August 2004.
The 159 placed third in the 2006 European Car of the Year awards. Production of the 159 ended in November 2011, and around 240,000 cars were built. Unfortunately, the 159 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 coupé and Spider.[3]
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). Consequently, 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.[4]
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.[3] 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.[5]
Styling
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The 159 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with the Centro Stile Alfa Romeo. The nose features a traditional Alfa Romeo V shaped grille and bonnet, and cylindrical head light clusters. Similar to its coupé counterpart, the front of the car was influenced by 2002 Brera Concept also by Giugiaro.
A high waistline broadens until it reaches the rear "C" pillar. Several exterior design cues were intended to make the car appear larger, supposedly to appeal to potential buyers in the United States; however, the 159 was never exported to that region.[3]
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 German luxury automakers.[3]
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 United Kingdom, there were three levels of trim: Turismo, Lusso and Turismo Internazionale (TI). Among other options, the 159 was also available with the Blue&Me infotainment system.
A Sportwagon variant was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 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 (154 kW; 207 hp), with a newly reintroduced TI trim level also available as an option.
For the model year of 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 km/h (155 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 March 2008.[6]
For the model year of 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 (236 lbf⋅ft) of torque. Eventually this unit will replace GM derived 2.2 and 1.9 JTS units.[7] Also a new 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) JTDm diesel became available.
In the United Kingdom, Alfa Romeo stopped taking orders for the 159 on 8 July 2011.[8]
Powertrain
The 159 was available in both front and four-wheel drive, configurations. The "Q4" four wheel drive system utilises a Torsen type C twin differential (front and centre differential in the same unit, front differential is open) 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) was 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 were direct fuel injection type (except 1.8l), named as JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric). JTD diesels are common rail direct fuel injection.
Specifications
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Comp. ratio | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | ||||||
| 1.75 TBi | I4 | 1,742 cc | 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) at 5000 rpm | 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 1400 rpm | 9.5:1 | 2009–2011 |
| 1.8 | I4 | 1,796 cc | 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 6500 rpm | 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 3800 rpm | 10.5:1 | 2005–2010 |
| 1.9 JTS | I4 | 1,859 cc | 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) at 6500 rpm | 190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft) at 4500 rpm | 11.3:1 | 2005–2010 |
| 2.2 JTS | I4 | 2,198 cc | 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) at 6500 rpm | 230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) at 4500 rpm | 11.3:1 | 2005–2010 |
| 3.2 V6 JTS Q4 | V6 | 3,195 cc | 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) at 6200 rpm | 322 N⋅m (237 lb⋅ft) at 3800 rpm | 11.25:1 | 2005–2010 |
| Diesel engines | ||||||
| 1.9 JTDM 8V | I4 | 1,910 cc | 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) at 4000 rpm | 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 2000 rpm | 18:1 | 2005–2010 |
| 1.9 JTDM 16V | I4 | 1,910 cc | 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 4000 rpm | 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 2000 rpm | 17.5:1 | 2005–2010 |
| 2.0 JTDM 16V | I4 | 1,956 cc | 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 4000 rpm | 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 16.5:1 | 2010–2011 |
| 2.0 JTDM 16V | I4 | 1,956 cc | 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 4000 rpm | 360 N⋅m (266 lb⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 16.5:1 | 2009–2011 |
| 2.4 JTDM | I5 | 2,387 cc | 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) at 4000 rpm | 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 2000 rpm | 17:1 | 2005–2010 |
| 2.4 JTDM | I5 | 2,387 cc | 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) at 4000 rpm | 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 1500 rpm | 17:1 | 2007–2010 |
Performance
| Engine | Top speed km/h (mph) |
0–100 km/h,s 0–62 mph,s |
Combined consumption | 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)[9] | 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 (25 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 (26 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 (25 mpg‑imp; 20.6 mpg‑US) | 12.1 L/100 km (23.3 mpg‑imp; 19.4 mpg‑US) | 2008–2010 |
| Note: Consumption figures according to European Commission Directive 1999/100/EC. | |||||||
Safety
The 159 is fitted with seven airbags as standard, with additional knee airbags also available as an option.[12] The car performed well in rear end crash protection tests,[13] benefiting from "anti whiplash" seats.[12]
The 159 passed the Euro NCAP car safety tests with following ratings:
| Test | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Adult occupant: | 
| |
| Child occupant: | 
| |
| Pedestrian: |
|
Awards
- Auto Bild Design Award 2006[15]
- Design Award in the 2006 Fleet World Honours[16]
- Die Besten Autos 2007 Import category (Auto, Motor und Sport)[17]
- 'L'Automobile piu Bella del Mondo
Alfa Romeo 159 in film and popular culture
Two black 159s (3.2 JTS V6 TI) appeared in the opening scenes of the film from James Bond, Quantum of Solace (2008). They featured in the car chase with James Bond's Aston Martin DBS V12 around Lake Garda in Italy.[18] Black 159s also appeared in the chase scene in Johnny English Reborn, chasing Johnny English, played by Rowan Atkinson. Their use may have been a reference to Quantum of Solace.
A car strongly resembling a 159 can be seen in multiple episodes of Psycho Pass.
Motorsport
The 159 contested the Bathurst 12 Hour race for production cars in 2007,[19] 2009 and 2010. Competing with the 2.4 Litre JTDM diesel engine, it won the Alternative Energy Class in each of these three races.
Notes
- ^ "Alfa 147, 156, 159, 166, GT production dates". bozhdynsky.com. Retrieved 26 May 2018.
- ^ "Automatic Transmissions" (PDF). aweurope.be. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 February 2010. Retrieved 18 January 2008.
- ^ a b c d re (24 August 2011). "italiaspeed.com". italiaspeed.com. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
- ^ "Press Files 13/06/2005". alfaromeopress.com. 2005. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
- ^ "Five-Star Safety Rating For Alfa 159". carpages.co.uk. Retrieved 21 May 2007.
- ^ "19.02.2008 MODEL YEAR IMPROVEMENTS FOR ALFA 159 AND 159 SPORTWAGON". italiaspeed.com/2008. Archived from the original on 28 February 2008. Retrieved 19 February 2008.
- ^ "19.02.2009 NEW ENGINES FOR ALFA 159 MODEL YEAR". italiaspeed.com/2009/cars/alfa_romeo. Archived from the original on 22 February 2009. Retrieved 20 February 2009.
- ^ "Alfa to stop taking orders for the 159". alfabb.com. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
- ^ "Preisliste 3/2007" (PDF). alfaromeo.ch. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2007.
- ^ "MY08 159 Specifications" (PDF). alfaromeo.it. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
- ^ "Specifications" (PDF). fiatautopress.com/download. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
- ^ a b "Press Files 13/06/2005". alfaromeopress.com. Retrieved 27 January 2008.[dead link]
- ^ "rear end crash protection" (PDF). thatcham.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 September 2008. Retrieved 27 January 2008.
- ^ "Alfa Romeo 159". euroncap.com. Retrieved 27 January 2008.
- ^ "AUTO BILD Design Award 2006". autobild.de (in German). Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2007.
- ^ "Alfa Romeo 159 wins Design Award". carbodydesign.com. Retrieved 8 May 2007.
- ^ "Leserwahl: Die Besten Autos 2007". auto-motor-und-sport.de (in German). Archived from the original on 27 April 2007. Retrieved 8 May 2007.
- ^ "IMCDB.ORG: Quantum of Solace, Movie, 2008". imcdb.org. Retrieved 25 October 2009.
- ^ "Alfa wants more diesel racing". The Sydney Morning Herald. 10 May 2007. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
References
- "Alfas replacement for the 156 promises to be just as stylish". The Car Enthusiast. Archived from the original on 4 April 2005. Retrieved 8 April 2005.
- "Italian Alfa Romeo 159 Owners Club". Retrieved 1 January 2006.
External links
- Alfa Romeo 159 UK Site
- Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon Official Website
- Alfa Romeo 159 at the Internet Movie Cars Database
