Alfa Romeo 159

Infobox Automobile


name = Alfa Romeo 159
manufacturer = Alfa Romeo
parent_company = Fiat Group
assembly = Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy
production = 2005-present
class = Compact executive car
layout = Front-engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
platform = GM/Fiat Premium platform
body_style = 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
engine = Petrol:

• 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
• 2.4 L "JTD" I5
  transmission= 5 and 6-speed manual
  6-speed Sequential manual
  • Magneti Marelli Selespeed
  6-speed automatic
  • Aisin AWTF-80 SCCite web|url=http://www.aweurope.be/napa/files/drivingInnovation_automaticTransmission_1182180053307_4.pdf|title=Automatic Transmissions|accessdate=2008-01-18|work=aweurope.be]
  
  predecessor = Alfa Romeo 156
  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.)
  front_track = 1578/1579 mm (62.12/62.16 in.)
  rear_track =
  1555/1559 mm (61.2/61.3 in.)
  weight = 1480-1680 kg (3262-3703 lb)
  related = Alfa Romeo Brera
  Alfa Romeo Spider
  similar = Audi A4
  BMW 3 Series
  Cadillac BLS
  Jaguar X-Type
  Lexus IS 300
  Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  Saab 9-3
  Volvo S60
  Volkswagen Passat
  fuel_capacity = Convert|69|L|usgal impgal|1|abbr=on-Convert|70|L|usgal impgal|1|abbr=on
  designer = Giorgetto Giugiaro The Alfa Romeo 159 is a compact executive car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo since 2005. 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 Brera, Spider, and concept cars Kamal and Visconti.

  tyling

  Car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with the Alfa Centro Stile. Stylistically it shares a lot with
  156. The front has traditional Alfa cloverleaf V-shaped grill and bonnet. The front is also underlined withlight clusters with cylindrical shape. A high waistline broadens until it reaches the rear pillar. Inside it hasfeatures similar to the 156; instruments are turned towards driver. The car is much bigger than its predecessor 156, it is4660 millimetres (183.4 in) long (convert|225|mm|in|1|abbr=on more than the Alfa 156), 1828 mm (71.9 in) wide and 1417 mm (55.7 in) high.Cite web|url=http://www.fiatautopress.com/index.php?method=cartelle&action=article&id=200412203143813573bf3b62fe525cc05bae544014c0c0e92&group=3|title=Press Files 13/06/2005|accessdate=2007-05-21|work=fiatautopress.com]

  Overview

  The 159 is available with either front or four-wheel drive, called Q4. The AWD system utilises a Torsen type C twin differential (front and center differential in the same unit). Q4 four-wheel drive system is available with 3.2 L petrol and 2.4 L diesel engines. Gearbox is a six-speed manual on most models (1.8 has a five-speed), a six-speed automatic "Q-Tronic" (Aisin AW TF-80SC) is available for the 1.9 diesel, 2.4 diesel and 3.2 models. The Selespeed gearbox is for sale in some countries with the 2.2 petrol engine. There are four available trim levels: Progression, Distinctive, Exclusive and Turismo Internazionale (TI). In the UK there are three levels of trim: 159, Lusso and Turismo Internazionale (TI). Among other driving adds the car is also available with the Blue&Me system. Torsional rigidity of the chassis is one of the best in this category (180.000 daNm/rad).Cite web|url=http://www.carpages.co.uk/alfa_romeo/alfa-romeo-159-17-01-06.asp|title=Five-Star Safety Rating For Alfa 159|accessdate=2007-05-21|work=carpages.co.uk]

  Development

  A Sportwagon variant was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006. Also in 2006 came an automatic gearbox option for the 2.4 diesel, which was later added for other versions. In 2007 a four wheel drive diesel model was released and the 2.4 L diesel was updated to Auto PS|210 with "TI" trim level as an option.

  For "model year" 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 got changes to mechanics and for interiors. The 3.2 litre V6 version will be offered also infront wheel drive version allowing top speed of convert|250|km/h|mi/h. All model variants are equipped with electronic Q2 "limited slip differential". By using more aluminium parts is achieved convert|45|kg|lb weight reduction. These new versions were introduced in Geneva Motor Show in 2008.Cite web|url=http://www.italiaspeed.com/2008/cars/alfa_romeo/02/159_my/1902.html|title=19.02.2008 MODEL YEAR IMPROVEMENTS FOR ALFA 159 AND 159 SPORTWAGON|accessdate=2008-02-19|work=italiaspeed.com/2008]

  Engines

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

  Petrol

  afety

  The 159 is always equipped with seven airbags, knee airbag is also available making total eight airbags.Cite web|url=http://www.alfaromeopress.com/index.php?method=cartelle&action=article&id=200412203143813603c1af7adac2bd494683755f4d77b9fa9&group=3|title=Press Files 13/06/2005|accessdate=2008-01-27|work=alfaromeopress.com] The car got also good result in rear end crash protection test,Cite web|url=http://www.thatcham.org/ncwr/pdfs/crash_protection_2006.pdf|title=rear end crash protection|accessdate=2008-01-27|work=thatcham.org] tellingthat 159 is equipped also with "anti-whiplash" seats.Cite web|url=http://www.alfaromeopress.com/index.php?method=cartelle&action=article&id=200412203143813603c1af7adac2bd494683755f4d77b9fa9&group=3|title=Press Files 13/06/2005|accessdate=2008-01-27|work=alfaromeopress.com]

  Alfa Romeo 159 passed the Euro NCAP car safety tests with following ratingsCite web|url=http://www.euroncap.com/tests/alfa_romeo_159_2006/248.aspx|title=Alfa Romeo 159|accessdate=2008-01-27|work=euroncap.com] :
  * Adult occupant = rating|5|5
  * Child occupant = rating|4|5
  * Pedestrian = rating|1|4

  Awards

  *Auto Bild Design Award 2006Cite web|url=http://www.autobild.de/aktuell/meldungen/artikel.php?artikel_id=12530|title=AUTO BILD Design Award 2006|accessdate=2007-05-08|work=autobild.de De icon]
  *Design Award in the 2006 Fleet World HonoursCite web|url=http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2006/05/18-alfa-159-wins-design-award/|title=Alfa Romeo 159 wins Design Award|accessdate=2007-05-08|work=carbodydesign.com]
  *Die Besten Autos 2007 Import category (Auto, Motor und Sport)Cite web|url=http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/news/auto_-_produkte/hxcms_article_501678_14140.hbs|title=Leserwahl: Die Besten Autos 2007|accessdate=2007-05-08|work=auto-motor-und-sport.de De icon]

  Notes

  References

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  External links

  * [http://www.alfaromeo.com/159 Official website 159]
  * [http://www.alfaromeo.com/159sw Official website 159 SportWagon ]
  * [http://www.alfa159.co.uk Alfa Romeo 159 UK Site]
  * [http://www.alfa159.com Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon Official Website]