Alfa Romeo 159

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This article is about the road car produced between 2005 and 2011. For the race car used in 1950s Formula One, see Alfa Romeo 158/159 Alfetta.
Alfa Romeo 159
Alfa Romeo 159
Manufacturer Alfa Romeo
Production 2005–2011[1]
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:

Diesel:
Transmission

5 and 6-speed manual
6-speed Sequential manual

'6-speed automatic
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.[3]
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.[4]

Contents

[edit] 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. 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.[5]

[edit] Overview

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.

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.[6]

[edit] Development

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.[7]

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.[8] Also a new 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) JTDm diesel became available.

In 2010, all Gasoline (Petrol) engines except for the 1750TBi were retired, ending the use of General Motors based engines in the 159.[citation needed] The only remaining diesel engines are now the 136 and 170 PS 2.0 JTDm engines.[citation needed]

In 2011, the 159 was powered only by diesel engines, with both the 136 PS and 170 PS 2.0 JTDm available on the 159 Sportwagon, and only the 136 PS variant available on the 159 sedan.

Alfa Romeo stopped taking orders in the UK for the 159 on 8 July 2011. Other European countries are expected to follow suit shortly.[9]

[edit] Engines

All Gasoline (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.

[edit] 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

[edit] 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

[edit] Performance[10][11]

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)[12] 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

[edit] Safety

The 159 is fitted with seven airbags as standard, with additional knee airbags also available as an option.[13] The car performed well in rear-end crash protection tests,[14] benefiting from "anti-whiplash" seats.[13]

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

Euro NCAP test results
Alfa Romeo 159 (2006)[15]
Test Score Rating
Adult occupant: 5 / 5 stars
Child occupant: 4 / 5 stars
Pedestrian: 1 / 4 star


[edit] Awards

[edit] 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.[19] The Alfa Romeo 159 also appeared in the 2009 film Angels and Demons.[20]

Four 159s were featured in the Johnny English Reborn movie that were used to chase Rowan Atkinson's character.[21]

[edit] 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.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ "Alfa Romeo 159 heading for the edgy dustbin of history". autoblog.com. http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/alfa-romeo-159-heading-for-the-edgy-dustbin-of-history/. Retrieved 2011-09-02. 
  2. ^ "Automatic Transmissions" (PDF). aweurope.be. http://www.aweurope.be/napa/files/drivingInnovation_automaticTransmission_1182180053307_4.pdf. Retrieved 2008-01-18. 
  3. ^ "News/23.02.2006". italiaspeed.com/2006. http://www.italiaspeed.com/2006/cars/alfa_romeo/02/159_police/2202.html. Retrieved 2007-08-11. 
  4. ^ "After six year run Alfa Romeo 159 production winds down". italiaspeed.com. http://www.italiaspeed.com/2011/cars/alfa_romeo/08/159/1508.html. Retrieved 2011-09-02. 
  5. ^ "Press Files 13/06/2005". fiatautopress.com. http://www.fiatautopress.com/index.php?method=cartelle&action=article&id=200412203143813573bf3b62fe525cc05bae544014c0c0e92&group=3. Retrieved 2007-05-21. 
  6. ^ "Five-Star Safety Rating For Alfa 159". carpages.co.uk. http://www.carpages.co.uk/alfa_romeo/alfa-romeo-159-17-01-06.asp. Retrieved 2007-05-21. 
  7. ^ "19.02.2008 MODEL YEAR IMPROVEMENTS FOR ALFA 159 AND 159 SPORTWAGON". italiaspeed.com/2008. http://www.italiaspeed.com/2008/cars/alfa_romeo/02/159_my/1902.html. Retrieved 2008-02-19. 
  8. ^ "19.02.2009 NEW ENGINES FOR ALFA 159 MODEL YEAR". www.italiaspeed.com/2009/cars/alfa_romeo. http://www.italiaspeed.com/2009/cars/alfa_romeo/02/159_my/1902.html. Retrieved 2009-02-20. 
  9. ^ [Alfa to stop taking orders for the 159. "http://europeancarnews.com/2011/07/07/alfa-to-stop-taking-orders-for-the-159/#comment-65"]. European Car News. Alfa to stop taking orders for the 159.. Retrieved 8 July 2011. 
  10. ^ "MY08 159 Specifications" (PDF). alfaromeo.it. http://www.alfaromeo.it/alfa_it/uploads/1006/1074166006/20080326/159_159sw_my08.pdf. Retrieved 2010-10-01. 
  11. ^ "Specifications" (PDF). www.fiatautopress.com/download. http://www.fiatautopress.com/download/SYSTEM_ARCHIVIO/GRUPPO01~09_SCHEDE_TECNICHE_AR/090223_AR_Ginevra_ST_GBR.pdf. Retrieved 2010-10-01. 
  12. ^ "Preisliste 3/2007" (PDF). alfaromeo.ch. http://www.alfaromeo.ch/ALFAROMEO_SWITZERLAND/uploads/1060/1074066215/20070403/alfa_159_03_04_2007.pdf. Retrieved 2007-04-26. 
  13. ^ a b "Press Files 13/06/2005". alfaromeopress.com. http://www.alfaromeopress.com/index.php?method=cartelle&action=article&id=200412203143813603c1af7adac2bd494683755f4d77b9fa9&group=3. Retrieved 2008-01-27. 
  14. ^ "rear end crash protection" (PDF). thatcham.org. http://www.thatcham.org/ncwr/pdfs/crash_protection_2006.pdf. Retrieved 2008-01-27. 
  15. ^ "Alfa Romeo 159". euroncap.com. http://www.euroncap.com/tests/alfa_romeo_159_2006/248.aspx. Retrieved 2008-01-27. 
  16. ^ "AUTO BILD Design Award 2006". autobild.de. http://www.autobild.de/aktuell/meldungen/artikel.php?artikel_id=12530. Retrieved 2007-05-08.  (German)
  17. ^ "Alfa Romeo 159 wins Design Award". carbodydesign.com. http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2006/05/18-alfa-159-wins-design-award/. Retrieved 2007-05-08. 
  18. ^ "Leserwahl: Die Besten Autos 2007". auto-motor-und-sport.de. Archived from the original on 2007-04-27. http://web.archive.org/web/20070427092123/http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/news/auto_-_produkte/hxcms_article_501678_14140.hbs. Retrieved 2007-05-08.  (German)
  19. ^ "IMCDB.ORG: Quantum of Solace, Movie, 2008". imcdb.org. http://www.imcdb.org/movie.php?id=830515. Retrieved 2009-10-25. 
  20. ^ "IMCDB.ORG: Angels & Demons, Movie, 2009". imcdb.org. http://www.imcdb.org/movie_808151-Angels-and-Demons.html. Retrieved 2010-02-09. 
  21. ^ "Johnny English Reborn, Movie, 2011". imcdb.org. http://www.imcdb.org/movie_1634122-Johnny-English-Reborn.html. Retrieved 2011-12-11. 

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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