Alfa Romeo 159

This article is about the road car produced between 2004 and 2011. For the race car used in 1950s Formula One, see Alfa Romeo 158/159 Alfetta. For the 159i sold in South Africa, see Alfa Romeo Alfetta.
Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeo 159 2.0 JTDm ECO Elegante
Overview
Manufacturer Alfa Romeo
Production 2004[1]–2011
Assembly Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy
Designer Italdesign Giugiaro
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
159 ti sportwagon
159 JTS Q4 sedan

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 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, although it is still marketed in several countries. Around 240,000 cars were built.

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 materialised, 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.[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

Interior

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, 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 UK 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 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.[6]

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.[7] 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. Australian spec cars were available with the 2.4JTDm until the end of production.

In the United Kingdom, Alfa Romeo stopped taking orders for the 159 on 8 July 2011.[8]

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, 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) 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.

Specifications

Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Comp. ratio Years
Petrol engines
1.75 TBiI41,742 cc200 PS (147 kW) at 5000 rpm320 N·m (240 lb·ft) at 1400 rpm9.5:12009–2011
1.8I41,796 cc140 PS (103 kW) at 6500 rpm175 N·m (129 lb·ft) at 3800 rpm10.5:12005–2010
1.9 JTSI41,859 cc160 PS (118 kW) at 6500 rpm190 N·m (140 lb·ft) at 4500 rpm11.3:12005–2010
2.2 JTSI42,198 cc185 PS (136 kW) at 6500 rpm230 N·m (170 lb·ft) at 4500 rpm11.3:12005–2010
3.2 V6 JTS Q4V63,195 cc260 PS (191 kW) at 6200 rpm322 N·m (237 lb·ft) at 3800 rpm11.25:12005–2010
Diesel engines
1.9 JTDM 8VI41,910 cc120 PS (88 kW) at 4000 rpm280 N·m (210 lb·ft) at 2000 rpm18:12005–2010
1.9 JTDM 16VI41,910 cc150 PS (110 kW) at 4000 rpm320 N·m (240 lb·ft) at 2000 rpm17.5:12005–2010
2.0 JTDM 16VI41,956 cc136 PS (100 kW) at 4000 rpm350 N·m (260 lb·ft) at 1750 rpm16.5:12010–2011
2.0 JTDM 16VI41,956 cc170 PS (125 kW) at 4000 rpm360 N·m (270 lb·ft) at 1750 rpm16.5:12009–2011
2.4 JTDMI52,387 cc200 PS (147 kW) at 4000 rpm400 N·m (300 lb·ft) at 2000 rpm17:12005–2010
2.4 JTDMI52,387 cc210 PS (154 kW) at 4000 rpm400 N·m (300 lb·ft) at 1500 rpm17:12007–2010

Performance

Engine Top speed
km/h (mph)		 0–100 km/h,s
0–62 mph,s		 Combined consumption Years
manualautomaticmanualautomaticmanualautomatic
1.75 TBi235 (146) 7.7 8.1 L/100 km (35 mpg-imp; 29 mpg-US) 2009–2011
1.8206 (128) 10.2 7.7 L/100 km (37 mpg-imp; 31 mpg-US) 2005–2007
1.8208 (129) 10.2 7.6 L/100 km (37 mpg-imp; 31 mpg-US) 2008–2010
1.9 JTDM 8V191 (119) 11.0 5.9 L/100 km (48 mpg-imp; 40 mpg-US) 2005–2007
1.9 JTDM 8V193 (120) 10.7 5.9 L/100 km (48 mpg-imp; 40 mpg-US) 2008–2010
1.9 JTDM 16V210 (130)210 (130)9.49.46.0 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 16V212 (131)209 (130)9.29.55.9 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 PS202 (135) 9.9 5.1 L/100 km (55 mpg-imp; 46 mpg-US) 2010–2011
2.0 JTDM 16V 170 PS218 (135) 8.8 5.4 L/100 km (52 mpg-imp; 44 mpg-US) 2009–2011
1.9 JTS212 (132) 9.7 8.7 L/100 km (32 mpg-imp; 27 mpg-US) 2005–2007
1.9 JTS214 (133) 9.5 8.7 L/100 km (32 mpg-imp; 27 mpg-US) 2008–2010
2.2 JTS222 (138) 8.8 9.4 L/100 km (30 mpg-imp; 25 mpg-US) 2005–2007
2.2 JTS224 (139) 8.7 9.2 L/100 km (31 mpg-imp; 26 mpg-US) 2008–2010
2.2 JTS Selespeed222 (138) 8.8 9.2 L/100 km (31 mpg-imp; 26 mpg-US)2005–2007
2.2 JTS Selespeed224 (139) 8.7 9.1 L/100 km (31 mpg-imp; 26 mpg-US)2008–2010
2.4 JTDM228 (142)224 (139)8.48.46.8 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)8.37.9 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 Q4240 (149)240 (149)7.07.211.5 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 FWD250 (155)7.111.0 L/100 km (26 mpg-imp; 21.4 mpg-US) 2008–2010
3.2 V6 JTS Q4244 (151)242 (150)7.07.211.4 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.

[10][11]

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]

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

Euro NCAP test results
Alfa Romeo 159 (2006)[14]
Test Score Rating
Adult occupant:
Child occupant:
Pedestrian:

Awards

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.[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.

Motor sport

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

  1. ↑ "Alfa 147 156 166 GT Production Dates". bozhdynsky.com. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  2. ↑ "Automatic Transmissions" (PDF). aweurope.be. Retrieved 18 January 2008.
  3. 1 2 3 4 re (24 August 2011). "italiaspeed.com". italiaspeed.com. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  4. ↑ "Press Files 13/06/2005". alfaromeopress.com. 2005. Retrieved 2012-06-07.
  5. ↑ "Five-Star Safety Rating For Alfa 159". carpages.co.uk. Retrieved 21 May 2007.
  6. ↑ "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.
  7. ↑ "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.
  8. ↑ "Alfa to stop taking orders for the 159.". alfabb.com. Retrieved 2012-11-21.
  9. ↑ "Preisliste 3/2007" (PDF). alfaromeo.ch. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-24. Retrieved 26 April 2007.
  10. ↑ "MY08 159 Specifications" (PDF). alfaromeo.it. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  11. ↑ "Specifications" (PDF). fiatautopress.com/download. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  12. 1 2 "Press Files 13/06/2005". alfaromeopress.com. Archived from the original on 16 February 2008. Retrieved 27 January 2008.
  13. ↑ "rear end crash protection" (PDF). thatcham.org. Retrieved 27 January 2008.
  14. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 159". euroncap.com. Retrieved 27 January 2008.
  15. ↑ "AUTO BILD Design Award 2006". autobild.de (in German). Archived from the original on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 8 May 2007.
  16. ↑ "Alfa Romeo 159 wins Design Award". carbodydesign.com. Retrieved 8 May 2007.
  17. ↑ "Leserwahl: Die Besten Autos 2007". auto-motor-und-sport.de (in German). Archived from the original on 27 April 2007. Retrieved 8 May 2007.
  18. ↑ "IMCDB.ORG: Quantum of Solace, Movie, 2008". imcdb.org. Retrieved 25 October 2009.
  19. ↑ "Alfa wants more diesel racing". The Sydney Morning Herald. 10 May 2007. Retrieved 31 May 2015.

References

External links

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