Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo 159 - sharp gets sharper
by Noah Joseph on Mar 3rd 2009 at 2:58PM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Alfa Romeo 159
Of all the cars in the world, the Alfa 159 is one of the last we would have thought needed a refresh. Unfortunately, the sedan's styling hasn't translated into a market success for the Italian automaker, so they've opted for a facelift. Thankfully they haven't messed with the near perfection of the 159's lines too much, sharpening up the already razor-sharp lines in the hope that the updated 159 will help the brand hold down the C-segment in Europe until the Giulia that's set to replace it rolls around late next year. Check it out in the gallery below.
Gallery: Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo 159
Photos Copyright ©2009 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.
PRESS RELEASE
Alfa Romeo 159 (sedan and Sportwagon) with the new engines
Space at Geneva also for the Alfa 159 and the Alfa 159 Sportwagon models: the first is an exclusive sedan combining refined Italian style with the "elegant sportiness" of Alfa Romeo. The Alfa 159 Sportwagon on the other hand combines the style, performance and handling of a genuine sports car with the flexibility of use and luggage space versatility of a prestigious station wagon.
The versions exhibited offer two new Euro 5 compliant engines which will be available from the beginning of April: the 1.75 liter 200 HP TBi engine and the 2.0 liter 170 HP JTDM engine. In detail, the Alfa Romeo 159 is fitted with the new 1.75 liter TBi engine (Euro 5) - maximum output 200 HP from 4750 to 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 320 Nm at 1400 rpm – giving it a maximum speed of 235 km/h and acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in barely 7.7 seconds.
Standing out against a delightful Rosso 8C, the powerful Alfa Romeo sedan is offered in the TI sporting version, featuring lowered geometry, bigger tires, 19 inch alloy rims, miniskirts and large aluminum brakes with red calipers. So, a very determined-looking car with a decidedly "ground-hugging" look. Inside, the TI environment is recognizable from the shaped sports seats in perforated leather with the Alfa Romeo logo stitched in red, plus the steering wheel with sports grip and the gear knob covered in leather with red stitching.
The internal coverings are black and the insignia are in "brushed dark aluminum". The same impression of sportiness appears in the instrument panel graphics, the pedals and the aluminum scuff plate with TI logo. Finally, this particular version comes with high-end equipment including triple-zone climate control, VDC system with Electronic Q2, Blue&Me Nav GPS and entertainment system, Bose Hi-Fi system and Cruise Control.
Next to this car, the public can admire an Alfa 159 Sportwagon equipped with the new 2.0 liter 170 HP JTDM engine (Euro 5). With this engine, the car can reach 216 km/h and takes 9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. The version displayed at Geneva is a Sport which is differentiated from the outside by the exclusive 18 inch alloy rims with the new "Turbine" design.
Inside, the eye is caught by the sports steering wheel with radio commands, the gear knob covered in leather with black stitching and the new sports seats covered in leather. Giving a further impression of sportiness, the head lining, the parcel shelf and the pillar fairings are black, while the badges are in "brushed aluminum" and the instrument panel employs "sporty" graphics. Finally, the equipment (standard and optional) offered on this car is very high-spec: triple-zone climate control, Cruise Control, VDC system (with Electronic Q2), Bose Hi-Fi system, GPS system (with telephone and voice commands), and Visibility Pack (rain, mist and twilight sensors).
Alfa Romeo 159 (sedan and Sportwagon) with the new engines
Space at Geneva also for the Alfa 159 and the Alfa 159 Sportwagon models: the first is an exclusive sedan combining refined Italian style with the "elegant sportiness" of Alfa Romeo. The Alfa 159 Sportwagon on the other hand combines the style, performance and handling of a genuine sports car with the flexibility of use and luggage space versatility of a prestigious station wagon.
The versions exhibited offer two new Euro 5 compliant engines which will be available from the beginning of April: the 1.75 liter 200 HP TBi engine and the 2.0 liter 170 HP JTDM engine. In detail, the Alfa Romeo 159 is fitted with the new 1.75 liter TBi engine (Euro 5) - maximum output 200 HP from 4750 to 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 320 Nm at 1400 rpm – giving it a maximum speed of 235 km/h and acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in barely 7.7 seconds.
Standing out against a delightful Rosso 8C, the powerful Alfa Romeo sedan is offered in the TI sporting version, featuring lowered geometry, bigger tires, 19 inch alloy rims, miniskirts and large aluminum brakes with red calipers. So, a very determined-looking car with a decidedly "ground-hugging" look. Inside, the TI environment is recognizable from the shaped sports seats in perforated leather with the Alfa Romeo logo stitched in red, plus the steering wheel with sports grip and the gear knob covered in leather with red stitching.
The internal coverings are black and the insignia are in "brushed dark aluminum". The same impression of sportiness appears in the instrument panel graphics, the pedals and the aluminum scuff plate with TI logo. Finally, this particular version comes with high-end equipment including triple-zone climate control, VDC system with Electronic Q2, Blue&Me Nav GPS and entertainment system, Bose Hi-Fi system and Cruise Control.
Next to this car, the public can admire an Alfa 159 Sportwagon equipped with the new 2.0 liter 170 HP JTDM engine (Euro 5). With this engine, the car can reach 216 km/h and takes 9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. The version displayed at Geneva is a Sport which is differentiated from the outside by the exclusive 18 inch alloy rims with the new "Turbine" design.
Inside, the eye is caught by the sports steering wheel with radio commands, the gear knob covered in leather with black stitching and the new sports seats covered in leather. Giving a further impression of sportiness, the head lining, the parcel shelf and the pillar fairings are black, while the badges are in "brushed aluminum" and the instrument panel employs "sporty" graphics. Finally, the equipment (standard and optional) offered on this car is very high-spec: triple-zone climate control, Cruise Control, VDC system (with Electronic Q2), Bose Hi-Fi system, GPS system (with telephone and voice commands), and Visibility Pack (rain, mist and twilight sensors).
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
coolremo 3:05PM (3/03/2009)
stop stealing the brushed metal mirrors from Audi's S-line.
Reply
Alex 3:37PM (3/03/2009)
Audi can keep them.
Taglane 8:14PM (3/03/2009)
Did Audi Patent metal mirror housings? stop bitching.
philteddb 3:32AM (3/04/2009)
It's not brushed, it's burnished aluminum, and Alfa has been using them for ...over 60 years?
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1320/1424728976_67477eaf4c.jpg?v=0
http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/images/190-2-800.jpg
Although I agree, brushed (and then polished or left matte) like the Audi's, would be worse. :)
Good try, it's not that you're owned, just ignorant.. Now you know for the future, that if Alfa does it, they've probably done it before. And taking from others? it's usually the other way around.. ;)
Look up VVT, or Variable Valve Timing, and the pics of the Mazda production plant with an Alfa Spider in the background haha.
Flea 3:06PM (3/03/2009)
okay, I'm a humongous 159 fan, but I can't see any changes except for the alloys and the TBi badge, which is for the new engine...
Reply
ChopperDave 3:06PM (3/03/2009)
Want. Desperately want.
Reply
Scott 3:11PM (3/03/2009)
That's a beautiful sedan. I'll take one in the color shown, please.
Reply
Alex 3:11PM (3/03/2009)
am i the only one who doesn't like the alfa styling? maybe because i have never seen one with my own eyes, but i don't like their exterior design language.
Reply
Flea 3:24PM (3/03/2009)
the front end is a (mostly)love or hate thing, but I can guarantee the lines and proportions of the car when seen in person make ANY bmw, merc or audi look like they're made of large bricks stacked next to each other.
Skelbagz 4:10PM (3/03/2009)
Yes you are the only one ;-)
seanjohntx 6:22PM (3/03/2009)
I don't really like them either bug never seen one in person, so I'll reserve judgment until then. However, it does kinda remind me of an edsel with that grill.
Jonathan 6:38PM (3/03/2009)
You're not the only one. The 159's face is fugly. It's not attractive. The body is great for a four door, but who wants to drive a butterface?
Alex 6:43PM (3/03/2009)
thats what i was thinking..maybe the pictures dont do this car justice and it is stunning in person, but from what i see, im not a fan of that nose job. on the other hand, they have really nice interiors, which is not something i can say about many car makers..
AUTOMANIAC 7:20PM (3/03/2009)
here, check this out, maybe will help with your problem:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aesthetics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauty
GusTurbo 11:49PM (3/03/2009)
You're definitely not the only one. I can't stand the front end of any Alfa. I've never seen one in person, so I can't speak for the rest of the car, but every part of the front fascia just offends me.
ryan 3:12PM (3/03/2009)
am i the only one that's drooling both over the vehicle and the girl in the background?
Reply
E RASMSSEN 3:25PM (3/03/2009)
Keep the skinny blond and give me the car, please, in Black. Thank you.
Mazda FTW! 3:40PM (3/03/2009)
ryan - I noticed her. Very hot.
Smegley 3:38PM (3/03/2009)
Cars like this are why I always bring condoms to work.
Reply
Alex 3:40PM (3/03/2009)
Between this and the Mito, i'm getting real sore that i can't buy an Alfa Romeo here in the US. Sure they bring the 8C Competizione here but I, along with just about everyone else, can't afford it nor will I even see it on the roads.
Reply