Autoblog

Alfa Romeo 159 heading for the edgy dustbin of history

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Alfa Romeo

Say what you will about the Alfa Romeo 159, but it's arguably one of the most attractive sports sedans on the (foreign) market. And when it's gone, it will be missed. But gone is precisely what it will be soon, as the Fiat group begins its gradual discontinuation.

According to reports, production of the 159 has already ceased as the assembly plant in Naples where it's built is re-tooled for production of the new Fiat Panda. The entire model line has reportedly disappeared from the order books in several keys markets, including the UK, while other markets continue offering the 159 from stockpiles built up ahead of the factory's temporary closure, but that means only four colors and one engine are available.

The 159 was a model mired by its shortcomings from the get-go. Although the Giugiaro styling turned heads, its edgy front end made for poor aerodynamics. The GM-sourced platform didn't serve the car well, and neither did its engines. And while it was originally engineered to meet U.S. regulations, the brand's return to the American market was pushed back time and time again, and is still yet to arrive.

The departure of the 159 leaves a gaping hole in not only Alfa Romeo's but the entire Fiat group's line-up. Aside from the Maserati Quattroporte and Lancia-badged Chryslers, the Golf-sized Alfa Giulietta, Lancia Delta and Fiat Bravo hatchbacks now stand as the largest passenger vehicles the company offers. And with the 159's successor - expected to be dubbed Giulia - not expected until later in 2013, it looks to stay that way for another couple of years at least.

Alfa Romeo 159 heading for the edgy dustbin of history originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marchionne: Alfa Romeo back in the U.S. by 2012

Chris Shunk — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Alfa Romeo 159 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been 15 years since Alfa Romeo last sold vehicles in the U.S. market, but according to Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, we won't have to wait much longer for a chance to own a vehicle donning the Cross and Serpent. Automotive News is reporting that Marchionne insisted that Alfa will return Stateside in the next 24 months, adding: "I'm a lot more confident now that Alfa Romeo will reconstitute a product offering that is acceptable globally, and more in particular in the United States and Canada."

To make the jump to the U.S. and Canada, Alfa will reportedly need to rely on its newest sibling Chrysler for the appropriate platforms. AN sources say that the most likely Alfas to make the trans-Atlantic journey are the successors to the 159 and 166, but those vehicles could be sitting on Chrysler platforms when they make their way to production. The 159 replacement would reportedly be built in the U.S. with a scheduled 2012 arrival and it could rest atop Chrysler's "compact wide" midsize architecture. The range may eventually also spawn both a sedan and wagon. AN indicates that the 166 successor could be matched up with The Pentastar's large rear drive platform that currently underpins the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, with the vehicle being built at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario plant. The 147 replacement that is scheduled to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show will apparently not be coming to North America.

We're really hoping Alfas will in fact arrive on our shores within the next couple years, but we've certainly witnessed this song and dance before. There is no question that Fiat has to do something with Alfa, though, as global sales that have gone from 203,000 in 2000 to 102,000 in 2009 won't cut it for long.

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 159

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Marchionne: Alfa Romeo back in the U.S. by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Alfa commissions trio of 159-replacing concepts for Geneva

Noah Joseph — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo, Design/Style

2002 ItalDesign Alfa Romeo Brera Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following up on a model as achingly gorgeous as the Alfa Romeo 159 - to say nothing of its Brera coupe and Spider convertible counterparts - is no mean feat. Which could be why Alfa is turning to the considerable pool of talent at its doorstep. According to the latest reports, three Italian design houses will be displaying their ideas of what the next-gen mid-size Alfa should look like.

If the source quoted by Inside Line proves accurate, at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March, Stile Bertone will show off a two-door coupe, with a Pininfarina-penned convertible and an ItalDesign Giugiaro four-door sedan sharing the stage as potential candidates to succeed the 159/Brera/Spider line-up. Meanwhile, Alfa Romeo will be taking the wraps off the new Giulietta at its own show stand.

It's worth noting that Giugiaro was responsible for the original concept car that spurred Alfa to put the Brera into production, and Pininfarina was responsible for the car's assembly. And with Bertone also in the mix, this is one fight we're looking forward to seeing unfold on the floor of the Geneva Palexpo.

Gallery: 2002 ItalDesign Alfa Romeo Brera Concept

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Alfa commissions trio of 159-replacing concepts for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Besting Prodrive: Autodelta unveils tuned Alfa Brera S and 159 J4 3.2 Compressore at MPH09

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Alfa Romeo, UK

Autodelta Alfa Romeo Brera S and 159 J4 3.2 Compressore - Click above for high-res image gallery

Alfa Romeo has proven itself capable of crafting some of the most achingly beautiful automotive works of art on the road today. Unfortunately, their driving dynamics and performance numbers rarely seem to cash the checks written by their sumptuous bodywork. Nowhere is that schism more evident than with the Brera, a fantastically angular design with disappointing dynamics.

That's where aftermarket tuners come in. Over a year ago, Alfa teamed up with Prodrive to create the Brera S. The venerable British house of motorsport tightened up the suspension and steering and yanked out the heavy all-wheel-drive system to bring the sport coupe's drive closer to the aggressive level of its styling. Some evidently felt the result was a good starting point, but that it needed a little more oomph, prompting Autodelta to join the fight with the Brera S 3.2 Compressore.

By bolting a supercharger to the 260-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 and remapping its ECU, Autodelta - one of the world's foremost Alfa tuners - has coaxed out an impressive 347 stallions. But while removing the all-wheel-drive system helped shave 220 pounds off the Brera's curb weight, the London-based tuning house felt it needed a substitute, so they've fitted a limited-slip differential to handle the extra power. They'll also soften the suspension a touch from Prodrive's hard line at a client's request.

Customers looking for the convenience of a four-door can also get most of the same modifications in the form of the Autodelta J4 3.2 C, based on the 159 sedan. Both models were unveiled in London at MPH09, the live-action auto show where Autodelta exhibits its latest offerings each year. Follow the jump for all the details in the press release and have a stroll through the photos in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Autodelta Alfa Romeo Brera S and 159 J4 3.2 Compressore

[Source: Autodelta]

Continue reading Besting Prodrive: Autodelta unveils tuned Alfa Brera S and 159 J4 3.2 Compressore at MPH09

Besting Prodrive: Autodelta unveils tuned Alfa Brera S and 159 J4 3.2 Compressore at MPH09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo 159-replacing Giulia delayed until 2012?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Alfa Romeo

2009 Alfa Romeo 159 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The current Alfa Romeo 159 is a bit of a Jekyll-and-Hyde affair. Unspeakably gorgeous on the one hand, its aging, Saab-based platform means its dynamic performance doesn't come anywhere close to cashing the checks its aggressive styling writes out. So those enamored of its design will be happy, but those disappointed by its drive will be disappointed, to learn that the 159's replacement has reportedly been pushed back until 2012, thereby giving the current model a little longer to live.

This, according to Alfa's new boss Sergio Cravero - recently promoted after years as communications director following Luca de Meo's departure - in an interview with Italian daily La Stampa. The statement contradicts previous reports that the new sedan, dubbed Giulia in revival of the classic nameplate, was being rushed into development in light the current model's poor sales. Sources suggest - and by sources, we mean our own speculation - that the program has been postponed so that it can be integrated with a Chrysler platform, and could, like the replacement for the 166, be built in North America.

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 159

[Source: La Stampa]

Alfa Romeo 159-replacing Giulia delayed until 2012? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo 159 - sharp gets sharper

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Alfa Romeo

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

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo 159 - sharp gets sharper

Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo 159 - sharp gets sharper originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poor sales mean Alfa 159 replacement coming soon with U.S. in sight

Noah Joseph — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Alfa Romeo

Click to view the Alfa 159 in hi-res from Geneva '08

The Alfa Romeo 159 may be one of the most beautiful sedans on the market, but that hasn't been enough to make the model a sales success. As we learned after driving the new MiTo, Alfa isn't satisfied any longer to glide by on its name and looks alone, and so has started work on the replacement for the 159 even though the current model was only introduced in 2005.

The main reason attributed to the 159's poor market performance has been its dynamic performance, inhibited by an overweight chassis designed by Saab during Fiat's partnership with GM. Its successor is tipped to be based on the same platform as the upcoming 149, however, which still means front-wheel-drive. With the numeric designation running out of room to grow, the 159 replacement is widely reported to revive the classic Giulia nameplate, with styling cues borrowed from the curvaceous 8C instead of the angular Brera. Sources suggest that the new sedan, anticipated for debut in 2010, is being developed specifically with the American market in mind.

Gallery: Geneva 2008: Alfa Romeo 159 & 159 Sportwagon

[Source: Autocar]

Poor sales mean Alfa 159 replacement coming soon with U.S. in sight originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulia to replace 159

Noah Joseph — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Alfa Romeo, Rendered Speculation

Alfa Romeo's marketing people have been bouncing around the idea of ditching the current three-digit numbering system and proceeding with a nameplate nomenclature. The shift - already in place on some models and not on others - could increase the appeal of certain models even more, while helping them avoid a crossroads that will inevitably come up when models like the 159 need to be replaced.

Italian magazine Quattroruote has come up with a composite image of what it thinks that vehicle could look like. Unfortunately the results are rather cumbersome, essentially Photoshopping the nose from the MiTo onto the existing 159 body. The rear-end rendering is not much better, but intriguingly appears to carry a New York State license plate. While the existing 159 remains one of the most striking mid-size sedans on the market, we hope its successor - speculatively reviving the Giulia nameplate of old - will look a heck of a lot better than this.

[Source: Quattroruote via CarScoop]

Rendered Speculation: 2011 Alfa Romeo Giulia to replace 159 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2008: updated Alfa Romeo 159

Noah Joseph — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Alfa Romeo

Click above to view the updated Alfa Romeo 159 in hi-res

We had plenty of reason to frequent the Alfa Romeo pavilion at this year's Geneva show. After the unveiling of the production 8C Spider along with the updated Brera and Spider came the revisions to the 159 sedan and Sportwagon.

Like its two-door counterparts, the changes to the 159 consist of a few small updates that don't interfere with the model's stunning lines. Better ergonomics and new electronics update the interior, while weight reduction where the car meets the road should help the car's driving dynamics slightly. Most importantly, however, the tweaks which Alfa Romeo announced for the 159 range gave us and our cameras another reason, as if we needed one, to get reacquainted with one of our favorite European sports sedans and wagons. To see the product of our emotional reunion, click on the thumbnails below and jump to our high-resolution image gallery.

Gallery: Geneva 2008: Alfa Romeo 159 & 159 Sportwagon

Geneva 2008: updated Alfa Romeo 159 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alfa Romeo returning to the U.S.!

Stuart Waterman — Thu, 04 May 2006 20:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance

After an absence of more than a decade, Fiat's Alfa Romeo brand is returning to the U.S. market. In a conference call May 3rd, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that he has plans in place to begin distributing Alfa Romeo models in the U.S. through Maserati's dealer network, possibly as soon as late 2007.

Italiaspeed reports that the U.S. launch models will likely be the upper end of the range - Alfa 159, Brera (shown above) and Spider. And yes, this means that the 8c Competizione is also coming to the U.S.

[Source: Italiaspeed, Alfa Romeo]

Alfa Romeo returning to the U.S.! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 May 2006 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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