Alfa 159 Sportwagon and Alfa Spider @ 2006 Geneva Show

[NYCshopper]

Alfa 159 Sportwagon and Alfa Spider @ 2006 Geneva Show

The forthcoming Geneva Motor Show will see the world debut of the Alfa 159 Sportwagon and the Alfa Spider, thus completing the range set to take Alfa Romeo into the future.

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon represents a consummate blend of Italian style with the performance and handling of a genuine sportscar, combined with the flexibility of use and versatility of space you would expect from a high class estate. Like the saloon – the total length (4,660 millimetres) is exactly the same – the new model has been given a decidedly sporty look, without that look of ‘added-on volume’ which characterises the typical station wagon. The sleek lines of the long roof give it a coupé feel, as does the roof spoiler and the edgy aerodynamic styling, while the superbly functional interior offers great load volume. All in all Alfa 159 Sportwagon guarantees the performance and dynamic handling of a sportscar with a size of boot in line with that of a high class station wagon, while also offering a versatility which satisfies the tastes and demands of the modern lifestyle.

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon is available in 2 or 3 versions (depending on the country), 12 bodywork colours and 5 interior colourways. It offers three new JTS engines with double continuous variable valve timing (the 260 bhp 3.2 V6 24v, the 185 bhp 2.2 and the 160 bhp 1.9) and three turbodiesel Multijet engines (the 200 bhp 2.4 JTDM 20v, the 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM 16v and the 120 bhp 1.9 JTDM 8v). All of these are fitted with new manual six-speed gearboxes, and some versions also offer automatic gears and robotised Selespeed gear lever, also six speed. Without counting the fact that the range offers all clients, even the most demanding, the opportunity to select from various different options and innovative features.

Also debuting in Geneva is the Alfa Spider. A complex, sophisticated creature which both recalls the glorious Alfa Romeo tradition in this sector (from the Giulietta Spider in the ‘50s to the Duetto and the Nineties model), and rolls out some cutting edge solutions in terms of mechanical specifications and engines.

The new Spider is a generously-sized two-seater – 1,830 millimetres wide, 4,396 long and 1,367 high – characterised by elongated rear lights and four exhaust terminals which accentuate the impression of great temperament. The interior of the Alfa Spider is inviting and gorgeously sophisticated, thanks to the use of sumptuous materials and added value features (as standard, depending on the version): from the automatic dual-zone climate control to the steering wheel mounted radio controls, from VDC to cruise control. Available in two versions, the client can choose his or her Alfa Spider to be fitted with the sparkling 185 bhp 2.2 JTS engine or the powerful 260 bhp 3.2 JTS.

Lastly, both Alfa Romeo models ensure outstanding dynamic performance thanks to high double wishbone suspension at the front and Multilink at the rear. Along with great ride comfort, the Alfa Spider and Alfa 159 Sportwagon boast a sporty configuration and the use of state of the art ‘Q4’ four wheel drive (available on the 260 bhp 3.2 versions). What’s more – like the saloon version which was recently awarded 5 prestigious Euro NCAP stars – the two Alfa Romeo models once more confirm the utmost attention which goes into all aspects regarding safety, as well as offering the most sophisticated electronic vehicle dynamic control devices.

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon








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Alfa Romeo Spider

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[Rapid_Roo]

nice wagon

[BlackSnake]

Spider remindes me of the masertatti... I dont like it, But the wagon is sexy

[Rapid_Roo]

from the AutoBlog

The Sportwagon is offered with six powerplant options, 3 gasoline and 3 diesel, capped by Alfa's 260 hp, 3.2-liter 24-valve V6. A six-speed manual is standard, with a six-speed automatic optional on some models. Alfa's "Q4" four-wheel drive system is available with the 3.2-liter engine.

schweet. too bad they probably won't ever sell it here

[Len]

Originally Posted by Rapid_Roo

from the AutoBlog




schweet. too bad they probably won't ever sell it here

That plus with Q4, I think 159 gets to be quite heavy. I don't have the exact number, but I heard the sedan with Q4 weighs ~300lbs more than the 330i. Still a very nice looking car though.

[WillRX]

Originally Posted by Len

That plus with Q4, I think 159 gets to be quite heavy. I don't have the exact number, but I heard the sedan with Q4 weighs ~300lbs more than the 330i. Still a very nice looking car though.

I'm waiting for the GTA Sportwagon, personally. From italiaspeed.com :

Well-informed sources have recently mentioned the preference of a Maserati-derived 4.3 litre V8 engine by Alfa Romeo for their 159, Sportwagon, Brera and Spider GTA models. This engine - which is an evolution of the 4.244 cc GranSport unit - will be fitted with Uniair (which was recently showcased in the CRF Sportiva Latina at the Barcelona Motor Show) and will allegedly pump out 440 bhp at 7000 rpm with 505 Nm of torque. The engine has similar dimensions to Alfa’s V6 and only weighs 183 kg. With minimal modifications, open to after market tuning specialists, the Maserati V8 has the potential to deliver well over 500 bhp. An out-bored, in-house high output variant, for use in possible future Alfa Romeo Supercars and the 169 GTA, is also under development, and will yield approximately 500 bhp.

A benefit of this V8 engine over the initial plan to use a twin turbo version of the 3.2 JTS V6 is the reduced torque (505 Nm compared to the Biturbo 3.2 V6’s asphalt-ripping 680 Nm), enabling the possibility to not only have a 6-speed automatic transmission but also manual and Selespeed options as well. Another problem with the serial Twin Turbo 3.2 litre V6 engine, which has been actively tested under an Alfa Romeo 166 prototype, lies in the power-band, with maximum power being achieved at only 6000 rpm.

True to the Gran Turismo Allegerita tag, these high performance Alfa’s will be lightweight: the 159 GTA will have a 130 kg weight reduction. The V8-engined GTA’s will retain AWD, as the V8 engine is to be mounted transversely similar to the old Lancia Thema 8.32. Part of the weight saving objective could be achieved through using high-performance parts such as Brembo CCM (Composite Ceramic Material) brakes. These alone weigh 30% less than alternative cast iron discs, and are currently used on high performance cars such as the Ferrari F430.
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If this is all true, wow. If part of this is true, wow. Just wow.

WillRX

[sir_wagon]

I like the convertible, although the wagon is the one with the gusty engine.

[Damon]

the spider is hawt.