We'll get the 3.2-litre V-6 for sure, and maybe the 2.2-litre inline-four, but only time will tell. The V-6 is currently tuned to deliver 260 hp and about 250 lb-ft of torque, most of which will be on tap before 2,000 rpm. The smaller engine does 185 hp and about 160 lb-ft of torque.
The manual gearboxes will be six-speed with short strokes, precise engagement and limited loads, and there will be optional six-speed automatics with the popular manumatic shift capability.
The new Alfa Romeo 159 will show pedigree in full, Fiat promises, ''by guaranteeing control and entertaining driving that admit no compromise.''
As well, ''traveling comfort and dynamic behaviour, features peculiar to Alfa Romeo cars, become real strengths on the 159.''
The car has an ''interesting suspension layout, the fruit of a new project that set extremely high standards of excellence.'' It has 'high' double wishbones at the front, and multilink at the rear. This is supposed to result in a greater capacity to absorb road roughness, more linearity and precision in response to the steering, superb road holding, maximum stability in high speed maneuvers and the ''agility of a true Alfa Romeo on narrow mixed routes.''
The Alfa Romeo 159's road behaviour is also due to the tires, which achieve the best balance between handling and comfort. To minimize ''swinging on bends while guaranteeing excellent absorption of obstacles,'' Alfa Romeo technicians worked with suppliers to develop special tires, the largest in their category, right up to 235/45 R 18.
The ''Alfa Romeo Q4 four-wheel drive'' system splits torque constantly and dynamically between the four wheels, reaching the highest levels of active safety and sportiness.
The car's dynamic behaviour is controlled by a number of sophisticated electronic systems, starting with VDC, as it ''guarantees absolute control over the car in all conditions, no matter how extreme, with a sporty calibration worthy of a true Alfa, whose chassis guarantees superb roadholding.''
VDC lets the driver enjoy his control over the vehicle and never intervenes intrusively. On the other hand, when he changes down suddenly in poor grip conditions, Motor Schleppmoment Regelung (MSR) intervenes, giving torque back to the engine to prevent skidding due to wheel lock.
The other systems that supplement VDC are: ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) which intervenes during emergency braking, the ABS system complete with EBD, and the Hill Holder for hill starts.
On the comfort and convenience front, the 159 seems to touch most of the bases that are important to North Americans: cruise control, rain, dusk and parking sensors (front and rear), satellite navigation, automatic climate control with dual or tri-zone distribution and temperature, a multi-function, multi-format sound system, folding rear seats, and a push-button ignition on the console.
On the two-door side on Alfa's future, the Brera production car is said to feature ''sportiness and elegance combined in unique, exclusive styling. Harmonious forms and volumes which, when they are supported by Alfa Romeo mechanical and engineering excellence, produce a beautiful, powerful, solid car.''
This is supposed to be a very brief description of the spirit of the new coupé ''which will arouse extreme emotions and guarantee superbly enjoyable driving. The engineers and stylists only had one goal: to combine sportiness with roominess and the quality of life on board.''
The manual gearboxes will be six-speed with short strokes, precise engagement and limited loads, and there will be optional six-speed automatics with the popular manumatic shift capability.
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| Alfa Romeo 159 |
As well, ''traveling comfort and dynamic behaviour, features peculiar to Alfa Romeo cars, become real strengths on the 159.''
The car has an ''interesting suspension layout, the fruit of a new project that set extremely high standards of excellence.'' It has 'high' double wishbones at the front, and multilink at the rear. This is supposed to result in a greater capacity to absorb road roughness, more linearity and precision in response to the steering, superb road holding, maximum stability in high speed maneuvers and the ''agility of a true Alfa Romeo on narrow mixed routes.''
The Alfa Romeo 159's road behaviour is also due to the tires, which achieve the best balance between handling and comfort. To minimize ''swinging on bends while guaranteeing excellent absorption of obstacles,'' Alfa Romeo technicians worked with suppliers to develop special tires, the largest in their category, right up to 235/45 R 18.
 |
| Alfa Romeo 159 |
The car's dynamic behaviour is controlled by a number of sophisticated electronic systems, starting with VDC, as it ''guarantees absolute control over the car in all conditions, no matter how extreme, with a sporty calibration worthy of a true Alfa, whose chassis guarantees superb roadholding.''
VDC lets the driver enjoy his control over the vehicle and never intervenes intrusively. On the other hand, when he changes down suddenly in poor grip conditions, Motor Schleppmoment Regelung (MSR) intervenes, giving torque back to the engine to prevent skidding due to wheel lock.
The other systems that supplement VDC are: ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) which intervenes during emergency braking, the ABS system complete with EBD, and the Hill Holder for hill starts.
On the comfort and convenience front, the 159 seems to touch most of the bases that are important to North Americans: cruise control, rain, dusk and parking sensors (front and rear), satellite navigation, automatic climate control with dual or tri-zone distribution and temperature, a multi-function, multi-format sound system, folding rear seats, and a push-button ignition on the console.
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| Alfa Romeo Brera |
This is supposed to be a very brief description of the spirit of the new coupé ''which will arouse extreme emotions and guarantee superbly enjoyable driving. The engineers and stylists only had one goal: to combine sportiness with roominess and the quality of life on board.''