Alfa Romeo 159

Tags: Alfa Romeo 159 Alfa Romeo 159 Brera Alfa Romeo Brera autoshow Bologna Motor Show 2005

The most powerful cars, the wickedest music and the grooviest people: these are the ingredients of what has become by tradition the most important feast of automotive engineering in Italy, the Bologna Motor Show.

Alfa Romeo has created a stand with linear geometric lines for this extraordinary event. Flat planes and areas overlap to create a feeling of movement with upright partitions defining offices, the Alfa Café and the lounge areas. The end result is one of stylistic sophistication that sets off to perfection the sinuous aerodynamic shapes of the numerous cars present: from the new generation of Alfa Romeo models arising out of the Alfa 159 project to the other current production models (Alfa GT, Crosswagon Q4, the Alfa 166 flagship and the compact Alfa 147) all equipped with Euro 4 engines.

The Alfa Brera and Alfa 159 are the absolute stars of this stand, exemplified by the two specimens occupying two raised platforms in the middle of an inclined ramp: this architectural arrangement simply emphasises the attributes of sportiness and style of both models still further. Sophisticated LED screens on the red wall of the Alfa building describe the world of the Alfa Brera while for the first time an innovative hi-tech solution has been adopted for an interactive presentation featuring the 159 and Brera: images flicker over space-age glass panels suspended in the air, allowing visitors to have fun finding out all about the outstanding features of these models interactively, in a manner entirely in tune with the innovative spirit of Alfa Romeo.

Alfa Brera: the indisputable queen of the stand awaits the general public

The new coupé, designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in conjunction with the Alfa Romeo style centre, is born of the tradition that breathed life into the good-looking, thoroughbred cars that, now as then, strike a magical balance between sense and sensibility, between technical culture and creative design. The Bologna show offers two top-of-the-range versions, both equipped with a panoramic glass roof with an electric blind (an exclusive optional feature). The first is a Q4 version equipped with a 24 valve 3.2 V6 JTS power unit, a veritable jewel of automotive engineering that delivers a power of 191 kW (260 bhp) at 6200 rpm with a maximum torque of 322 Nm (32.8 kgm) at 4500 rpm. The second Alfa Brera also offers outstanding performance with a 2.2 JTS engine developing peak power of 136 kW (185 bhp) at 6500 rpm and torque of 230 Nm (23.4 kgm) at 4500 rpm.

Both vehicles are well endowed with equipment, including a host of features specifically devoted to safety: 7 airbags (including driver side knee bag), VDC, ABS with EBD, ventilated front and rear brake discs, MSR, Hill Holder, ASR and foglight. The long list of devices used to ensure maximum on-board comfort includes: automatic dual zone climate control, radio with CD player and CD changer, parking sensor, Visibility Pack (rain sensor, dusk sensor and demisting sensor) map radio and navigation system with phone and voice control, Bose Hi-Fi system with digital amplifier and cargo box under the load platform. These two versions are complemented by natural leather interiors and 18" alloy wheels.

Alfa 159: a new breed of Alfa

The other queen of the stand is the 159 saloon, three examples of which may be admired at Bologna: the first is a Q4 version (with four wheel drive), equipped with the new and powerful 191 kW (260 bhp) 3.2 V6 JTS 24v engine distinguished by a Ruby Red body-colour that effectively expresses the Alfa Romeo take on classic sportiness. The second saloon - clad in the silver livery that distinguishes the new generation of Alfa Romeo cars - is also equipped with one of the three JTS engines available in the range: this 2.2 JTS develops a maximum power of 136 bhp (185 kW) at 6,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 230 Nm (23.4 kgm) at 4,500 rpm. The last Alfa 159 is equipped with a searing 147 kW (200 bhp) 2.4 JTDm engine that develops a torque of 4 Nm (40.8 kgm).

All the Alfa 159 cars on show are packed with creature comforts. Examples include a Luxury Pack with dashboard, seat and door panels trimmed in black grosgrain Frau® leather (grey and beige shades are also available). And more: three-zone climate control system, aluminium panels, electric seats, cruise control, 7 airbags, VDC stability control with hill holder, map radio navigation system with telephone and voice controls, xenon headlights and 18" alloy wheels with a classic sports design (holes or spokes, according to the version).