The all-new Alfa Romeo 159, a true sporting saloon in the classic Alfa Romeo tradition, goes on sale in the UK on Saturday 25 February.Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with Alfa Romeo Centro Stile at Arese, Milan, the new Alfa 159 combines superlative engineering with outstanding performance and handling characteristics appropriate to the pedigree of one of the world's most famous sporting marques.The Alfa 159 is built on a brand new platform, making it one of the toughest cars around, with a best-in-class torsional rigidity of over 180,000 daNm/rad. In terms of safety, it has nothing to fear from the competition, and has recently been awarded the prestigious five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, which puts it ahead of the field for its segment with regard to crash safety performance.One of the Italian sporting car manufacturer's aims with the Alfa 159 project was to take the lead in the field of automotive passive safety. An Alfa Romeo engineered all-new premium floorpan, which incorporates high performance materials, multi-ply sheet metal, and laser welding, was the starting point.The construction of the bodyshell also benefits from numerous measures, such as the use of boxed elements that are connected rigidly both transversely and vertically; three 'load lines' in the front, longitudinal beams that run the entire length of the car, built-in deformable structures, and a large number of spot welds around structural nodes.Nine versions of the new Alfa 159, priced from £19,995 to £28,195 on-the-road, will become available here in the first quarter of 2006, seven of which will be available at launch, (25 February), with a choice of five powerplants. Three new direct injection petrol engines - 1.9 litre 160bhp and 2.2 litre 185bhp 4-cylinder units, and a 3.2 litre 260bhp V6 available from March 2006 - combine the JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) direct injection technology of Alfa Romeo with continuously variable valve timing, (both inlet and exhaust), for the first time.All five engines are mated to smooth, precise 6-speed manual gearboxes. Six-speed automatic transmissions will become available on 1.9 and 2.4 JTDM and 3.2 V6 JTS versions of the new Alfa 159 later in 2006.The suspension of the new Alfa 159 combines revisions to the proven high double wishbone set-up of the outgoing Alfa 156 with a new, sophisticated multilink rear configuration. The new system is designed to promote smooth, accurate steering responses, exceptional stability and controllability - even when close to adhesion limits - and first class body control allied to remarkable comfort over all road surface conditions.The powerful braking system of the Alfa 159 comprises 305mm ventilated front discs, and 278mm solid discs at the rear. Versions powered by the 3.2 JTS petrol and 2.4 JTDM turbodiesel engines feature larger, 330mm ventilated discs and Brembo four piston monobloc aluminium callipers at the front, with 292mm ventilated discs at the rear, for even greater, fade-free stopping power.In the best Alfa Romeo tradition, the Alfa 159 offers direct, lively and responsive speed-sensitive power assisted steering, with a rack requiring just 2.3 turns lock-to-lock; the most direct steering in its class.Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with Alfa Romeo Centro Stile, the all-new 159 is 225mm longer and 85mm wider than the outgoing 156 it replaces. Designed around an all-new high strength platform, it maintains a long-standing Alfa Romeo tradition of engineering excellence, outstanding performance and a thoroughly engaging sporting prowess within a highly distinctive, compact saloon car package. As with all Alfa Romeo models, driver orientated ergonomics, superior passenger comfort and generous standard equipment levels are fundamental to the interior design of the new sports saloonDespite retaining the relatively compact dimensions appropriate to an Alfa Romeo sports saloon, the new 159 has a wheelbase 105mm longer than its predecessor, significantly improving both front and rear passenger legroom. Moreover, despite being lower than the 156, the new Alfa offers improved front and rear door access and an increase in interior headroom, particularly in the rear.Available in two trim levels - Turismo and Lusso - the new Alfa 159 boasts an extremely generous standard specification, many features only being available as expensive options on rival models.Specification:Turismo: * Front and rear electric windows * Dual Zone climate control * Remote central locking with alarm and immobiliser * Electric heated and folding door mirrors * 7 airbags, including driver's knee bag * Electronic key and start button * Stereo radio/CD with steering wheel audio controls * Leather steering wheel and gearknob * Fog lights * Cruise control * ABS with EBD and HBA * VDC * 16" or 17" alloy wheelsLusso: In addition to the Turismo specification, Lusso adds: * Leather interior trim * Visibility pack (rain and dusk sensors) * Rear parking sensors * 17" alloy wheels For more gallery pictures visit our blog
