Europe: New engines and trim levels for Alfa 159 range

Italian sporting car manufacturer, Alfa Romeo, has just introduced two brand new Euro 5-compliant engines for the Alfa 159 range - the 1750 TBi and the 2.0 JTDM.

Both the Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider will benefit from these powerplants later in the year.

These two new high technology petrol and diesel engines will complement existing petrol and diesel units in the 159 range and introduce a combination of increased torque and power with lower emissions and greater fuel efficiency.

[B]1750i 200 BHP TURBO PETROL ENGINE[/B]

The new Alfa Romeo 159 1750 TBi embodies a long heritage of motoring excellence, taking its name from its successful saloon ancestor, the Alfa 1750 Berlina. Alfa Romeo's new, lightweight, variable valve timing, direct injection turbocharged engine develops an impressive 200 bhp along with 320 Nm of torque to bring new levels of drivability to the Alfa 159 range.

Perfectly complementing the current engine line-up, the new 16-valve, twin overhead camshaft 1742 cc petrol unit brings keen fuel efficiency to Alfa 159 Saloon and Sportwagon versions, along with lower CO2 emissions, down to 189 g/km.

Significantly, through a process known as ‘scavenging', the maximum torque of Alfa Romeo's new petrol engine is achieved at just 1400 rpm - a little more than tickover speed - with maximum power reached between 4750 and 5500 rpm.

From a standstill, the 1750 TBi Alfa 159 Saloon can reach the 0 - 100 km/h benchmark in 7.7 seconds, before topping out at 237 km/h. However it is the flexibility of the in-gear acceleration that sets the engine apart from its competitors; with 40 - 100 km/h in fifth gear achievable in 11.5 seconds and 60 - 100 km/h in sixth gear reached in just 8.9 seconds.

This translates, in real world driving, to a more sporting driver experience consistent with a ‘flat' torque curve and a constant delivery of power - perfect for confident overtaking and long distance driving.

[B]2.0 JTDM 170 BHP DIESEL ENGINE[/B]

Given that Alfa Romeo introduced common rail diesel technology more than 10 years ago on the Alfa 156, it should come as little surprise that it has now developed a new diesel unit that brings higher power and torque values, yet, at the same time, increases fuel efficiency and lowers CO2 emissions.

Alfa's new 2.0 JTDM powerplant develops 170 bhp available at just 4,000 rpm, and its advanced multijet technology means that this new 2.0 JTDM unit delivers its maximum torque of 360 Nm between just 1750 rpm and 2500 rpm.

Significantly, the new 2.0 JTDM powered Alfa 159 covers the 0 - 100 km/h sprint in just 8.8 seconds - less than one second off the pace of the more powerful 2.4 JTDM engine, on its way to a top speed of 219 km/h. CO2 emissions have been reduced to just 142 g/km.

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Credits: JRC