New MY08 Alfa Romeo 159 available in Singapore

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon MY08 instead reinterprets the concepts of Italian style, performance and sporty handling, adding flexibility and versatility in the use of the prestige station wagon space.

[b]Renewed design and widening of the range[/b]
The most noticeable styling differences have been the changes to the cockpit. The Alfa Romeo Style Center has been involved in the interior design, from the dashes (Titanium colour) to the upholstery, which in the Sport and TI versions is a striking black. The instrument display has new graphics, whilst another change is the multifunctional “user-friendly” satellite navigator located at the centre of the dashboard. The “dual-zone” automatic climate control is today even more ergonomic and easy to use.

Not to be forgotten, the new wraparound ergonomic seats (rear and front) in their sporty set-up guarantee increased comfort and are perfect for long journeys. These winning characteristics are even more evident in the TI model with the sporty seats, now available in leather as well as black, and adorned with the Alfa Romeo logo woven into the headrests.

Further news in the Alfa 159 MY 08 and 159 Sportwagon MY 08 range, is the introduction of the rear logo, fitted with a “push” system, for immediate and safe opening of the boot. The upholstery is also available in the exclusive “Alfatex” fabric (for the Distinctive version). Lastly, exclusive to the Sportwagon model, is the introduction of the Fix&Fold system, which allows total use of the baggage space by quickly and simply, folding down the rear seats.

The new Sport set-up broadens the range of the 159 model (berlina and Sportwagon). The Sporty connotation, is helped on the exterior, by the exclusive 17” alloy wheels, with a specific 5-spoke design (combined with 225/50 tyres). The interior boasts the sporty driving-wheel replete with radio controls, the gear stick lined in leather with black stitching, the new sports seats swaddled in black Alfatex fabric along the sides and Floccato textile on the seat, available either in black or red.

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[b]Changes in the field of propulsion and mechanics[/b]
In the new versions of the Alfa 159 MY 08, two changes have taken place: firstly, in the field of safety, the new “electronic Q2” system now comes as standard. Second is the introduction of the 3.2 V6 260 HP with front traction (up to now only available with the Q4) which allows a top speed of 250 km/h.

Furthermore, the Alfa 159 MY 08 and 159 Sportwagon MY 08 guarantee a road handling with no compromises, thanks to the precise steering and suspensions used on both vehicles. In the front, a high wishbone solution enables maximum lateral handling, great efficiency and response in the handling with superb movement. In the rear, a multiple bracket suspension makes the vehicle extremely stable in high-speed maneuvers and very agile in “tight-driving” conditions like all true sport cars. Furthermore, the 3.2 V6 has a Q4 traction control that operates permanently, with three differentials. A maximum 57% torque can be driven to the rear wheels with the self-locking Torsen C that manages the engine power transfer, leaving 43% traction to the front wheels.

A further change made to the 2008 range is the optimization applied to structure of the model. In fact, the technicians have revisited the technological process for the realization of some details in the two cars (berlina and Sportwagon), with the aim of improving comfort, dynamism, and actual consumption as perceived by the client in different driving conditions. For example, the alloy wheels, which are lighter in comparison to previous solutions, are made via the optimization of the mechanical properties of the alloys. Using “flow-forming” technology for the larger dimensions. At the same time, the front suspension brackets are made in aluminium. In the same manner, the stabilizing bar is “tubular”, and the front brake calipers (on the 4 cylinder versions) are in single-body aluminium. These modifications, united to some aerodynamic refining, have led to a 45 kilo reduction in the vehicle's total weight.

[b]The new “Electronic Q2” system[/b]
Debuting on the Alfa 159 MY 08 (berlina and Sportwagon), together with the Brera MY 08 and Spider MY 08 is the Electronic Q2. The Q2 confers all the merits of front-wheel traction, enhancing driving pleasure and control, while guaranteeing some of the advantages typical of an integrated traction. Therefore, the system is mated perfectly to the torque capacity and differing power arrangements, raising yet further the excellent performance of the vehicles.

The Electronic Q2 system is based upon the use of the braking system, which is controlled in an opportune manner by the ESP control box. This functions very similarly to a limited slip differential (for example the mechanical Torsen type, called Q2).

In particular, the front braking system, when accelerating in a curve, shifts the torque to the internal wheel, so increasing the motricity of the wheel (more loaded), Traction is permanently shifted in a dynamic manner between the front and rear wheels, according to driving conditions and road surface.

The Electronic Q2 is mated exclusively to the front wishbone suspension, which allows a particularly efficient and sporty tuning of the vehicle.

[img]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20080829125757694.jpg[/img]

[b]A precise response to every request[/b]
The 2008 range hosts a wide array of engines and transmission. On offer the two engine JTS with variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust camshaft: the 3.2 V6 24v with 260 HP and the 2.2 Q2 with 185 HP. All are high-performance propulsions that respect the environment, and use the JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) combustion system. Furthermore, the diesel set-up is made up by the 2.4 JTDM 5-cylinder 20v with 210 HP and the 1.9 JTDM with 150 HP, all fitted with a particulate filter that aids in reducing 28% less carbon dioxide.

The 1.9 JTDM offers 320Nm torque at a low rev count of 2,000rpm, making it ideal for city driving. Fuel efficiency of the JTDM engine is a remarkable 30% advantage over its petrol sibling, achieving 14.1km/litre under the combined mode and 18.2km/litre for the extra-urban cycle. Using these consumption data, its travel range extends from 987km to 1,274km. Concluding the offer, depending on the model version, is the automatic 6-speed gearshift, automatic Q-Tronic gears and sequential selfshifting Selespeed gears.

The 2.2 JTS(M) retails for S$127,937 (Selespeed is S$5,000 extra), 1.9 JTDM (A) retails for S$133,912 and the 3.2 V6 Q4(M) retails for S$171,314 (6-speed Auto is S$5,000 extra). All prices includes COE.

[img]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20080829125100757.jpg[/img]

Credits: Jarvis