Posted on Tuesday 19 February 2008
The stunning 8C Spider isn’t the only new model Alfa Romeo will be presenting at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Also gracing the stands of the Italian carmaker will be updated versions of its bread-and-butter 159 sedan and sportwagon models. Changes to the cars have been kept subtle but unlike many other carmakers, they are not purely cosmetic. Some of the more interesting mods include the addition of Alfa Romeo’s Q2 torque splitting system and a 260hp FWD model (previously this model only came in AWD).
New engines include 140hp and 185hp petrol units displacing 1.8L and 2.2L, respectively, as well as two new 1.9L turbodiesel engines producing 120 and 150hp. The current 2.4L five-cylinder JTDM oil-burner also remains. Depending on the engine, the new 159 is available with a six-speed manual or Q-Tronic auto and Selespeed sequential.
Another highlight of the latest upgrade is the shedding of approximately 45kg from the car’s total kerb weight. The weight savings have come about from the addition of lighter alloy wheels, aluminum suspension pieces and new aluminum monoblock brake calipers.
Inside, the cars get a new titanium color trim, a new multifunctional display system and new controls for the dual-zone climate system. Finally, the new range introduces three new exterior colors (White Ice, Crystal Blue and Gray Indigo) as well as three new alloy wheels measuring 16 and 17 inches in diameter.
