new auto cars 2012: 2013 Alfa Romeo 159

The Alfa Romeo 159 is a compact executive car that was produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo between 2005 and 2011. The 159 was introduced in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show as a replacement for the successful Alfa Romeo 156. The 159 uses the GM/Fiat Premium platform, shared with the Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider production cars, and with the Kamal and Visconti concept cars . The 159 placed third in the 2006 European Car of the Year awards. Production of the 159 ended in late 2011 to make way for its replacement, the Giulia. The 159 is however still available to purchase new from stock.

The Alfa Romeo 159 had a troubled development, being designed in the midst of the Fiat-General Motors joint venture which was terminated in 2005. Originally the 159 was intended to use GM's Epsilon platform, however late during its development it was changed to the GM/Fiat Premium platform. Unfortunately, the 159's late transition to what was fundamentally made as an E-segment platform resulted in the 159 having excessive weight, a problem shared by its sisters, the Alfa Romeo Brera coupe and Spider convertible. In 2008, changes made to the interior, dashboard, instruments and materials, and aluminum components were introduced, which reduced kerb weight by 45 kilograms.

As a result of its executive car platform, the 159 is larger than its predecessor at 4660 millimeters long some 225 mm longer than the Alfa 156, 1828 mm wide and 1417 mm high. The 159's size made it considerably more comfortable than the 156 due to its larger roomy interior. However the considerable growth in dimensions deterred many 156 owners from considering the 159 as a direct replacement model. The 159 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with the Alfa Centro Stile. The nose features a traditional Alfa Romeo V-shaped grille and bonnet, and cylindrical head light clusters. A high waistline broadens until it reaches the rear "C" pillar. Several exterior design cues were intended to made the car appear larger, supposedly to appeal to potential buyers in the United States, however the 159 was never exported to that region.

The interior also features styling treatments familiar from earlier cars, including the 156, such as deeply recessed instruments which are angled towards the driver. Alfa Romeo intended for the 159 to compete more directly with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi by using higher quality interior materials, however it has been said that Alfa Romeo misjudged their brand's positioning relative to the more well-known Germany luxury automakers. Several levels of trim are available, depending on market. Four trim levels: Progression, Distinctive, Exclusive and Turismo Internationale. In the UK there are three levels of trim: Turismo, Lusso and Turismo Internationale. Among other options, the 159 is also available with the Blue&Me infotainment system.

A Sportwagon variant was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006. An automatic gearbox option for the 2.4 JTDM diesel model was also launched that year, and later extended to other versions. In 2007 a four wheel drive diesel model was released and the 2.4-litre diesel engines' power output increased to 210 PS, with a newly reintroduced TI trim level also available as an option.

For model year 2008 the mechanics and interiors of the 159 were further developed. The 3.2 litre V6 model is offered in front wheel drive configuration, achieving a top speed of 250 kilometres per hour. All model variants are equipped with Alfa's electronic "Q2" limited slip differential. As a result of newly introduced aluminium components, a 45 kilograms weight reduction has been achieved. Recent model versions were introduced in Geneva Motor Show in 2008.

For model year 2009 Alfa Romeo introduced a new turbocharged Gasoline engine badged as "TBi", this 1742 cc unit has direct injection and variable valve timing in both inlet and exhaust cams. This new engine has 147 kW; 197 hp and 240 lb·ft of torque. Eventually this unit will replace GM derived 2.2 and 1.9 JTS units. Also a new 170 PS JTDm diesel became available.

In 2010, all Gasoline engines except for the 1750 TBi were retired, ending the use of General Motors based engines in the 159. The only remaining diesel engines are now the 136 PS and 170 PS 2.0 JTDm engines. In 2011, the 159 was powered only by diesel engines, with both the 136 PS and 170 PS 2.0 JTDm available on the 159 Sportwagon, and only the 136 PS variant available on the 159 sedan. Alfa Romeo stopped taking orders in the UK for the 159 on 8 July 2011.