at the 75th Geneva International Motor Show
The first of a new Alfa Romeo generation
Alfa Romeo 159, world preview
Alfa Romeo Brera, world preview
The first of a new Alfa Romeo generation
A stand decorated entirely in shades of red and metallic grey; colours that have always been associated with the sporty, sophisticated technology of Alfa Romeo cars. A very striking display, which welcomes and appeals to visitors, where they can examine the two vehicles making their world debut: the Alfa Romeo 159 saloon and Alfa Romeo Brera coupe.
The latest fruit of the brand’s great tradition in the field of prestigious sports saloons and exciting coupes, the two cars mark the start of a new generation of cars for Alfa Romeo. In particular the ‘Alfa Romeo 159’ project is based on innovative design methodologies, carried out by an international team that admitted no compromise, combining targets of extremely enjoyable driving, top performance and distinctive styling, that have been difficult to reconcile until now, with the highest possible standards in the fields of safety, comfort and sturdiness. The car has a completely new chassis with new suspension and a new generation of engines and gearboxes. The same design concepts have been applied to the Alfa Romeo Brera, the model that transforms the tradition spirit of the coupe into the more exciting spirit of ‘absolute sportiness’.
Two extremely interesting proposals for which Alfa Romeo has decided to narrate the great history of its saloons and coupes, with films and cars of the past. All Alfa Romeo cars have a common denominator: a constant striving for innovation accompanied by a glorious tradition in racing. In this context, the mixture of historical and recent models on the stand creates a good setting to recall cars and designers, races and engines that were part of technological progress and motor racing in the 20th century. Because the heritage of a brand like Alfa Romeo embraces all this, plus the work and professional pride of the thousands of people – technicians, blue-collars and managers – who have played their part over the years in the plants, the offices and the racing venues. Here lie the roots of that inimitable personality which makes an Alfa Romeo stand out immediately from all the other cars on the road.
At the centre of the stand are two Alfa Romeo 159s: the first is a Q4 version, equipped with the powerful new 3.2 V6 JTS 24-valve engine that develops 191 kW (260 bhp), the expression of technological supremacy – with Ruby Red bodywork that conveys Alfa Romeo’s interpretation of ‘classical sportiness’. The second saloon is equipped with the sparkling 200 bhp 2.4 JTDM 147 kW engine and sports a ‘silver’ livery that distinguishes the new generation of Alfa Romeo cars, and the same technological supremacy that is part of the brand’s history, which we find in the many saloons of the past, from which the new Alfa 159 emerges.
As a result, next to the new model on the stand, we find a splendid Giulia TI: the best way of telling the story of the saloon as interpreted by Alfa Romeo. The Giulia TI, as the slogan of its day underlined, was the car ‘designed by the wind’. The line was revolutionary: a low nose, enclosed by four headlights, aerodynamic bonnet, wrapround windscreen like that of a fighter plane, and above all, a short tail. The engine was a four-cylinder 1570 cc unit, that delivered 92 bhp. The model exhibited in Geneva is the TI version of 1963, with the gearshift on the steering wheel and disc brakes, type-approved for six passengers. TI (Turismo Internazionale) was a name that Alfa Romeo gave in the 1970s only to cars that were particularly lavishly equipped. Today these two simple but glorious letters reappear on a special line that is available on Alfa Romeo models. Next to this historical car, we find an Alfa Romeo 156, the latest interpretation of the Alfa Romeo saloon, which debuts in its new Sport specification. Redesigned by the prestigious hand of Giorgetto Giugiaro, it represents the perfect combination of sportiness and elegance, performance and balance. On the outside the car is distinguished by new spoked 17” alloys, a low stance, the sporty bodywork kit and the specific logo. Inside new features include the Hi-Fi system with CD player, and the sporty ergonomic leather covered steering wheel, which also houses the radio controls.
We move over to the area where a Q4 version of the Alfa Romeo Brera is displayed, with a 3.2 V6 JTS 24-valve engine, a jewel of engine technology, that develops 191 kW (260 bhp) at 6200 rpm, and peak torque of 322 Nm (32.8 kgm) at 4500 rpm. Around the new coupe, designed jointly by Giorgetto Giugiaro and the Alfa Romeo Styling Centre, are depicted memorable pages from Alfa Romeo motoring history, and one of these is the Giulietta SZ, seen on the catwalk at a Geneva Show. In the late Fifties, coachbuilder Elio Zagato transformed the Giulietta SV of racing driver Massimo Leto di Priolo, which had been smashed during a race. The Milanese designer took personal charge from start to finish, particularly regarding the materials used for the bodywork and the moving parts. The prototype that he built debuted in the Intereuropa Cup at Monza in 1956, winning easily. The Alfa Romeo management liked the car and commissioned a number of units. The Giulietta SZ was built in 1960 and 1961; following in 1961 and 1962 by the Giulietta SZ Coda Tronca (short tail); a total of 217 were built.
Today the baton has passed to the Alfa Romeo Brera, a symbolic handover following a tradition which has always produced beautiful cars, full of character, a magical balance between reason and sentiment, technical culture and creative design. The spotlights are also on the latest arrival, the new Alfa Romeo 147. With its harmonious, but muscular line, the new car has new exterior and interior styling, the heir to a winning model, which is now bigger, more powerful and with a more forceful personality. There are numerous changes to the engineering and the equipment, such as the amazing 150 bhp 1.9 JTD 16v M-Jet engine, the new Easy Speed robotised gearbox, the new Comfort suspension and the most sophisticated safety devices: from VDC to ASR, ABS complete with EBD and curtain-bags. Good-looking, sporty and elegant, the new Alfa Romeo 147 stimulates the instincts of whoever drives it, arousing strong emotions. Two versions are on show in Geneva: an Alfa Romeo 147 GTA Selespeed, one of the fastest, most powerful cars in its segment (250 bhp – 184 kW), and an Alfa Romeo 147 2.0 TS 110 kW (150 bhp), also featuring a sequential robotised gearbox.
Other important novelties from Alfa Romeo are present at the Show, representing the ‘cuore sportivo’ and great temperament of all its prototypes and standard production models. An example? The Alfa Romeo Crosswagon Q4, the new model that marks Alfa Romeo’s return to the world of four-wheel drives. It fits the Q4 permanent 4-wheel drive, with three differentials and a torque splitter that favours the rear axle. The Q4 system modifies the torque split between the front and rear axles constantly, according to the grip. This feature is particularly important for a sporty driving style and sportiness, and it boosts active safety. The Alfa Romeo Crosswagon Q4 is equipped with the powerful 1.9 JTD 16v Multijet engine (150 bhp - 110 kW) and it debuts at the Show in a special outfit: a new body colour, ‘Monte Carlo Blue’ and an original blue fine grain leather upholstery for the facia, panels and seats. The Crosswagon will also accompany the Italian Alpine Skiing Team to the events of the skiing World Cup, World Championship and Winter Olympics. The Alfa logo already decorates the ski suits of the men’s and women’s Alpine Skiing teams, and the brand decided to promote another initiative by creating the Alfa Romeo Ski Racing Team. This same ‘racing spirit’ is portrayed in a number of thrilling films projected on the stand, showing Alfa Romeo’s direct involvement in the European Touring Car Championship (which becomes a World Championship this year) and the European Alfa Challenge.
From the racing world to our everyday roads. Under the spotlight of the Swiss Motor Show we find an Alfa Romeo GT with the powerful 3.2 V6, 176 kW (240 bhp) engine. Developed in collaboration with Bertone, the model has original styling and exciting performance, proposing a new concept of sportiness, which embraces comfort and elegance too. The same characteristics that the public can admire on the Alfa Romeo 166, the Alfa Romeo flagship, a harmonious blend of shapes and content, and the refinement of a large saloon. In addition to these strong points, the Alfa 166 also features extremely striking stylistic details and attractive combinations between the fabrics and colours both inside and out. The car on display is equipped with the powerful 3.2 V6 engine, combined with a 6-speed gearbox, and Luxury specification which includes a wide array of equipment: from VDC to leather upholstery, 18” alloy wheels, a navigator and bi-xenon headlights.
Alfa Romeo 159, world preview
The Alfa Romeo 159, the first of a new family that will replace the 156, makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. This original saloon is the heir to a successful model and it continues where the 156 left off, aiming to become the new benchmark for the segment.
The new Alfa Romeo 159 will be on the market in the Summer; it has an elegant, sinuous line, which combines generous dimensions with the compactness typical of Alfa Romeo sports cars, thanks to a balanced play of proportions and volumetric ratios. The result is a prestigious car that combines refined ‘Italian’ styling with Alfa Romeo’s sporty elegance.
Distinctive styling
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Styling Centre, the new car has a number of distinctive features that highlight its strong personality and make it immediately recognisable, in the best Alfa tradition. Starting from the front, which is strong and essential, dominated by the Alfa Romeo family feeling of the characteristic cloverleaf sporting the large shield. The line of the entire car springs from here, combining a light stylistic ‘aggressiveness’ with strikingly elegant forms: an impression that is underlined by the light clusters, which are delightful design features.
The trapezoid shape of the front view accentuates the car’s sensation of solidity, highlighted by the way the passenger compartment rests on a powerful ‘shoulder’. This runs all along the waistline of the car, broadening considerably when it reaches the rear pillar. This pillar has a double stylistic function: it links to the curve of the rear window, above the rear axle (another clear stylistic expression of strength, robustness and dynamism), and embraces the passenger compartment thanks to the stylistic device of the classic Alfa Romeo ‘elbow’. The front pillar is set further back to make the line look sleeker, underlining the presence of the powerful engine, and making the passenger compartment look more compact, improving visibility on bends.
In other words, sleek but solid, dynamic but robust: only outstanding stylistic balance can combine such different characteristics. For example the ‘muscular’ wing which, next to the generous wheels, marks the widest point of the car, unequivocally conveying the ideal of a car that is firmly ‘anchored to the ground’.
In spite of its capacious size, the rear end, with its beautifully balanced form, blends perfectly with the front, setting off its unique personality, and has a horizontal design, underlined by a chromed double exhaust tail-pipe on the more powerful versions. And it is topped off by a small spoiler which combines styling and practicality, right above the logo which is positioned where it is immediately visible, and the elongated lights, divided by the slit of the boot, which include cylindrical shapes derived from the styling of the front headlights. And finally, the new model offers a choice of 14 different colours.
The spacious, functional interior of an outstanding saloon
The new model is roomier than the 156, and more comfortable, a strong point that is confirmed by its generous dimensions: it is 4,660 mm long, 1,828 mm wide and 1,417 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,700 millimetres.
Like the external styling, the interior of the Alfa Romeo 159 also represents an evolved expression of the sportiness and elegance embodied by Alfa. It was defined around the driving position, focusing attention on the driver: excellent ratios for the distances between pedals, seat, steering wheel and gearbox give him a sense of total control over the car, which produces the enjoyable driving so typical of Alfa Romeo. The facia and wrapround centre console incorporate all the driving instruments and are turned ergonomically towards the driver. The speedometer, rev counter and other instruments, all strictly analogue, are circular with clear, refined, extremely legible graphics. The anti-glare lip accentuates the ‘boat’ shape of the main instruments, confirming a feature peculiar to Alfa Romeo design that is based on a deep-rooted attention to volumes and mature treatment of surfaces.
To underline the functional continuity between the facia and the console, the designers aimed to achieve stylistic continuity between them: the console, which is raised as if stretching towards the facia, has a sporty gearlever with short, precise movements, and a comfortable armrest that incorporates a large insulated storage compartment. The interior achieves a perfect balance between elegance and sportiness, an equation that Alfa Romeo translates into refined colour combinations, quality fabrics, precious fine grain leather and luxurious materials (like the aluminium mouldings).
The range includes three specification levels, each featuring specific ‘natural’ interior upholstery. The sophisticated ‘slush moulding’ technology with which the facia was made, guarantees a refined opaque effect and a surface that is soft to the touch. The customer will appreciate the wrapround, finely modelled seats, which are made with carefully selected materials paying great attention to the details.
Class-beating passive safety
With the new Alfa 159 project, Alfa Romeo aims to position itself at the top of the class for passive safety. The Alfa Romeo engineers have designed and developed a new ‘premium’ floorpan which adopts high performance materials, multiply sheet metal and laser welding. From the viewpoint of the architecture, the bodyshell also benefits from numerous measures such as the use of boxed elements that are rigidly connected transversely and vertically, three load lines in the front, longitudinals that run the whole length of the car, built-in structures and a larger number of spot welds around structural nodes. The result is the excellent torsional rigidity of the bodyshell, the best in its segment: over 180,000 daNm/rad.
The Alfa Romeo 159 boasts as many as eight airbags (including special bags to protect the knees and sidebags that extend all along the windows area); innovative restraint systems (pretensioners on the clasp, and decreasing load limiters on the seat-belts), and front seats with an ‘anti-whiplash’ device which brings the head-restraint nearer to the occupants’ necks in the event of a rear impact.
Powerful, elastic engines that respect the environment
This striking aesthetic styling is set off by a broad, comprehensive range of engines. First of all, the three new JTS engines with continuous dual variable valve timing (inlet and exhaust): the 3.2 V6 24v (191 kW - 260 bhp), the 2.2 (136 kW - 185 bhp) and the 1.9 (118 kW – 160 bhp), with a specific power output between 81 and 85 bhp/l. All the engines meet Euro 4 standards, exploiting the direct petrol injection in full, a particular combustion system known as JTS: Jet Thrust Stoichiometric. For the customer, this means brilliant engine performance, which increases the driving enjoyment and the performance of the car. The torque values of the three engines are equally outstanding, and 88% is already available at 2,000 rpm: 322 Nm (32.8 kgm) at 4,500 rpm for the 3.2 V6 JTS, 230 Nm (23.4 kgm) at 4,500 rpm for the 2.2 JTS, and 190 Nm (19.4 kgm) at 4,500 rpm for the 1.9 JTS.
Those are the petrol engines. But Alfa Romeo has always been on the leading edge in the field of diesel engines too, epitomised by the 2.4 JTDM 5-cylinder 20v engine (147 kW - 200 bhp at 4000 rpm) and torque of 400 Nm (40.8 kgm at 2000 rpm), and the two 1.9 JTDM: the first is a ‘16v’ delivering 110 kW (150 bhp at 4000 rpm) and torque of 320 Nm (32.6 kgm at 2000 rpm), the second is an ‘8v’ delivering 88 kW (120 bhp at 4000 rpm) and torque of 280 Nm (28.6 kgm at 2000 rpm).
On the latest generation of ‘Common Rail’ engines, the JTD units with Multijet technology, turbocharging is entrusted to a variable geometry turbo and intercooler. The 1.9 JTDM exploits a specific turbine developed by Alfa Romeo while the 2.4 JTDM has a new cylinder head and new conrods in ‘fractured’ steel. The three engines all meet Euro 4 requirements, and incorporate a particulate trap (DPF) which eliminates particulate almost entirely, in line with the latest Euro 5 indications (it is a ‘for life’ system that does not need to be regenerated with additives).
And finally, the range includes new mechanical gearboxes, all with six speeds and featuring short strokes, precise engagement and limited loads. Automatic transmissions and a robotised Selespeed gearbox will also be available, all with six speeds.
Enjoyable driving and active safety
The new Alfa Romeo 159 shows its ‘Alfa’ pedigree in full, for example, by guaranteeing control and entertaining driving that admit no compromise. Travelling comfort and dynamic behaviour, features peculiar to Alfa Romeo cars, become real strengths on this model. The car has an interesting suspension layout, the fruit of a new project that set extremely high standards of excellence. It has ‘high’ double wishbones at the front, and Multilink at the rear. This means a greater capacity to absorb road roughness, more linearity and precision in response to the steering (the most direct of the standard saloons), superb roadholding, maximum stability in high speed manoeuvres and the agility of a true Alfa Romeo on narrow mixed routes. The braking system is also the most competitive in its category, reflecting Alfa Romeo’s great tradition in this field. The Alfa Romeo 159’s excellent road behaviour is also due to the tyres which achieve the best balance between handling and comfort. To minimise swinging on bends while guaranteeing excellent absorption of obstacles, the Alfa Romeo technicians worked with suppliers to develop special tyres, the largest in their category, right up to 235/45 R 18.
The new Alfa Romeo 159 offers the evolved permanent 4-wheel drive system with three differentials (a Torsen C self-locking central differential) adopted on the Crosswagon Q4. The heart of this project is the ‘Alfa Romeo Q4 four-wheel drive’ system which splits torque constantly and dynamically between the four wheels, reaching the highest levels of active safety and sportiness. The Torsen C self-locking central differential manages the drive torque in the best possible way, sending about 57% to the rear wheels and 43% to the front. The system also guarantees excellent traction in all grip conditions by automatically checking any slipping.
The car’s dynamic behaviour is controlled by a number of sophisticated electronic systems. VDC first of all, which guarantees absolute control over the car in all conditions, no matter how extreme, with a sporty calibration worthy of a true Alfa, whose chassis guarantees superb roadholding: VDC lets the driver enjoy his control over the vehicle and never intervenes intrusively. On the other hand, when he changes down suddenly in poor grip conditions, MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung) intervenes, giving torque back to the engine to prevent skidding due to wheel lock. The other systems that supplement VDC are: ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance) which intervenes during emergency braking, the ABS system complete with EBD, and the Hill Holder for hill starts. Active safety is also enhanced by sophisticated bi-xenon headlights.
Technology to enhance well-being on board
The new model features important exclusive equipment that increases comfort: Cruise control, rain, dusk and parking sensors (front and rear), satellite navigator with maps (even with ‘bird’s eye view’ display), voice controls and a built-in GSM hands-free telephone, automatic climate control with dual or tri-zone distribution and temperature, a radio-CD player (including MP3 files) and 10-disc CD-Changer, a BOSE® Hi-Fi Sound System with AutoPilot for automatic sound compensation and a central speaker on the facia for better acoustics, seats with electrical adjustment, folding rear seats and push-button ignition on the console.
Alfa Romeo Brera, world preview
When the fascinating ‘Brera’ concept car was presented at the Geneva Motor Show two years ago, Giorgetto Giugiaro said: ‘It is not a repetition, but a bud that will flower’. Today, this dream has come true: the new Alfa Romeo Brera has its world preview on the same Swiss stage, and will be on the market at the end of 2005.
Sportiness and elegance combined in unique, exclusive styling. Harmonious forms and volumes which, when they are supported by Alfa Romeo mechanical and engineering excellence, produce a beautiful, powerful, solid car. This is very briefly the spirit of the new coup& which will arouse extreme emotions and guarantee superbly enjoyable driving. The engineers and stylists only had one goal: to combine sportiness with roominess and the quality of life on board.
To achieve this result, they started from the excellent premises of the fascinating Brera prototype, which had excited the press and the general public, winning numerous international awards: the ‘Best of Show’, awarded by the magazine Autoweek at the Geneva Motor Show, ‘Best of Show’ in the Prototype category at the Villa d’Este Concours d’El&gance, 2 prizes for its category at the Bibendum Challenge 2002, one as ‘one of the most elegant in the world’; and the title of ‘the most fascinating car’ at the Super Car Rally 2002 from Paris to Monte Carlo. A worthy curriculum, which the new Alfa Romeo Brera now inherits.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with the Alfa Romeo Styling Centre, the model represents the state of the art in the world of the coupe, a strong compact car, mistress of the road with a strong personality. First of all, this fascinating ‘2+2’ has generous dimensions: it is 1,830 mm wide, 4,413 mm long and 1,372 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,525 millimetres, although the heightened taper of the front and rear make it look very compact. This does not in any way diminish the elegance of the lines which flow smoothly, from front to back, right down to the built-in bumpers and light clusters with their converging wedge shape.
The exterior line is a succession of classical references, an ideal place where traditional Alfa styling cues are reproposed in a modern key. This is evident at first glance. For example, the rear window that recalls the window of the Giulietta Sprint of many years ago. Or the rear end which reiterates the distinctive traits of recent Alfa Romeo models. And at the front, the bonnet recalls those of cars of the Fifties, dominated by the shield set at the centre. And finally the larger rear light clusters and the four exhaust outlets reinforce the impression of a powerful sports car, like the large tyres and the lovely alloys that are standard throughout the range.
The Alfa Romeo Brera aims to maintain continuity with the past, while enlarging the interior space and raising the standard of life. On a car with a great temperament, the driving position is the hub around which the interior is built. The Alfa Brera is no exception, as you would expect from a car born to offer exuberant performance and an extremely striking design. So the seats provide outstanding containment, and a sporty design but this does not mean forgoing comfort in the rear, which remains at the highest levels for this segment. By folding down the rear seats, the luggage capacity is increased from 236 to 546 litres, which hints at the generous loading area. The Alfa Romeo Brera comes in three outfits, all lavishly equipped with electronic and telematic equipment, and the interior ambience is always welcoming and sophisticated, thanks to the quality materials used and the introduction of innovative solutions, such as the large fixed sunroof which increases the luminosity in the car and the passengers’ sense of space, making the line sleeker and more flowing.
The engine is the heart and real strength of every Alfa Romeo model. Under a fascinating line and strong personality, Alfa cars conceal a range of superb engines with advanced technology and generous performance. The same is true of the Alfa Romeo Brera, which offers a choice of two JTS petrol engines (2.2 delivering 185 bhp and 3.2 delivering 260 bhp), and a 2.4 JTD turbodiesel that delivers 200 bhp (available after the launch), combined with two different gearboxes depending on the version: 6-speed mechanical or automatic (not available at the launch). In other words, this is a car capable of exciting performance, but is also ideal for everyday use.
Fascinating styling, plenty of temperament and superb engineering. The Alfa Romeo Brera combines these distinctive features with others, playing its trump cards in the field of safety and dynamic behaviour. While ‘enjoyable driving’ has always been one of the strong points of any car from Alfa Romeo, ‘enjoyable travelling’ now becomes a necessary choice when the cars have to guarantee excellent comfort as well as the Alfa temperament. For this reason, the Alfa Romeo Brera fits double wishbone suspension at the front and a Multilink system at the rear. This layout guarantees excellent dynamic performance but also superb comfort. Whoever sits at the wheel controls the behaviour of this great sports car, but certainly does not forgo the excellent comfort guaranteed by the suspension. To which the Alfa Romeo Brera adds a sporty trim and Q4 four-wheel drive on some versions.
The Alfa Romeo Brera is fitted with the most advanced electronic devices to control the car’s dynamic behaviour: the sophisticated VDC system with sporty, non-intrusive calibration, complete with MSR and ASR (the former adjusts braking torque when changing down, while the latter limits wheel slip when accelerating).
