Finally, high-res photos and technical details on the Alfa 159 Sportwagon and Spider.

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon is the exact same length of the saloon (4.66 m, against 4.44 for the 156), it will be available in 2 or 3 different versions (depending on the market). The Sportwagon will have the same JTS direct fuel injection engines as the saloon (3.2 V6 24v with 260 hp, 2.2 with 185 hp and 1.9 with 160 hp). Idem for the turbodiesel Multijet engines (2.4 with 200 hp, 1.9 with 150 or 120 hp). All 159 Sportwagon will have a 6 speed manual gearbox, only on some versions will a Selespeed or automatic gearbox be available.

The Alfa Spider (not “Brera Spider”!) is 1.367 m high, the same width as the Brera Coupè (1.83 m) and will be 45 mm shorter (4.396 mm against 4.410). The rear is the distinctive element, with its sleek lights and 4 exhaust tubes. The Spider will be available in 2 versions and with the same engines as the Brera: 2.2 JTS with 185 hp and 3.2 JTS with 260 CV. This last engine will be coupled with a Q4 4WD trasmission (likewise the Sportwagon).

Both Sportwagon and Spider will debut at the Geneva auto show.

Official Alfa Press Release

World previews: Alfa 159 Sportwagon and Alfa Spider

The forthcoming Geneva Motor Show will see the world debut of the Alfa 159 Sportwagon and the Alfa Spider, thus completing the range set to take Alfa Romeo into the future.

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon represents a consummate blend of Italian style with the performance and handling of a genuine sportscar, combined with the flexibility of use and versatility of space you would expect from a high class estate. Like the saloon – the total length (4,660 millimetres) is exactly the same – the new model has been given a decidedly sporty look, without that look of ‘added-on volume’ which characterises the typical station wagon. The sleek lines of the long roof give it a coupé feel, as does the roof spoiler and the edgy aerodynamic styling, while the superbly functional interior offers great load volume. All in all Alfa 159 Sportwagon guarantees the performance and dynamic handling of a sportscar with a size of boot in line with that of a high class station wagon, while also offering a versatility which satisfies the tastes and demands of the modern lifestyle.

The Alfa 159 Sportwagon is available in 2 or 3 versions (depending on the country), 12 bodywork colours and 5 interior colourways. It offers three new JTS engines with double continuous variable valve timing (the 260 bhp 3.2 V6 24v, the 185 bhp 2.2 and the 160 bhp 1.9) and three turbodiesel Multijet engines (the 200 bhp 2.4 JTDM 20v, the 150 bhp 1.9 JTDM 16v and the 120 bhp 1.9 JTDM 8v). All of these are fitted with new manual six-speed gearboxes, and some versions also offer automatic gears and robotised Selespeed gear lever, also six speed. Without counting the fact that the range offers all clients, even the most demanding, the opportunity to select from various different options and innovative features.

Also debuting in Geneva is the Alfa Spider. A complex, sophisticated creature which both recalls the glorious Alfa Romeo tradition in this sector (from the Giulietta Spider in the ‘50s to the Duetto and the Nineties model), and rolls out some cutting edge solutions in terms of mechanical specifications and engines.

The new Spider is a generously-sized two-seater – 1,830 millimetres wide, 4,396 long and 1,367 high – characterised by elongated rear lights and four exhaust terminals which accentuate the impression of great temperament. The interior of the Alfa Spider is inviting and gorgeously sophisticated, thanks to the use of sumptuous materials and added value features (as standard, depending on the version): from the automatic dual-zone climate control to the steering wheel mounted radio controls, from VDC to cruise control. Available in two versions, the client can choose his or her Alfa Spider to be fitted with the sparkling 185 bhp 2.2 JTS engine or the powerful 260 bhp 3.2 JTS.

Lastly, both Alfa Romeo models ensure outstanding dynamic performance thanks to high double wishbone suspension at the front and Multilink at the rear. Along with great ride comfort, the Alfa Spider and Alfa 159 Sportwagon boast a sporty configuration and the use of state of the art ‘Q4’ four wheel drive (available on the 260 bhp 3.2 versions). What’s more – like the saloon version which was recently awarded 5 prestigious Euro NCAP stars – the two Alfa Romeo models once more confirm the utmost attention which goes into all aspects regarding safety, as well as offering the most sophisticated electronic vehicle dynamic control devices.

Turin 31 January 2006

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