At Alfa Romeo, the designers and engineers understand that motoring is more than a chore. They understand that there is more to a car than its utilisation values. They recognise its personal charm, its ability to communicate, the way it will faithfully carry out our orders, almost read our minds and then introduce a playful element of feedback into the equation. It is this interactive relationship, combined with a sheer presence of beauty, which makes an Alfa Romeo so special.

These are cars which enthusiasts cannot remain indifferent to, as they trigger the imagination. They clearly belong to a culture and tradition where cars are designed and engineered by people who love cars, for people who share a similar passion for the best styling and technology formed into a non-pretentious package.

It will seem improbable that anyone who visits the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show could view the cars on display at the Alfa Romeo stand without being impressed by their beauty and their absolute elegance. It is at this most prestigious of all automobile shows, where Alfa Romeo will unveil two of their latest models: the Alfa 159 Sportwagon, and the Alfa Spider.

Alfa 159 Sportwagon

Replacing the sensual Alfa 156 Sportwagon, the Alfa 159 Sportwagon represents a consummate blend of Italian style with the performance and handling of a genuine sports car, combined with the flexibility of use and versatility of space you would expect from a high class estate. Other than its loading capacity (which still has to be officially announced), the new car has equal measurements to its award-winning saloon sister, the total length of 4,660 millimetres being exactly the same.

As its name suggests, the new Alfa 159 Sportwagon has been given a decidedly athletic look, without that hint of ‘added-on volume’ which characterises most station wagons. 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, the Alfa 159 Sportwagon guarantees the performance and dynamic handling of a sports car with a size of boot equal to that of a high class estate, 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 selections. 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, all of which 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.

Alfa Spider

When it came to developing the extraordinary Spider, Alfa Romeo turned to long-standing partner, Pininfarina. Not only was the interior and electrical folding soft top developed by this prestigious Turin-based design house, but the Spider will also be manufactured alongside its Brera sister at the Pininfarina factory.
 

Over many years, the depth and quality of Alfa Romeo’s relationship with the great Italian coachbuilders has played a fundamental role in the success of its cars. As far as the development of Alfa Romeo bodywork is concerned, this close and almost symbolic relationship has formed the background to the most inspiring, breathtaking and romantic designs in the history of the automobile.

The value of Alfa Romeo’s collaboration with Pininfarina in particular, is epitomised by three epoch-making triumphs: the 1955 Giulietta Spider, the 1966 ‘Duetto’ and the 1995 Spider. All three of these classic models have been translated in latest Spider’s genetic makeup. From the Giulietta’s curvaceous rear haunches, to the Duetto’s clean-cut flanks and the previous Spider’s penetrating round headlight projectors. The new Spider is a thoroughbred of the highest pedigree. In the Spider’s form we also find a perfect balance between agility and strength, sensuality and muscular plasticity. Not only does the sophisticated new model recall the glorious Alfa Romeos from the past, but it also introduces cutting edge solutions in terms of mechanical specifications and engines.

The new Spider is a generously-sized two-seater, measuring 1,830 millimetres wide, 4,396 long and 1,367 high. Its sexy design is characterised by its mischievous glint, powerful stance, jewel-like headlight projectors, long bonnet, perfectly sweeping flanks, slim rear light clusters and quad-exhaust terminals. As a whole the exterior accentuates the impression of great temperament and grace. Its interior is wide, inviting and comfortable. It is also highly sophisticated due to the use of exquisite materials, such as high grade Pieno Fiore leather and real aluminium, as well as high-class 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. The Spider is practical too, with its 240 litre boot volume being identical to that of its Brera sister, even with the soft top folded.

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. A number of exterior and interior colour combinations will also be available, including the choice of two soft top shades.

Outstanding dynamic performance

Lastly, both Alfa Romeo models ensure outstanding dynamic performance thanks to high double wishbone suspension at the front and a Multilink setup 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, as with the Alfa 159 saloon which was recently awarded a prestigious Euro NCAP 5-star crash test rating, 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.

In short, both the new Alfa 159 Sportwagon and Spider are cars out of a dream, the projection of all the fantasies, all the desires that gravitate around stylish, safe and reliable motoring. They are also two cars which complete the new Alfa Romeo range, providing the necessary cachet for Alfa Romeo to enter new markets.