2009 Alfa 159 Surfaces Ahead of Geneva Unveiling

Kudos to anyone who noticed that this is actually a new model, because my attemts to do so failed. The only thing I noticed is the "TBi" badge, whatever this stands for.

Glad they didn't change its looks

This is a facelift! Not a new model.

Really sorry but I can't find any difference between the above and my 159 !! Exterior and dashboard are exactly the same. TBi badge maybe... well... "Welcome new 2009 Tbi Badge !!!" ;)

It is a fairly rare event, but I hope that WCF got the story wrong this time. This car's looks and FWD package is so far below the speculation and anticipation. Officials from the company built up expectations that this car just doesn't come close to fulfilling. It isn't RWD and looks like it is a ten year old model. I would have bought one of the "expectation ones" when they arrived in the USA. I don't think this version will move out of dealerships unless it is priced substantially less than an Acura. It will be hard to see what this car offers that the slightly upmarket Japanese FWD sedans don't. It will come with a higher risk for reliability and for getting service and parts in the future. I'll take that risk for a great looking RWD sedan that befits its legendary name plate. I wouldn't take this risk for a ten year old looking sedan whose specs and Alfa Romeo name plate make it look like a hollow poser. Driving satisfaction, pride of ownership and the persona of a knowledgeable car person who bought something unique and really nice are all going to be hugely unfulfilled by this model.

This is a MY - model year na a FL - facelift, just like last year. It will get new engines 1.8 TBi and 2.0 M-Jet and new rims. Another mistake in WCF article is that Alfa 159 does NOT use Q2 limited slip differential, but it is electronic system that imitates LSD. The real LSD was used only on 147 an GT Q2 versions. But you can get LSD for Alfa 159 at Autodelta tuner.

na a = not a*

So what AR? Most of us know that you make cars which are old inside out. It hurts slightly just because there is no any developement visible beyond the rumors. I have never actually told about my favorite car brands but this time I do: Citroen DS from my childhood and later Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. Sad story is there is not too much cars above antcipation or for my taste in that (car)world.

Sorry Alfa, but you should hurry up and present a competitive Nav-system. Still a CD-based system for a 2009 model in this class is just a bad joke !!! Others have abandoned their DVD-systems and deliver now 3D-terrain navigation with hard-drive...

I like how the previous version had the concealed rear door handles... it made it look sportier.

where is the facelift?

This car IS special, a good one, truly Italian.