Alfa reveals two new models

[News_Stig]

<font color="#666666">"Carmakers are gearing up their PR machines to grab your attention by previewing what they'll be showing at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. Alfa Romeo's no exception -- the show sees the international public debuts of the Alfa 159 Sportwagon and Alfa Spider.

According to Alfa, both models include double wishbone suspension at the front, and a sophisticated multilink arrangement at the rear. Both include the optional Q4 four-wheel drive, available on 3.2-litre versions only.

Sportwagon

A good-looking estate, the 159 Sportwagon is the same overall length (4,660mm) as the saloon, the long roof giving it a coupé feel. Styling extends to a roof spoiler and some aerodynamic tweaks. Internally, Alfa describes the beats as offering "generous load volume" and "a luggage capacity in line with that of a prestige estate".

The Sportwagon's available in the UK from late spring, and will be available in two trim levels. The range includes three new JTS engines with continuously variable valve timing: 260bhp 3.2-litre V6 24v, 185bhp 2.2-litre four-pot and a 160bhp 1.9-litre four-pot. There are also two multijet turbodiesel engines: 200bhp 2.4-litre JTDM 20v and 150 bhp 1.9-litre JTDM 16v. All of these are fitted with new six-speed manual gearboxes, and some versions will also offer automatic transmission." </font>

<font color="#666666">"Spider

Designed with a nod towards the 1950s Giulietta Spider, the all-new Spider is design-led. It's characterised by elongated rear lights and four exhaust tail pipes. Interior features include automatic dual-zone climate control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, VDC and cruise control. Available in two versions, customers can choose a Spider powered by Alfa Romeo’s 185bhp 2.2-litre JTS engine, or the powerful 260bhp 3.2-litre JTS. The two-seater's 1,830mm wide, 4,396mm long and 1,367mm high, and will be available in the UK from early summer.

Prices have yet to be announced." </font>

Taken from pistonheads.com