Several changes were made to the new turbodiesel engine to boost performance and engine torque at low speeds, and to eliminate noise and vibration. For example, the 'Common Rail' system adopted on the 200 bhp 2.4 JTDm 20v envisages two new automatic control strategies for the setting and balance of the injected diesel fuel, to reduce noise and vibration.

The engine includes a number of new components, such as the cylinder head with small stem inlet valves to increase the quantity of inlet air, con rods of fractured steel and a new shape that increases mechanical resistance to the strong stress created by the increased power, an inlet manifold fitted with a throttle valve on one of the two inlet ports of the cylinders to control the turbulence of the air entering, a throttle valve to prevent shaking if the engine stalls, and an intercooler that is highly efficient thanks to its shape and position in the car, to guarantee the optimal temperature and density of the inlet air.

The electronic EGR exhaust gas cooling system has also been modified; the lubricating circuit has a new oil pump and an external air / oil heat exchanger to cool the oil, while the water pump on the cooling circuit is also new. In other words, a long list of improvements and changes that have produced a reliable, powerful engine which is sparing on fuel. Excellent results, achieved thanks to different engine control settings, an increase in the direct injection pressure to 1600 bar, and new turboblower settings.

The turboboost is provided by a turboblower with a variable geometry turbo that helps to improve the power delivery, but also generates very high torque even at low engine speeds. In fact, 90% of peak torque is available between 1750 and 3500 rpm. These figures translate into extremely enjoyable driving and brilliant performance: the Alfa 159 Sportwagon has a top speed of 226 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. Fuel consumption remains low (7 l/100 km in the mixed cycle).

A new 6-speed sequential automatic transmission will also be available soon with the new 200 bhp 2.4 JTDm 20v engine, a compact light device that incorporates the control unit in the gearbox, and was designed paying particular attention to consumption. On the one hand, the use of low friction oil boosts efficiency, while on the other, the sixth speed has been designed particularly for use on the motorway.


The 150 bhp and 120 bhp 1.9 JTDm

Both have 4 cylinders in line. The first is a 16-valve unit that delivers 150 bhp (110 kW) at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 320 Nm (32.6 kgm) at 2,000 rpm; the second has 8 valves and delivers 120 bhp (88 kW) at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 280 Nm (28.6 kgm) at 2,000 rpm. Changes were made to both engines to boost performance and engine torque at low speeds, and to reduce noise and vibration. For example, the Common Rail system includes two new strategies for automatically calibrating and balancing the diesel fuel injected, so as to lower noise and reduce vibration. That is not all. The special features of the Alfa Romeo engine include a variable geometry turboblower with a special rotor that increases torque at low speeds (for the 1.9 JTDm 16v), and an inlet manifold with a throttle valve on one of the two inlet ports of the cylinders to control inlet air turbulence (for the 1.9 JTDm 16v engine).

Equipped with the 150 bhp 1.9 JTDm engine, the Alfa 159 Sportwagon reaches a top speed of 208 km/h, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds (the values for the 120 bhp 1.9 JTDm are 190 km/h and 11.2 seconds respectively). In spite of this brilliant performance, fuel consumption is limited: 6.1 l/100 km on the mixed cycle (6 l/100 km for the 120 bhp 1.9 JTDm).

Both the 200 bhp 2.4 JTDm 20v and the 150 bhp 1.9 JTDm will soon be available with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and torque converter, fitted with a conventional control on the tunnel plus the option of sequential controls on the steering wheel.


The contribution of other Fiat companies

An elegant car with a strong personality, yet one on the cutting edge in terms of equipment, power units and mechanicals. This was the brief given to the Alfa Romeo engineers and technicians. To achieve it, the company deployed its best resources and ensured that maximum quality and reliability standards were applied throughout the product development and construction process. It also forged profitable co-operative relationships with its outside suppliers and some Fiat Companies including Fiat Powertrain Technologies, Magneti Marelli, Centro Ricerche Fiat and Elasis. This collaboration was responsible for many of the innovative solutions that make the Alfa 159 Sportwagon the new benchmark in its category.

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