The Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon: Engines And Transmissions
Published: 6th June 2006
Thus, when coolant temperature is less than 60 degrees and torque requirement low, two small and one large injections are performed. As torque demand increases, the number of injections drops to two; one small and one large. Under conditions of high rpm and high torque demand, only one injection is required, whilst with coolant temperature at over 60 degrees, emissions are minimised with one small, one large, then one small injection in the sequence.
Hence, start-up times and exhaust smoke are reduced, noise levels and vibration are lowered to ensure a quieter drive and improved passenger comfort, fuel consumption is reduced by a further 10% and emission control reduction amounts to 50%; enough to bring the unit within EURO 4 emissions limits.
Derived from the familiar, 2.4 JTD 10 valve common rail powerplant, several changes have been made to the latest version of this 20 valve turbodiesel to boost performance and engine torque at low speeds whilst returning impressive fuel consumption figures. The common rail system includes two new control strategies for automatically calibrating and balancing diesel injection, to both lower noise and reduce vibration, whilst the direct injection pressure has increased from 1400 to 1600 bar.
The engine also includes a number of new components; a cylinder head with small stem valves to boost inlet air quantity, fractured steel con rods of a new, stress resistant design, a new inlet manifold fitted with a throttle valve at one of the two inlet ports to control air turbulence, a new, high efficiency intercooler, and a throttle valve to prevent shaking if the engine is stalled.
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, whilst the water pump on the cooling circuit is also new.
Turboboost is provided by a KKK 2080 turbocharger with variable vane geometry that improves power delivery and also generates very high torque at low engine speeds; 90% of the impressive 295lb ft peak torque is available from between just 1750 and 3500rpm. Mated to an F40 6-speed manual gearbox, this allows the Alfa 2.4 JTD MultiJet to accelerate from 0-62mph in only 8.6 seconds, whilst returning a remarkable fuel consumption of over 40mpg in the combined cycle.
1.9 JTDM 16v Diesel Engine
- 1910 cc
- 4-cylinders, 16 valves
- Power: 150 bhp @ 4000 rpm
- Torque: 236 lb ft @ 2000 rpm
- Timing gear: DOHC
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Top speed: 129 mph
- Acceleration 0-62 mph: 9.6 seconds
- Fuel consumption: in town: 34.0 mpg out of town: 58.9 mpg combined: 46.3 mpg
- CO2: 162 g/km
With four valves per cylinder driven directly by twin overhead camshafts, and mated to the M32.6 6-speed manual transmission, the latest version of Alfa Romeo’s proven 1.9 litre 150 bhp JTD MultiJet engine is the result of a long series of technical advances and improvements which has culminated in a smooth, reliable and powerful engine with low noise levels and low fuel consumption.
The new engine’s impressive power - 150 bhp - and increased
torque - 236 lb ft - have been achieved through new engine control
settings, an increase in direct injection pressure from 1300 to
1400 bar, the inclusion of an air turbulence control throttle valve
on one of the two inlet ports, and a new turbocharger arrangement.
The power unit is boosted by a Garrett turbocharger with a variable
geometry turbine that helps optimise power delivery by allowing
very high torque delivery even at low rpm. Suffice to say that 90%
of maximum torque is available between 1750 and 3250 rpm.
These statistics offer very pleasant driving characteristics allied
to sparkling performance in the Alfa 159 Sportwagon 1.9 JTDM 16v;
this new engine’s maximum torque figure being almost exactly
on a par with the new 3.2 litre JTS petrol engine. By contrast,
however, the new 1.9 litre unit will still return a remarkable 46.3mpg
over the combined cycle.
Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon
Our Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon Guide lists the full specification of the current UK 159 Sportwagon range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £20,045 - £30,990
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 16
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 28th Nov 2008
