Alfa Romeo returns to the U.S. with the 159

[JFryauff]

Ten years after withdrawing from the U.S. market, tail between its legs and reputation in tatters, Italy's Alfa Romeo is planning a comeback, with the sleek Alfa Romeo 159 sedan. Back in 1995, Alfa Romeo sold — or rather, tried to sell — the 164 sedan and the old Spider, as immortalized in The Graduate. It moved a mere 500 cars that year, equivalent to what Toyota sells in the United States every two hours.

Since the V6 is clearly the engine that is U.S.-bound, we'll concentrate on that. It is a brand-new unit of 3.2 liters and 260 hp, and features advanced direct gasoline injection. It sounds as sonorous as an Italian baritone, revs to heaven, and gives the 159 real vivace (0-60 in 6.8 seconds, top speed 150 mph). Six-speed manual, automatic and Selespeed sequential gearboxes are all offered.

All-wheel drive is standard, thanks to Alfa Romeo's exceptional Q4 system, which biases power to the rear wheels. Handling is excellent, and the ride is also first-rate. More surprising is the quietness — operatic background V6 music notwithstanding — and refinement of the vehicle.

I personally look forward to the return of Alfa Romeo...I have always had a thing for the 164

[gingerbreadman]

very hott!