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Alfa Romeo 159 (2009): new engines and trims

By Tim Swietochowski First Official Pictures 28 August 2009 10:52 Alfa Romeo has announced two new additions to the Alfa Romeo 159 engine range, which will also find their way into the Alfa Brera and Spider later in 2009. New trim options for the 159 have also been revealed.The first new powerplant is a 16-valve, turbocharged 1.7-litre petrol, which features variable valve timing and direct injection, developing 200bhp and 236lb ft of torque. The new 1750 TBi, which takes its name from the Alfa 1750 Berlina, propels the 159 to 62mph from rest in 7.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 147mph.Joining the petrol motor is a new common-rail 2.0-litre diesel, the JTDM, which produces 170bhp and 265lb ft of torque to give the derv 159 a 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 136mph.Are these new Alfa Romeo engines economical?The new petrol motor produces CO2 emissions of 189g/km (lowering the 159’s UK company car benefit-in-kind tax by six bands in comparison with the old 2.2-litre JTS engine) with the diesel pumping out 142g/km.

Audi, Honda, Hyundai, and GM to bring Android to cars

General Motors, Audi, Honda and Hyundai have joined forces with Google and Nvidia to form the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), their overarching goal being the integration of Google's Android software into automotive infotainment systems. The OAA will use Android's open development model to bring a greater variety of functions to car infotainment systems, which have noticeably lagged behind smartphones when it comes to capability due to long development periods, fast changing technology, and a glut variety of incompatible systems. The alliance's first order of business will be to develop new Android platform features to enable the car to become a connected Android device.

Volvo S80 gets new diesel engine

Most of the talk in the last few months about Volvo has revolved around Ford’s efforts to ditch the last of its prestige marques in its fight for survival. Poor old Volvo appears to have been hawked around the world’s car makers in the hope of finding a fit for the pride of Sweden. But there have been no takers so far, not even Volvo trucks or the Swedish Government.