In 2005 Alfa Romeo began production for a new compact executive car called the Alfa Romeo 159 that will replace the classic 156 model. This new model offers the same GM/Fiat platform as the Spider and Brera.

Alfa Romeo 159 is available in two versions: four and front-wheel drive. First in line comes the Q4 four-wheel drive system sporting a front and center differential also known as the Torsen type C twin differential and running on the 2.4 liter diesel and 3.2 liter petrol engines. Most models use a six-speed manual gearbox while the 3.2 petrol, 2.4 diesel and 1.9 diesel configurations mate with a six-speed automatic Q-Tronic gearbox. In some countries the Salespeed gearbox is being sold with a 2.2 petrol engine.

Back in 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show Alfa Romeo presented the Sportwagon model next to an automatic gearbox variant for the 2.4 JTDM diesel model. After only one year the manufacturer unveiled the four wheel drive diesel model and increased the power output for the 2.4-liter diesel engines to 210 PS (207 hp/154 kW).

In 2008 the 3.2 liter V6 configuration became available delivered 250 kilometers per hour (160 mph) top speed with a front wheel drive configuration.

Now, all Alfa Romeo models come equipped with an electronic Q2 limited slip differential and thanks to a newly introduced aluminum components are 45 kilograms (99 lb) lighter than before.

Last but not least, when it comes to the awards received by this vehicle, in 2006 the 159 received the Auto Build Design Award, at the 2006 Fleet World Honours received the Design Award and one year later it won the award for Die Besten Autos 2007 Import category.

Since 2000 the Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo unveiled the tiny Alfa Romeo 147 and no later then 2001 the car was selected the European Car of the Year.

The 147 replaced the old 145 / 146 hatchbacks and hides under the hood a 1.9-liter diesel engine and 1.6- and 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder petrol engines.

Time has passed and this small family car is still very successful on the European markets.

The delicate design is signed by Wolfgang Egger and Walter de’Silva and won a few important styling awards in the last few years. Since 2004, the Alfa Romeo 147 changed its exterior styling looking more and more like the 159 and Brera models. The redesigned car received new front grille, new rear lights new headlights and new interior (for all models except for the GTA one).

The powerful 147 GTA hit the market in 2002 running on a 3.2 V6 engine that can reach a 246 km/h (153 mph) top speed. It’s an amazing car that will bravely challenge the successful BMW 130i, Audi S3, Renault Megane RS and Volkswagen Golf R32 models.

In the last 8 years, Alfa Romeo 147 won no less than 27 awards including: Carro Importado do Ano no Brasil – (Brazil Import car of the year) in 2002, The European Car of the Year in 2001, Trophées du design (Automobile Magazine – France) in 2000, Das Goldene Lenkrad ("The golden steering wheel", BILD am SONNTAG – Germany) in 2000 and Auto Europa 1 (Panel of engineers, drivers and journalists headed by Auto Bild – Germany) in 2001.

Despite the car’s incredible reviews, Alfa Romeo has a new ace up their sleeves. According to some new announcement they will release the new and improved Alfa 149 in 2009.