Alfa Romeo 159 TI Versions

The new TI versions

TI for Turismo Internazionale, the name that Alfa Romeo once gave only to the most lavishly equipped of its cars. They were derived from standard models but stylistic touches and mechanical changes turned them into thoroughbred sports cars for everyday driving. And today those two letters, so simple but so glorious, reappear on cars in the Alfa 159 family (saloon and Sportwagon). Underlining that the Alfa Romeo brand always guarantees the quality and guarantee of work performed right in the plant for this particular sporty characterisation.
Earmarked for a young, sporty public, the cars with the TI logo promise more entertaining driving, better ‘handling’ and more powerful braking. In a word, the dynamic behaviour of a car that brings the sensations of the racing circuit to our everyday roads.
Models for people who want the maximum in terms of sportiness. And they want people to know, albeit without ostentation. As a result, the exterior lines of the car were not radically altered, and any intervention was limited to a few small touches. This is why the cars are still immediately recognisable from outside, but appear more assertive, literally ‘glued’ to the road, thanks in part to their low stance, larger tyres, 19” alloy wheels, sideskirts and larger brakes with red callipers.
Inside, the TI ambience is expressed in the sporty shape of the leather covered seats, the new steering wheel with its sports grip, the gear lever knob covered with perforated leather, and the dark upholstery of the ceiling and pillars. The sporty look is evident in the instrument graphics, the pedals and the heel-high strip with the TI logo. And finally, the burnished aluminium trims and satin-effect housing of the wing mirrors (optional) that characterise this particular version, which also offers a superb array of standard equipment, including dual-zone climate system and the VDC system.
These are cars that offer great sensations and authentic driving pleasure, that interpret the brand values one hundred percent and that are ambassadors of the ‘sportiness’ that makes them famous all over the world. In a word, the new TI specification is the perfect answer for customers who wish to enter the world of Alfa Romeo sports.


The Blue&MeTM Nav system

The Geneva Show marks the debut on the Alfa 159 of the brand-new Blue&Me™ Nav system, the latest evolution of the Blue&Me™ system which is proving to be a huge commercial success just one year after its launch: in fact it is requested by 20% of purchasers of all Fiat Auto models. That is not all. The sophisticated device has also received a number of prestigious international awards:
• from ‘Frost & Sullivan’, the ‘Excellence in Technology of the Year Award for European Automotive Telematics and Infotainment market’ (January 19, 2006);
• ‘Telematic Update of Detroit’ awarded it the prize for the best telematic solution of the year (May 23, 2006);
• ‘Automotive News Europe’ awarded the ‘Eurostars 2006’ prize to Giuseppe Bonollo, Vice President Product Portfolio Management, for the success of the system installed in Fiat Group cars (August 22, 2006).
Today, Blue&Me™ takes another step forward, with the new Blue&Me™ Nav version that makes its first appearance in Geneva. In addition to the version marketed until now (hands-free with Bluetooth® interface and advanced voice recognition – USB port, MP3 player and SMS text interpreter), the new Alfa Romeo model will offer a new version that incorporates the convenience of a navigator at an extremely competitive price. Blue&Me™ Nav is already wired to enable a range of telematic services developed in partnership with Telecom Italia, such as:
• SOS calls: in an emergency the driver only has to press the SOS button and a call and text message will be sent to the control centre giving the car’s position. This service is also activated automatically when an airbag inflates. The vehicle will be located rapidly so that roadside and medical assistance can be sent. The SOS button is also used in the event of a sudden indisposition or danger. These services are free of charge during the warranty period.
• INFO: information at the motorist’s service. Wherever he goes, it will be easy to receive updates about events, films, museums, road conditions, trains, restaurants, bars and plenty more. He only has to press the INFO button to speak to an operator who will answer his every query. INFO services are ‘pay-as-you-use’.
• Insurance services: thanks to the satellite location system and agreements with the major insurance companies, it will be possible to obtain discounts of up to 20% on Third Party insurance and of up to 50% on Theft and Fire insurance. In the event of theft, tracking will make it possible to trace the car. It will also be possible to establish how many kilometres the car travels and, on the basis of this, to draft specific insurance policies, which are more advantageous because they are based on the customer’s habits and real needs.

CARSCOOP