Agility with total control
159 & Brera
Allied to an all-new chassis, the suspension design of the new Alfa 159 and Brera is the outcome of an extensive and thorough development process aimed at achieving the highest possible levels of driveability and handling appropriate to a sporting marque, combined with optimum travelling comfort. It combines revisions to the proven high double wishbone set-up of the outgoing Alfa 156 with a sophisticated new multilink rear configuration. The whole system is designed to promote smooth, accurate steering response, exceptional stability and controllability – even when close to adhesion limits – and first class body control allied to remarkable comfort over all road surface conditions.
The 3.2 JTS V6 versions of the cars also benefit from Alfa Romeo’s Q4 four-wheel drive system which guarantees the smoothest possible power delivery and optimum traction under all driving conditions, further benefiting the handling.
Front suspension
The high double wishbone front suspension is a development of the set-up so successfully employed on the Alfa 156. Its design, based on that universally employed in motorsport, offers precise control of wheel movement and affords the new Alfa Romeo an outstanding dynamic performance and extremely sensitive, accurate steering.
Engineering improvements to the aluminium upper and lower arm set-up include an increase in the size of the coaxial damper spring to improve its capacity to absorb poor road surfaces, the use of a pair of dry friction sliding bushes in the aluminium upper arm for strength, reliability and a more progressive action, and a relocation of the steering axis closer to the centre of the wheel for improved cornering response.
Additionally, the suspension is now connected to the chassis via a subframe which is stiffer than the previously employed crossbeam.
From a dynamic viewpoint, the high double wishbone layout combines long wheel travel with outstanding control. This configuration offers the Alfa 159 and Brera maximum tyre grip, improved traction under extreme conditions, a self-alignment effect proportional to the lateral acceleration applied in a corner, superior steering precision and sensitivity, graduated steering wheel effort up to adhesion limits, and the minimisation of pitching under extreme acceleration or braking.
Rear suspension
At the rear, the Alfa 159 and Brera employ a new multilink suspension system to maximise driveability, handling performance and ride comfort. Through a combination of transverse and longitudinal links, the system facilitates extremely precise wheel movements in the vertical plane, whilst limiting longitudinal and transverse displacements to maintain optimum wheel positioning under load. Pitching is reduced, and maximum stability under braking is ensured.
Key features of the new multilink configuration include a higher anchorage point of the longitudinal link to facilitate a longer, more flexible suspension stroke, an enlarged bi-tube spring damper unit for improved ride comfort, and an aluminium upright with a high rigidity hub supporting the connection bushes for both camber and longitudinal links. In addition, the new set up features a rear hydraulic bush to optimise filtering of poor road surfaces and a high yield steel crossbeam isolated from the bodyshell by four elastic bushes to dampen high frequency vibration.
Steering
All Alfa Romeo cars are renowned for their direct, lively and responsive steering feel. The Alfa 159 and Brera are no exception, and are fitted with hydraulically power assisted, speed sensitive steering which achieves a highly effective balance between low speed manoeuvrability and high speed accuracy and feel. With just 2.33 turns lock-to-lock and a ratio of 12.7 degrees of steer for every degree of steering wheel input, theSE new cars offer the most direct steering in their class.