Alfa 159 scores an auto

ALFA Romeo will introduce a newly developed six-speed automatic transmission in the 159 sedan and wagon - and the related Brera coupe and Spider convertible - early in 2007.

Dubbed Q-Tronic, the transmission is claimed to be fully adaptive and will offer a range of features including sports, winter and manual modes and a "fast off" feature that holds a gear should the driver lift off after a large throttle opening. It will also slip into neutral when the car is stationary.

Q-Tronic will be available on the 2.4 and 1.9 JTD turbo-diesels and 3.2 V6 JTS Q4 model variants.

From the same time, the 2.2 JTS model will offer a new six-speed version of Alfa’s Selespeed clutch-less manual. Prices are still to be announced.