Alfa Romeo has for long been plagued by problematic gearboxes, the Selespeed pseudo-manual immediately springing to mind, but that reputation may soon change with the introduction of a new Q-Tronic automatic. The new gearbox will be appearing in the Brera, 159 and Spider models initially and will available with the existing 1.9 JTDM and 3.2 JTS V6 engines as well as a new 210hp 2.4L JTDM powerplant.

The automatic box allows drivers to choose between manual and full auto modes and also pick between ‘Sport’ and ‘Winter’ modes. When the Sport button is pressed, the ECU sets a higher rpm gearchange – with longer sequences between gearshifts – for a sportier and engaging drive. In Winter mode, maximum grip is guaranteed to cope with snow or icy road conditions by reducing the level of torque at lower rpms.

The new 2.4L JTDM engine gets an extra 10hp over the current version, bringing total output to 210hp and 400Nm of torque at a low 1,500rpm. This sees the Alfa 159 2.4 JTDM saloon accelerate from rest to 60mph in just 8.4 seconds (8.6 seconds for the Sportwagon) before reaching a new top speed of 140mph for the saloon and 139mph for the Sportwagon.

The additional power boost helps launch the Alfa Brera from a standstill to 60mph in 7.9 seconds and takes it to a new top speed of 143mph.