A Dutch tuner has transformed this Alfa Romeo 159 into a 515-horsepower monster... with fire-breathing exhausts from the hood.

The Mad Max saga, with its unforgettable and infernal mechanical bestiary, has obviously given pride of place to big Australian cars, such as the Ford Falcon or the Holden Monaro, but this Alfa Romeo would fit right in! The project was carried out by Dutch company ASH Performance.

An “unloved” 159 with a refined 1750cc engine

This preparation is based on the 1750 TBi petrol engine. It was inaugurated by the sedan Alfa Romeo 159, which took over from’Alfa Romeo 156 in 2005. The 4-cylinder turbo engine developed by Fiat PowerTrain had a displacement of 1742 cm3 with direct injection, developing 200 hp, and was named 1750 TBI in reference to the successful models of the 1960s and 1970s, including the famous 1750 Berlina and GTV 1750.

This motor benefited from the latest technological developments, including a dual continuous phase variator, as well as a control system known as the Scavenging which maximized torque at very low revs, guaranteeing rapid engine response. The TBI, however, despite its technology, was a disappointment for fans of engines with character: “diesel-like” for some, it didn't rev high enough and lacked the ebullience of its predecessors. 

If the 159 was a bit of a “mal aimé” among aficionados, it's because it was heavier and less agile than the 156. Above all, it was criticized for having swapped the legendary Busso V6 at the top of the range for a Holden V6, the fruit of the merger between the Fiat Group and GM at the time. Sacrilege! Although reworked by Alfa Romeo, the engine made purists howl for its lack of nobility...

A transfigured TBI 

Returning to this tuned 159, the engine has undergone profound transformations. A specific turbo manifold has been manufactured to optimize gas flow and exploit the full potential of the 1750 TBI. The supercharging system is accompanied by a high-capacity intercooler, combined with new piping, for efficient cooling of the intake air and improved performance stability. The exhaust system has been completely redesigned, with a 72mm line for optimum flow and reduced back pressure. The new internal parts are original, but the cylinder walls have been slightly enlarged to cope with the heat of the high boost level.

In addition, a water-methanol injection system was installed, improving combustion, limiting temperatures and enabling boost pressure to be increased in complete safety. The result of all these modifications is a bench-measured power output of 515 hp and 599 Nm of torque, testifying to the level of preparation and efficiency of the assembly.

Fire!

In terms of aesthetics, the car takes on a strong identity thanks to a full candy-red covering and chunky black rims, all reminiscent of the IMSA 75. The highlight of the show, of course, are those improbable exhausts that spit out the TBI's “fire” vertically, via pipes that protrude from the front hood. A real barbecue! The video shows a “stress” test inflicted on the mechanics, which, according to the tuners contacted by Italpassion, have held up very well so far despite intensive use for over 3 years.

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A configuration worthy of the mechanical monsters in Mad Max! A 159 Interceptor, that would look great!