Alfa Romeo Brera

Released originally as a concept car at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo Brera or simply ‘Brera’ is a 3-Door hatchback style coupe. The car was designed by the legendary automobile designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Alfa Romeo Brera
Alfa Romeo Brera

The Brera is categorized as a sports car and was also released in a convertible ‘Spider’ variant. The commercial release of the car was done at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show and the Brera Spider was released subsequently in 2006. The car’s release was intended towards replacing the highly successful Alfa Romeo GTV.

Design and Features

Contrary to the Maserati Based concept version, the 2005 Brera was based on the Fiat Premium Platform shared by several Alfa Romeo cars such as the Alfa Romeo 159. The design is based on the concept version and features a sleek yet aggressive looking front grille with six headlights, 3 on each side. The car is available in 5 different engine variants and three choices in the cars transmission. The Brera follows a front engine front wheel drive layout, but a 4-wheel ‘Q4’ drive version was also available.

All the Brera models were installed with an Alfa Romeo signature Q2 limited slip differential. In 2008, a variant powered by a 3.2 liter petrol V6 the made the car reach a maximum speed of 250 kilometers per hour. In 2009 the Brera was reissued with a new turbocharged engine, the Alfa Romeo TBi. The 1.75 liters engine produced 197 HP and featured variable valve timing. The car’s body including the chassis was built in aluminum to keep the vehicle’s weight to its minimum. The car was offered with 3 different types of transmissions.

The types of engines and transmission available for the Alfa Romeo Brera are listed as below.

Engines

  • 1.75 L I4 t/c petrol (TBi)
  • 2.2 L I4 petrol (JTS)
  • 3.2 L V6 petrol (JTS)
  • 2.0 L I4 t/c diesel (JTDm)
  • 2.4 L I5 t/c diesel (JTDm)

Transmission

  • 6-speed manual
  • 6-speed semi-automatic (Selespeed)
  • 6-speed automatic (AWTF-80 SC)

Other Versions

1. Brera S

The special limited edition of the Brera, labeled as the Brera S, was launched in 2008. The car was a Britain-only version that was developed by the British engineers at Prodrive. The Brera S was fashion in order to eliminate the handling issues the standard version was accused of having. The standard Brera was criticized to its weight and poor handling. The braking system was improved with the new carbo-ceramic Brembo brakes and while there is no new engine variant , Brera S’ weight was said to have been reduced by a 100 kg as compared to the Brera four wheel drive ‘Q4’.

2. Italia Independent

The Italia Independent was launched in 2009, as a Special Edition limited to 900 units. Italia independent was named after the project’s partner firm Italia Independent. The Brera Italia Independent was available as the 2 door coupe and the convertible ‘Spider’ versions. The car was painted with an opaque black finish, aluminum fuel-filler cap and front and rear 18-inch alloy wheels. All the engine variants, transmissions and layout types for the Brera were made available for the Italia independent cars.

Awards and Accolades

  • European Car of the Year 2007 in Japan.
  • Best Sports/Coupe – What Diesel Car?
  • European Automotive Design Award 2006
  • Best Design Award 2006 by Autocar Magazine (UK)
  • Best Coupe – Croatian Car of the Year Awards 2006

The concept version of Brera was also voted the ‘Best of Show’ at its launch at the Geneva Motor Show and Villa d’Este Concorso D’Eleganze in the best prototype category. It also won ‘The Most Fascinating Car’ at super rally 2002 and 2 prizes at Challenge Bibendum. Image Credits @ Daniel ou Dany