1 Jun 2006
ALFA’S 2002 Geneva motor show concept car became a production reality four years later, with the striking Brera.
Based on the front-wheel drive, transverse-engined 159 range, the overtly wedge-shaped, 2+2 seater, two-door coupe-cum-hatchback is offered in two distinct versions – a 2.2 JTS, and the all-wheel drive (Q4 in Alfa-speak) 3.2 JTS.
The former is powered by a 2.2-litre twin-cam four-cylinder engine producing 136kW and 230Nm, while the latter employs a Holden-built, 3.2-litre, quad cam V6 delivering 191kW and 322Nm.
Alfa pitches the Brera as a ‘grand touring’ coupe in the vein of the BMW 3 Series, but with a sportier, sexier edge. While critics generally agree, the model’s hefty body weight does blunt the performance on both models somewhat.
Initially, only a six-speed manual gearbox was available, but from early 2007, a six-speed Selespeed sequential manual was introduced on the 2.2, while the 3.2 scored a six-speed automatic transmission.
At the beginning of 2011, a run-out special saw Alfa's 147kW, 1750cc turbo engine replace the 2.2 JTS under the Brera's bonnet and a fully-loaded specification including full leather upholstery adorn the interior.
