Autoworld

Alfa Romeo Brera S

Few sports cars are developed specifically for Britain's roads. And those that have tend to join the ranks of driver's cars, not a place we believe the new Alfa Brera S will shortly join.

Intensive suspension and chassis development at Prodrive - world-leading motorsport specialists and the Brera S is born. A sports coupe that subtly enhances all thatís great about the original, with the addition of outstanding driver feedback and handling.

Distinctly different from the rest of the line-up, this unique addition to Alfa Romeos UK range includes refined styling changes, inside and out. And to ensure ultimate exclusivity, production of the Alfa Brera S will be limited to just 500 individually numbered models.
Power comes from a choice of two existing direct injection petrol engines the 185 bhp 2.2 JTS and the 260 bhp 3.2 V6 JTS.
To reduce roll and pitch and achieve an even flatter cornering attitude, Prodrive commissioned bespoke Eibach coil springs and Bilstein dampers.

Spring rates are increased by over 50 per cent compared to the standard Alfa Brera, giving the car a more nimble and agile feel, while the specially tuned gas-filled mono-tube dampers give tighter body control. A careful balance has been created to maintain good compliance over ridges and bumps in the road.

Suspension static geometry has also been revised to optimise steering and handling. These changes, together with new 19" alloy wheels and Pirelli PZero Nero tyres, have created a more responsive turn-in to corners, with increased driver feedback, allowing the driver to explore the dynamic limits of the car. The cars have been lowered by 10 mm front and rear to further reduce roll and improve cornering and braking performance.

At each corner of the Alfa Brera S, unique Alfa 8C Competizione-inspired, lightweight 19" alloy wheels have been fitted. Although the wheels are eye-catching, the all-new design was commissioned by Prodrive primarily for performance, rather than just cosmetic appeal. The reason is unsprung weight ñ the weight carried by the car on the ëroad sideí of the spring and shock absorber. This plays a significant role in the way the car steers, handles and transmits feedback to the driver.

As a result, the weight of both Alfa Brera S models is lower than the rest of the range. The front-wheel drive 3.2 V6 JTS is almost 100 kg lighter than the Q4 version and the 2.2 JTS version weighs 35 kg less.

And it sounds different too. The characteristic growl of the V6 has been enhanced by careful redesign of the rear silencers. Thanks to a Holmholtz resonator connected in tandem with each silencer, the 2.2 JTS model now emits a sportier yet refined burble.

For the record, the 2.2 JTS and 3.2 V6 JTS Alfa Brera S can reach 62 mph from rest in 8.6 and 7.0 seconds respectively, on the way to maximum speeds of 139 and 155 mph.

Nicholas Bernard, Marketing Director for Alfa Romeo UK says: "The standard Brera is well loved and delivers a great all-round driving experience. But the Alfa Brera S is deliberately honed, tuned and fettled for British roads and aimed directly at a dedicated audience of driving enthusiasts."