Alfa Romeo Brera
Encyclopedia
The Alfa Romeo Brera is a sports car
produced by the Italian
automaker Alfa Romeo
between 2005 and 2010. The Spider roadster was produced between 2006 to 2010. Both cars were manufactured by Pininfarina
. Only 12,488 units of Spider and 21,786 units of Brera were built. Production of both models stopped in November 2010, although remaining stock will continue into 2011. A new model of the car is rumored to be launched in 2014.
at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show
. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
at Italdesign Giugiaro
. The concept version was powered with a Maserati V8 engine producing around 400 PS. The Brera was widely acclaimed, and production plans were subsequently announced for 2005.
(shared with the Alfa Romeo 159
), and designed to replace the outgoing GTV
. A convertible Spider version of the Brera was also announced, to be launched shortly after the coupe and to replace the existing GTV-based Spider.
In Europe
, the Brera is available with two petrol engine
s, the 185 PS 2.2-litre JTS and 260 PS 3.2-litre V6
; and a 210 PS 2.4-litre JTD turbodiesel
. Cars with the diesel or 2.2 petrol are front-wheel drive, whilst the V6 comes with a Torsen four-wheel drive
system similar to the 156
and 159
's Q4.
For the "model year" 2008 Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider changes were made to the mechanics and the interiors of the cars. The 3.2 litre V6 version will now be offered in front wheel drive, as well as a four wheel drive version, allowing for a top speed of 250 kilometre per hour. All model variants will be fitted with electronic Q2 limited slip differential
. By using more aluminium parts a weight reduction of several kilos is achieved. These new versions were introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008.
For "model year" 2009 Alfa Romeo is introducing a new turbocharged petrol engine badged as "TBi", this 1742 cc unit has direct injection and variable valve timing in both inlet and exhaust cams. This new engine has 200 PS and 320 newton metre of torque.
and was intended to address criticism regarding the handling of the standard car. Selected suspension and chassis components and settings of the 'S' have been amended from the standard car, altering the handling characteristics. Alfa Romeo and Prodrive had previously collaborated in motorsport, campaigning an Alfa Romeo 155 in the BTCC
during 1994 and 1995.
The Italia Independent was offered with 136 kW (185 PS) 2.2 JTS or 191 kW (260 PS) 3.2 V6 petrol engines and six-speed transmission. Manual, "Selespeed" or automatic Q-Tronic transmission options were offered, and the V6 engined-car was also available with Alfa Romeo's Q4 all-wheel drive system.
turbodiesel was introduced at 2007 Geneva Motor Show. This car replaced Spider 916
model, introduced in 1995. This Spider version can be seen as 6th generation of Alfa Spiders, the first version of which was released in 1966. Production ceased in November 2010.
Sports car
A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability....
produced by the Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
automaker Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of cars. Founded as A.L.F.A. on June 24, 1910, in Milan, the company has been involved in car racing since 1911, and has a reputation for building expensive sports cars...
between 2005 and 2010. The Spider roadster was produced between 2006 to 2010. Both cars were manufactured by Pininfarina
Pininfarina
Pininfarina S.p.A. is an Italian car design firm and coachbuilder in Cambiano, Italy.Founded as Società anonima Carrozzeria Pinin Farina in 1930 by automobile designer and builder Battista "Pinin" Farina, Pininfarina has been employed by a wide variety of high-end automobile manufacturers,...
. Only 12,488 units of Spider and 21,786 units of Brera were built. Production of both models stopped in November 2010, although remaining stock will continue into 2011. A new model of the car is rumored to be launched in 2014.
Concept
The Brera originally appeared as a concept carConcept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show
Salon International de l'Auto
The International Geneva Motor Show is an annual auto show held in March in the Swiss city of Geneva. The show is hosted at the Geneva Palexpo, a convention centre located next to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport...
. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
Giorgetto Giugiaro
Giorgetto Giugiaro is an Italian automobile designer responsible equally for a stable of supercars and several of the most popular everyday vehicles driven today...
at Italdesign Giugiaro
Italdesign Giugiaro
Italdesign-Giugiaro S.p.A is an automobile design and engineering company based in Moncalieri, Italy founded in 1968 by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani as Studi Italiani Realizzazione Prototipi S.p.A...
. The concept version was powered with a Maserati V8 engine producing around 400 PS. The Brera was widely acclaimed, and production plans were subsequently announced for 2005.
Production
The Alfa Romeo Brera was introduced in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It maintained the original's exterior appearance almost exactly but on a much smaller scale, becoming a mid-size coupe on the GM/Fiat Premium platformGM/Fiat Premium platform
The Premium platform is General Motors's and Fiat Group's high-end automobile platform. The architecture debuted in production form with the Alfa Romeo Brera, was used earlier Opel Insignia in 2003 and Alfa Romeo Visconti in 2004...
(shared with the Alfa Romeo 159
Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa Romeo 159 is a compact executive car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo between 2005 and 2011. The 159 was introduced in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show as a replacement for the successful Alfa Romeo 156. The 159 uses the GM/Fiat Premium platform, shared with...
), and designed to replace the outgoing GTV
Alfa Romeo GTV & Spider
The Alfa Romeo GTV and Alfa Romeo Spider were two sports cars produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1995 to 2006....
. A convertible Spider version of the Brera was also announced, to be launched shortly after the coupe and to replace the existing GTV-based Spider.
In Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, the Brera is available with two petrol engine
Petrol engine
A petrol engine is an internal combustion engine with spark-ignition, designed to run on petrol and similar volatile fuels....
s, the 185 PS 2.2-litre JTS and 260 PS 3.2-litre V6
JTS engine
The JTS engine is a gasoline direct injection engine produced by Alfa Romeo. It exists in two forms, straight-4 and V6, and was introduced into the Alfa lineup in 2002.-2.0:...
; and a 210 PS 2.4-litre JTD turbodiesel
JTD engine
JTD , an initialism for uniJet Turbo Diesel, is Fiat Group's term for its current common rail turbodiesel engine range. The MultiJet name is used in the second generation JTD common rail units. Most of the Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia range has JTD engines...
. Cars with the diesel or 2.2 petrol are front-wheel drive, whilst the V6 comes with a Torsen four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
system similar to the 156
Alfa Romeo 156
The Alfa Romeo 156 is a compact executive car introduced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show as the replacement for the Alfa Romeo 155...
and 159
Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa Romeo 159 is a compact executive car produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo between 2005 and 2011. The 159 was introduced in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show as a replacement for the successful Alfa Romeo 156. The 159 uses the GM/Fiat Premium platform, shared with...
's Q4.
For the "model year" 2008 Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider changes were made to the mechanics and the interiors of the cars. The 3.2 litre V6 version will now be offered in front wheel drive, as well as a four wheel drive version, allowing for a top speed of 250 kilometre per hour. All model variants will be fitted with electronic Q2 limited slip differential
Limited slip differential
A limited slip differential is a type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in angular velocity of the output shafts, but imposes a mechanical bound on the disparity...
. By using more aluminium parts a weight reduction of several kilos is achieved. These new versions were introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008.
For "model year" 2009 Alfa Romeo is introducing a new turbocharged petrol engine badged as "TBi", this 1742 cc unit has direct injection and variable valve timing in both inlet and exhaust cams. This new engine has 200 PS and 320 newton metre of torque.
Brera S
In Spring 2008 the Brera 'S' Special Edition was announced. This Alfa Romeo-approved British-only limited-run version was developed by British engineering specialists ProdriveProdrive
Prodrive is a British motorsport and automotive engineering group based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, England. It designs, constructs and races cars for companies and teams such as Subaru, Aston Martin and Ford...
and was intended to address criticism regarding the handling of the standard car. Selected suspension and chassis components and settings of the 'S' have been amended from the standard car, altering the handling characteristics. Alfa Romeo and Prodrive had previously collaborated in motorsport, campaigning an Alfa Romeo 155 in the BTCC
British Touring Car Championship
The British Touring Car Championship is a touring car racing series held each year in the United Kingdom. The Championship was established in 1958 as the British Saloon Car Championship and has run to various rules over the years – "production cars", then FIA Group 1 or 2 in the late 1960s...
during 1994 and 1995.
Italia Independent
In 2009, Alfa Romeo released a limited edition of the Brera in association with Italia Independent, an Italian design company. Limited to 900 units and named after Alfa Romeo's partner in the venture, the Italia Independent edition of the Brera was offered with opaque-finish "titanium" paintwork, 18" "turbine" style alloy wheels and an aluminium fuel-filler cap.The Italia Independent was offered with 136 kW (185 PS) 2.2 JTS or 191 kW (260 PS) 3.2 V6 petrol engines and six-speed transmission. Manual, "Selespeed" or automatic Q-Tronic transmission options were offered, and the V6 engined-car was also available with Alfa Romeo's Q4 all-wheel drive system.
Petrol
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Comp. Ratio | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.75 TBi | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... |
1,742 cc | 147 kW (200 PS) @5000 rpm | 320 newton metres (236 ft·lbf) @2000 rpm | 9.5:1 | 2009- |
| 2.2 JTS | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... |
2,198 cc | 136 kW (185 PS) @6500 rpm | 230 newton metres (169.6 ft·lbf) @4500 rpm | 11,3:1 | 2005- |
| 3.2 V6 JTS | V6 | 3,195 cc | 191 kW (260 PS) @6200 rpm | 322 newton metres (237.5 ft·lbf) @3800 rpm | 11,25:1 | 2005- |
Diesel
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Comp. Ratio | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 JTDM | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... |
1,956 cc | 125 kW (170 PS) @4000 rpm | 360 newton metres (265.5 ft·lbf) @1750 rpm | 17,0:1 | 2009- |
| 2.4 JTDM | I5 Straight-5 The straight-five engine or inline-five engine is an internal combustion engine with five cylinders aligned in one row or plane, sharing a single engine block and crankcase... |
2,387 cc | 147 kW (200 PS) @4000 rpm | 400 newton metres (295 ft·lbf) @2000 rpm | 17,0:1 | 2005–2006 |
| 2.4 JTDM | I5 Straight-5 The straight-five engine or inline-five engine is an internal combustion engine with five cylinders aligned in one row or plane, sharing a single engine block and crankcase... |
2,387 cc | 154 kW (210 PS) @4000 rpm | 400 newton metres (295 ft·lbf) @1500 rpm | 17,0:1 | 2007- |
Performance
| Model | Top Speed (km/h) (mph) | Acc. (s/0–100 km/h) | Fuel cons. combined EU | Years | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| manual | automatic | manual | automatic | manual | automatic | |||
| 1.75 TBi | 235 (146) | 7.7 | 8.1 L/100 km | 2009- | ||||
| 2.2 JTS | 222 (138) | 8.6 | 9.4 L/100 km | 2005–2007 | ||||
| 2.2 JTS | 224 (139) | 8.6 | 9.2 L/100 km | 2008- | ||||
| 2.2 JTS Selespeed | 222 (138) | 8.6 | 9.1 L/100 km | 2008- | ||||
| 2.0 JTDM | 218 (135) | 8.8 | 5.4 L/100 km | 2009- | ||||
| 2.4 JTDM | 228 (142) | 8.1 | 6.8 L/100 km | 2005–2006 | ||||
| 2.4 JTDM (210 PS) | 230 (143) | 7.9 | 6.8 L/100 km | 2007 | ||||
| 2.4 JTDM (210 PS) | 231 (143) | n/a | n/a | 2008- | ||||
| 2.4 JTDM (200 PS) Q-Tronic | 225 (138) | 8.3 | 7.8 L/100 km | 2008- | ||||
| 3.2 V6 Q4 | 240 (149) | 240 (149) | 6.8 | 7.0 | 11.5 L/100 km | 12.2 L/100 km | 2005–2007 | |
| 3.2 V6 Q4 | 244 (151) | 244 (151) | 6.8 | 7.0 | 11.4 L/100 km | 12.1 L/100 km | 2008- | |
| 3.2 V6 FWD | 250 (155) | 7.0 | 11 L/100 km | 2008- | ||||
Awards
- Before it was released, the Alfa Brera concept carConcept carA concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
was voted "Best of Show" by AutoweekAutoWeekAutoWeek is a fortnightly automotive enthusiast publication based in Detroit, Michigan. One of 32 titles published by Crain Communications Inc, its parent company, AutoWeek is unique as the only consumer title among its sister publications....
magazine at the Geneva Motor Show, "Best of Show" in the prototype category at the Villa d’Este Concorso D’Eleganze, it picked up two prizes at Challenge Bibendum 2002, and "the Most Fascinating Car" award at the Super Car Rally 2002 form ParisParisParis is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
to Monte CarloMonte CarloMonte Carlo is an administrative area of the Principality of Monaco....
. - Brera was elected to European Car of the Year 2007 in Japan.
- Best Sports/Coupe - What Diesel Car?
- European Automotive Design Award 2006
- Best Design Award 2006 by AutocarAutocarAutocar is a weekly British automobile magazine published by Haymarket Motoring Publications Ltd. It refers to itself as "The World's oldest car magazine".-History:...
Magazine (UK) - Best Coupe – Croatian Car of the Year Awards 2006
Spider
The New Spider version (Type 939) was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, where it also received "Cabrio of the Year" award. Spider is based on the Brera coupe but is a pure 2-seater convertible. At the beginning there were two engine options available: the 2.2L straight-4 and 3.2L V6 JTS engines, and the JTD common railCommon rail
Common rail direct fuel injection is a modern variant of direct fuel injection system for petrol and diesel engines.On diesel engines, it features a high-pressure fuel rail feeding individual solenoid valves, as opposed to low-pressure fuel pump feeding unit injectors...
turbodiesel was introduced at 2007 Geneva Motor Show. This car replaced Spider 916
Alfa Romeo GTV & Spider
The Alfa Romeo GTV and Alfa Romeo Spider were two sports cars produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 1995 to 2006....
model, introduced in 1995. This Spider version can be seen as 6th generation of Alfa Spiders, the first version of which was released in 1966. Production ceased in November 2010.
Petrol
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Comp. Ratio | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.75 TBi | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... |
1,742 cc | 147 kW (200 PS) @5000 rpm | 320 newton metres (236 ft·lbf) @2000 rpm | 9.5:1 | 2009- |
| 2.2 JTS | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... |
2,198 cc | 136 kW (185 PS) @6500 rpm | 230 newton metres (169.6 ft·lbf) @4500 rpm | 11,3:1 | |
| 3.2 V6 JTS | V6 | 3,195 cc | 191 kW (260 PS) @6200 rpm | 322 newton metres (237.5 ft·lbf) @3800 rpm | 11,25:1 |
Diesel
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Comp. Ratio | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 JTDM | I4 Straight-4 The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft.... |
1,956 cc | 125 kW (170 PS) @4000 rpm | 360 newton metres (265.5 ft·lbf) @1750 rpm | 17,0:1 | 2009- |
| 2.4 JTDM | I5 Straight-5 The straight-five engine or inline-five engine is an internal combustion engine with five cylinders aligned in one row or plane, sharing a single engine block and crankcase... |
2,387 cc | 147 kW (200 PS) @4000 rpm | 400 newton metres (295 ft·lbf) @2000 rpm | 17,0:1 | 2006–2007 |
| 2.4 JTDM | I5 Straight-5 The straight-five engine or inline-five engine is an internal combustion engine with five cylinders aligned in one row or plane, sharing a single engine block and crankcase... |
2,387 cc | 147 kW (200 PS) @4000 rpm | 400 newton metres (295 ft·lbf) @1500 rpm | 17,0:1 | 2008- |
| 2.4 JTDM | I5 Straight-5 The straight-five engine or inline-five engine is an internal combustion engine with five cylinders aligned in one row or plane, sharing a single engine block and crankcase... |
2,387 cc | 154 kW (210 PS) @4000 rpm | 400 newton metres (295 ft·lbf) @1500 rpm | 17,0:1 | 2008- |
Performance
| Model | Top Speed (km/h) (mph) | Acc. (s/0–100 km/h) | Fuel cons. combined EU | Years | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| manual | automatic | manual | automatic | manual | automatic | ||
| 1.75 TBi | 235 (146) | 7.8 | 8.2 L/100 km | 2009- | |||
| 2.2 JTS | 222 (138) | 8.8 | 9.4 L/100 km | 2006–2007 | |||
| 2.2 JTS | 224 (139) | 8.8 | 9.2 L/100 km | 2008- | |||
| 2.2 JTS Selespeed | 224 (139) | 8.8 | 9.1 L/100 km | 2008- | |||
| 2.0 JTDM | 218 (135) | 9.0 | 5.4 L/100 km | 2009- | |||
| 2.4 JTDM (200 PS) | 228 (142) | 8.4 | 6.8 L/100 km | 2006–2007 | |||
| 2.4 JTDM (200 PS) Q-tronic | 225 (139) | 8.5 | 7.9 L/100 km | 2008- | |||
| 2.4 JTDM (210 PS) | 231 (143) | 8.1 | 6.8 L/100 km | 2008- | |||
| 3.2 V6 Q4 | 240 (149) | 240 (149) | 7.0 | 7.2 | 11.5 L/100 km | 12.2 L/100 km | 2006–2007 |
| 3.2 V6 Q4 | 244 (151) | 244 (151) | 7.0 | 7.2 | 11.5 L/100 km | 12.2 L/100 km | 2008- |
| 3.2 V6 FWD | 250 (155) | 7.2 | 11.1 L/100 km | 2008- | |||