Review: Alfa Romeo Brera (2006-11)

Overview

Released in June 2006, the Alfa Romeo Brera was a two-door coupe. Built by Pininfarina in San Giorgio Canavese, Turin, the Brera range initially consisted of the front-wheel drive 2.2 JTS variant, with the four-wheel drive 3.2 JTS following in July. Initially, both variants were available with six-speed manual transmissions, though semi-automatic (‘Selespeed’) and automatic transmissions followed in 2007 (see table below). In January 2011, the 1750 TBi was introduced, effectively replacing the 2.2 JTS.

Engines: JTS, V6 and 1750 TBi

Of the engines,

• the 2.2-litre JTS (‘Joint Thrust Stoichiometric’) inline four-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium alloy block and head, direct injection, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, variable valve timing for the intake and exhaust camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 11.3:1;
• the 3.2-litre JTS V6 petrol engine had similar attributes albeit with a compression ratio of 11.25:1; and,
• the 1750 TBi inline turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine had direct injection, roller rocker arms integrated into the cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, variable valve timing for the intake and exhaust camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the 159 sedan on which it was based, the Brera was 250 mm shorter (at 4410 mm), 2 mm wider (1830 mm), 81 mm lower (1341 mm) and had a 172 mm shorter wheelbase (2528 mm). Furthermore, the Brera had double wishbone front suspension that was connected to the chassis via a subframe and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Q4 AWD system

Unique within the Brera range, the 3.2 JTS was fitted with Alfa Romeo’s Q4 permanent four-wheel drive system, which consisted of three differentials, including a self-locking Torsen centre differential. The default front/rear torque split was 43:57, though up to 72 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the front axle and up to 78 per cent directed to the rear axle according to conditions.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Brera included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, hill holding function, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Brera 2.2 JTS had 305 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake discs and 278 mm by 12 mm solid rear discs. The Brera 1750 TBi and 3.2 JTS variants, however, were fitted with 330 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake disc with Brembo four-piston aluminium calipers and 292 mm by 22 mm ventilated rear brake discs.

Features

Standard features for the Brera included 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a ten disc CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, a 60/40 split and folding rear seat with ski port, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a power-operated park brake, trip computer and an immobiliser. The Brera also featured a three-piece ‘SkyView’ panoramic glass roof with sunshade.

Beyond this, the 3.2 V6 added unique ‘CloverLeaf’ alloy wheels, a 570 watt Bose sound system with a six-channel 200 watt amplifier, CD player and MP3-compatibility, Pieno Fiore leather upholstery, power adjustable and heated front seats, xenon headlights with washers, power folding mirrors, driver’s seat memory settings and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice recognition.

2011 Alfa Romeo Brera 1750 TBi

In 2011, the 2.2 JTS was replaced by the 1750 TBi. Compared to the 2.2 JTS, the 1750 TBi featured 19-inch alloy wheels, power adjustable front seats, Pieno Fiore leather and power folding door mirrors. The 3.2 V6, however, continued unchanged.

Brochures

• Brochure: Alfa Romeo Brera (June 2006)
• Brochure: Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider (January 2008)

Related links

• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo Brera (June 2006)
• Specifications: Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider (January 2008)
• Press Kit: Alfa Romeo Brera 1750 TBi (January 2011)
• Wikipedia.org: Alfa Romeo Brera