Alfa Romeo Brera

Alfa Romeo Brera
Manufacturer:	Alfa Romeo
Production:	2005–present
Body Styles:	FF coupe & convertible
Predecessors:	Alfa Romeo GTV & Spider
Successors:	Still in production
Competitors:
Alfa Romeo Brera Spider
Alfa Romeo Brera Spider

The Alfa Romeo Brera is an automobile due to be produced by the Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo from 2005, in both coupe and convertible (Spider) forms.

Concept

The Brera originally appeared as a concept car at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign Giugiaro, and was a large luxury sports car with V8 power and estimated price near US$100,000. The Brera was widely acclaimed, including being named Best of Show by AutoWeek magazine, and production plans were subsequently announced for 2005.

Production

The 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 platform (shared with the Alfa Romeo 159 and Alfa Romeo Kamal), 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 will be available with three engines: a 200bhp 2.4 JTD turbo-diesel, or 2.2 JTS and 3.2 V6. Cars with the diesel or 2.2 petrol will be front wheel drive, whilst the V6 will come with four wheel drive similar to the 156's Q4 system. In North America the range is expected to start with the 3.2 V6, priced around US$35,000, and a V8 based on General Motors' Premium V unit may also be introduced.

Awards

Before it was released, the Alfa Brera concept car was voted "Best of Show" by Autoweek magazine at the Geneva Motor Show, "Best of Show" in the protype 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 Paris to Monte Carlo.

External links

• Alfa Brera
• Alfa Romeo Brera
• Alfa Romeo