With the international launch of the stunning Alfa Romeo Brera coupé just a few hours away, Italiaspeed.com reveals exclusive details on the car’s specification and broad launch schedule. The chassis carries over major elements from the  Progetto 939 ‘Premium’ platform – now publicly known as the Alfa 159 – the main difference being a shortened 2.530m wheelbase, giving sporty agile road holding.

Brera is a 3-door 2+2 coupé which will take Alfa forwards in the luxurious H segment. Overall dimensions are a compact length of 4.410 mm long and a low-slung height of 1.370 mm, whilst the generous width of 1.830 mm  is similar to the new 159 saloon, giving excellent shoulder room. Luggage capacity is also generous for its class at 240 litres, with the possibility of folding down the rear seats to give a massive 550 litres for the occasional trip to Ikea!  Brera is scheduled to enter production in July 2005 for public launch in third quarter 2005.

In short, as our pictures show, Brera offers an unmistakable design with high emotional impact. A very high level of specification includes alloy wheels throughout the range, and like the 159, bixenon headlamps. An optional glass roof is another nice touch – giving Alfa Romeo a prestigious new ‘Sky View’ trim-level.  Cabin design includes a new dashboard designed around the driver, sports seats, and a characteristic sporty interior finish – offering the class leading fit, finish and feel also characterised by Alfa’s other recent models.

With class-leading specification and finish, Brera will go head-to-head with the Audi TT, Mercedes-Benz SLK and BMW Z4.

Under the skin, suspension is courtesy of a quadrilateral wishbone suspension set up at the front with multilink suspension at the rear. Other details are understood to include a hill holder and all-wheel-drive as standard on the 3.2 V6. Another notable decision, is to fit 6-speed transmission to every model. Not only 6 seed manual, but also 6 speed Selespeed and full-automatic versions are planned – dependent upon model.

At launch, there will be two gasoline models, both using newly developed engines from the transition period of Fiat-GM Powertrain (FPG). The base gasoline model will be the 2.2 JTS, powered by the L850 GDI, 2.198 cc EURO 4 unit, pumping out 190 bhp with 235 Nm of torque. This will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and will represent the entry-level model.
 

The second launch model will be the 3.2 V6 4x4, using the HF GDI EURO 4 unit with a very generous 260 bhp and 336 Nm of torque.  It’s understood that initially this will be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission - but a 6-speed automatic is also planned.

For diesel lovers, the proven 20-valve 5-cylinder 2.387 cc 2.4 EURO 4 JTD will arrive in the Brera in 2006 and, although initially planned to be available only with a 6-speed manual transmission, prototypes have been spotted with a 6-speed automatic box. The more powerful 3.0 V6 JTD 4x4 is scheduled to be available some time after. This VM unit will deliver 250 bhp and 550 Nm of torque and this will be mated with a  6 speed auto box.

Brera will be offered with four trim levels.  Entry-level 2.2 JTS and 2.4 JTD models will include standard manual air-conditioning, 16” alloy wheels and 225/55 R16 tyres, board computer, radio CD, knee-bag for both driver and passenger, and rear parking sensors. This package will not be available on higher-output models.

The comprehensively equipped second level package, available on all models (except the top of the range GTA) is expected to come with dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, 17” alloy wheels, audio controls on the steering wheel, visibility pack, cruise control, electric folding rear view mirrors, and a Bluetooth compatible mobile phone equipment.

With the addition of a glass roof  - as presented on the original Brera concept,  the stunning third level  “Sky View” package will be otherwise similarly specified to the second level trim pack – and offered again on all but the top GTA model.

Provided it’s profitability can be proved to the new Alfa Romeo management, it can be expected that a top of the range GTA version will also be launched somewhere down the line. Rumours are that this will offer the 3.2 V6 with Selespeed transmission, twin turbochagers and EURO 5, producing close to 400 bhp.

A Spider version is also under development for launch next year – but that’s another story!