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It has been described by experts as the sexiest car in the world, a car that
makes grown men weak at the knees, a car that makes all other cars in its
category look plain and now Australia and New Zealand can see what all fuss is about with
the Alfa Romeo Brera set to arrive in both countries on 16 June 2006.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in collaboration with Alfa Romeo Centro
Stile, and built by Pininfarina, the road-going Alfa Brera remains
remarkably true to the stunning, multi-award winning coupe concept first
shown to global acclaim at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show. It combines
superlative engineering with outstanding performance, and handling
characteristics appropriate to the pedigree of one of the world’s most
famous sporting marques.
Two
versions of the new Alfa Brera, starting with a recommended retail price in
Australia of
AUS$69,950 (and in New Zealand NZ$76,990,) will be available from launch, with a choice of engines, a 2.2
litre JTS 136 kW four cylinder unit, and a 3.2 litre JTS 191 kW V6.
With
specific power outputs of up to 62 kW/litre, and almost 90 per cent of
maximum torque available at just 2000 rpm, both petrol JTS (Jet Thrust
Stoichiometric) units boast outstanding performance, yet offer significant
fuel savings and readily comply with the stringent Euro Stage 4 exhaust
emission limits. Both these advanced direct injection engines feature
continuously variable valve timing governing both inlet and exhaust
camshafts. Both
Brera versions are fitted with 6-speed manual gearboxes, whilst the 3.2 V6
JTS is equipped with, as standard, with Alfa Romeo’s Q4 permanent four-wheel
drive system. Q4 employs three differentials, with a self-locking Torsen C
unit at the centre of the system which in normal conditions divides drive
torque by a ratio of 57 per cent to the rear wheels and 43 per cent to the
front. Torque
split between front and rear axles is constantly modulated by the central
Torsen differential on the basis of available grip, with a bias towards the
rear axle promoting handling characteristics appropriate to an Alfa Romeo
coupe.
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Two
versions of the new Alfa Brera, starting with a recommended retail price in
Australia of
AUS$69,950 (in New Zealand NZ$76,990,) will be available from launch, with a choice of engines, a 2.2
litre JTS 136 kW four cylinder unit, and a 3.2 litre JTS 191 kW V6. |
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It has been described by experts as the sexiest car in the world, a car that
makes grown men weak at the knees, a car that makes all other cars in its
category look plain and now Australia can see what all fuss is about with
the Alfa Romeo Brera arriving in Australia and New Zealand on 16 June 2006. |
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Sharing
an all-new platform and components with the Alfa 159, albeit on a 175 mm
shorter wheelbase optimised for appropriate handling responses, the chassis
of the new Alfa Brera combines a proven high double wishbone front
suspension system with a new, sophisticated multilink rear configuration.
The combination generates smooth, accurate steering response, exceptional
stability and controllability – even when close to adhesion limits, and
first class body control allied to remarkable comfort over all road surface
conditions. The 2.2 JTS Alfa Brera’s braking system comprises powerful, 305 mm ventilated front discs and 278 mm solid discs at the rear. When powered by the 3.2 JTS V6, the Brera features larger, 330 mm ventilated discs with Brembo four piston monobloc aluminium callipers at the front, and 292 mm ventilated discs at the rear for even greater, fade-free stopping power.
The
Alfa Brera offers direct, lively and responsive speed-sensitive power
assisted steering, with a rack requiring only 2.25 turns lock-to-lock; the
most direct steering in its class. The turning circle is just 10.7 m between
kerbs.
Both
passive and active safety features are comprehensively represented in the
new Brera. In addition to seven standard equipment airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners
and a fully integrated Fire Prevention System, the new car comes with a
comprehensive range of state-of-the-art electronic braking, traction control
and stability systems fitted as standard. ABS anti-lock braking is combined
with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution over all four wheels, and a
sophisticated switchable Vehicle Dynamic Control unit enhances cornering
stability. VDC is further augmented by ASR to limit wheelspin during
acceleration, MSR to modulate braking torque when changing down through the
gears, and a unique Hill Holder function to facilitate smooth hill starts.
As with
all Alfa Romeo models, driver orientated ergonomics, superior passenger
comfort and lavish standard equipment levels are fundamental to the interior
design of the new sports car. The Brera boasts a notably generous standard
equipment specification, offering, even at entry level, many features only
available as expensive options on rival models, including automatic Dual
Zone climate control, full length Sky View glass roof, cruise control, a
multi-function display and trip computer, fog lights, 18 inch spoked alloy
wheels and an RDS 6-speaker stereo radio with CD player. In addition, the Brera 3.2 JTS V6 is equipped with premium Pieno Fiore Sports Leather, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, Xenon headlights with headlight washers, Bose audio system and Bluetooth telephone connection system. The alloy wheels are also a different style for the V6.
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