ALFA ROMEO BRERA
Introduction Appealing Style and Sophisticated Interiors Outstanding Automotive Engineering Safety and Dynamic Performance
State-of-the-Art Technology for Maximum In-Car Wellbeing Innovative Services and Custom Purchase Packages Equipment, Options & Colours (Italian market) Technical Data
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 SAFETY AND DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE
 

Attractive styling, great character and outstanding automotive engineering: the Alfa Brera complements these distinctive traits with other attributes and saves its best hand for the fields of safety and dynamic performance. While driving satisfaction has always been one of Alfa's hallmarks, travelling satisfaction is a compulsory choice when the car must assure outstanding comfort in addition to Alfa character. The Alfa Brera therefore comes with high double wishbone suspension and Multilink suspension systems. This configuration ensures outstanding dynamic performance and also excellent comfort. The person behind the steering wheel can therefore make the most of the car's great sporting performance without having to give up the high standard of driving comfort afforded by the suspension. The Alfa Brera also adds sporting attitude; the Q4 four wheel drive system on the 3.2 V6 version - and the most advanced electronic devices to control the vehicle's dynamic behaviour (sophisticated VDC with non-intrusive sports setting, complete with ASR and MSR). Not to mention, naturally, the numerous devices and systems that help ensure the highest standards of passive safety.

Roadholding: driving satisfaction and active safety

The new Alfa Brera is self-avowedly an Alfa in its uncompromising sense of control and driving satisfaction. Driving comfort and dynamic behaviour have always been specific features of Alfa Romeo cars: on this car, they amount to a real strength. First and foremost, the Alfa Brera is fitted with suspension systems that are appealing by any standards, the outcome of a new design that aims to achieve results of maximum excellence: the front suspension is high double wishbone type and the rear is multilink. Hence a greater capacity to absorb road roughness; maximum linearity and precision in the steering response - and great roadholding, maximum stability in high-speed manoeuvres and the agility of a true Alfa Romeo over tight mixed routes. In detail, the products adopted and the benefits immediately perceptible to customers are as follows:

Front suspension and steering

The new high wishbone layout adopted on the front suspension is the ideal solution to guarantee precise control of wheel movement, with a clearly defined steering axis. The architecture was borrowed from racing and endows the car with outstanding dynamic performance, and extremely sensitive, pinpoint steering. The high double wishbone was already used on the 159 and has been further improved on the new Alfa Brera. First of all, the steering axis was brought closer to the centre of the wheel, increasing the Ackerman level (to increase parallel wheel movement when steering) for better response when cornering, thanks to the steering which is the most direct in its category. The steering of the new Alfa Brera has an excellent ratio (12.7° steer for every degree of wheel steer) for an overall rotation of 2 1/4 turns of the steering wheel, which translates into a more direct response for the driver, more responsive steering and better stability control.

What is more, painstaking analysis of the matching of the steering geometry and the wheelarch volume, made it possible to achieve high steering angles even with the largest tyres, and this significantly improved the turning circle between kerbs (10.7 metres). Great attention was paid to the new wheel upright where it connects to the levers, exploiting the available space inside the rims in full, and this has significant advantages in terms of lateral rigidity; the size of the coaxial damper spring unit with dual tube shock absorber has been increased to improve its capacity to absorb road roughness; the aluminium lower wishbone combines excellent structural characteristics and a much lower weight; the upper aluminium arm fits a pair of dry friction sliding bushes, a solution chosen because it is stronger and more reliable, and guarantees a more progressive action. And finally, the suspension is connected to the chassis by a closed geometry frame which is stiffer than the previous solution which had a simple crossbeam.

Rear suspension

The new Multilink rear suspension allows wheel movement to be controlled in a sophisticated manner, achieving the best possible balance in terms of performance. The system with three levers and a transverse blade highlights the performance of the various components subject to longitudinal load, to improve the filtering of roughness and, under a lateral load, achieving faster responses, enhanced stability and extreme grip.

The rear suspension of the Alfa Brera now features:

  • A higher anchorage point for the longitudinal link, which is now positioned higher than the centre of the wheel, allowing the suspension to perform a longer, more flexible stroke, with an optimal response when negotiating an obstacle.

  • The aluminium upright, fitted with a third generation, extremely rigid hub, supports the connection bushes for the camber lever and the longitudinal link.

  • The bi-tube spring-damper unit is larger than other conventional solutions, this achieves a better compromise between handling and comfort.

  • The camber link, which allows the static camber to be adjusted and produces a geometry capable of guaranteeing a good camber recovery with wheel shake to ensure that the wheel rests perfectly on the road and wear is thus uniform, even when the car is pushed to the limit.

  • The rear hydraulic bush guarantees excellent filtering of roughness, and allows the wheel to retract slightly when negotiating an obstacle.

  • A high tensile steel crossbeam isolated from the bodyshell by four elastic bushes that dampen high frequency vibration.

The Alfa Romeo Q4 4-wheel drive system

The new Alfa Brera with the powerful 3.2 JTS offers the same 4x4 system with three differentials already adopted on the Alfa 159 Q4. This takes the form of the ultra-new Twin Diff system that represents the latest development of the Torsen C. The Brera's central differential is a Torsen C that encloses the front differential for the first time, a solution that ensures considerable benefits in terms of dimensions, weights and also performance. It exploits the forces set up by the front differential to increase its locking effect (35% during traction and 45% during release) to set up a self-locking effect on the front differential as well (up to 20%). The consequence of this is improved traction and cornering stability.

The basic torque distribution of the Q4 system is mainly to the rear (43/57) for greater sportiness. Due to its locking effect, the central differential is able to send drive torque to the axle with the best grip on the ground moment by moment. This allows the system to switch from the initial torque distribution pattern to a distribution pattern focused on the front (72/28) or a distribution focused on the rear (22/78) in fast, automatic and continuous manner according to the grip and slip levels of all four wheels. The Alfa Romeo Q4 four wheel drive system implements permanent, dynamic torque distribution over all four wheels to achieve the highest levels of active safety and sportiness. The Alfa Brera Q4 is four wheel drive Alfa Romeo style: an essentially mechanical system complemented by the most advanced electronics to assure maximum driving comfort together with optimum performance and total safety. The vehicle is absolutely cutting edge as far as engineering is concerned and offers significant benefits:

  • The Q4's four wheel drive with advanced Torsen C self-locking differential (Twin Diff.) makes it possible to achieve improved roadholding, driving satisfaction and smooth responses.

  • Preferential distribution to the rear axle also adds to driving satisfaction because it makes the car easier to handle while ensuring maximum stability when the car suddenly veers at top speed on the motorway, as can happen during emergency manoeuvres.

  • The ability to travel safely in poor grip conditions without the aid of electronics in torque split for constant driving satisfaction.

Tyres and pressure sensor

The excellent on-road behaviour of the Alfa Brera is also aided by its tyres that achieve the best possible compromise between handling and comfort. To guarantee a controlled drift on corners, combined with an excellent capacity to absorb obstacles, the Alfa Romeo engineers and their suppliers have developed special larger tyres, up to 235/45 R 18. In addition, from 2006, the Alfa Brera will also feature a tyre pressure sensor that signals any anomalies by a buzzer and a message on the display.

Braking system

The system is the most competitive in its class and upholds Alfa Romeo tradition in this field. The power-assisted, hydraulic system comprises two cross-over independent circuits, and is particularly effective, guaranteeing prompt, smooth braking combined with minimal stopping distances.
 
Alfa Romeo Brera
Alfa Romeo Brera
Alfa Romeo Brera
Alfa Romeo Brera


The system naturally differs according to the engine version (in terms of weight and power): vehicles equipped with the 2.2 JTS are fitted with 305 mm self-ventilated discs on the front wheels and cast iron floating calliper with piston; the rear brake discs are solid (278 mm diameter) while the calliper is aluminium with a piston.

The powerful Alfa Brera 3.2 JTS Q4 is fitted with 330 mm ventilated discs with a four piston monobloc aluminium calliper on the front wheels; a 292 mm disc, also ventilated, with a floating calliper on the rear wheels. This vehicle marks the first application of a monobloc aluminium calliper with radial attachments to the front brakes of an Alfa Romeo: this option increases calliper stiffness without increasing the weight and therefore makes for increased performance, particularly during a sporty drive.

ABS with EBD

In addition to a high-performing brake system, the Alfa Brera also comes with one of the most advanced ABS antilock brake systems on the market today. It features four active sensors and a hydraulic control unit with 12 solenoids. The ABS contains an electronic brakeforce distributor (EBD). This device apportions braking action over all four wheels to prevent locking and ensure full control of the car under all conditions. The system also adapts its operation to wheel grip conditions and brake pad efficiency to reduce pad overheating.

VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control)

The VDC is Alfa Romeo's version of the ESP (Electronic Stability Program), a system that cuts in under extreme conditions when car stability is at risk and also helps the driver to control the car. As befits a true Alfa, the VDC is a sporting device that makes for outstanding roadholding. It allows the driver the full satisfaction of controlling the car as long as conditions are normal but cuts in just before things become critical. The VDC is permanently engaged.

The MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung) cuts in when the gear is shifted down abruptly under conditions of low grip. This device restores torque to the engine to prevent the wheel skidding as a result of lock. To achieve this result, the VDC continually monitors tyre grip in both longitudinal and lateral directions. If the car skids, it cuts in to restore directionality and ride stability. It uses sensors to detect rotation of the car body about its vertical axis (yaw speed), car lateral acceleration and the steering wheel angle set by the driver (which indicates the chosen direction). It then goes on to compare these gathered data with parameters generated by a computer and establishes - via a complex mathematical model - whether the car is cornering within its grip limits or if the front or rear is about to skid (understeer or oversteer).

To restore the correct trajectory, it then generates a yawing movement in the opposite direction to the movement that gave rise to the instability by braking the appropriate wheel (interior or exterior) individually and reducing engine power (via the throttle). This is the key attribute of the device designed by Alfa Romeo engineers. It acts in a modulated fashion on the brakes to ensure the action is as smooth as possible (and the drive is not therefore disturbed). The engine power reduction is contained to ensure outstanding performance and great driving satisfaction at all times. As it carries out its complex task, the VDC stays in constant communication with the brake sensors and engine control unit but also with:

  • a body computer that constantly exchanges information with the ABS, engine management unit and automatic transmission unit;

  • an electronic throttle (that communicates with the ABS in turn);

  • a control panel (active warning lights);

  • the steering wheel and steering column (via the steering sensor);

  • a gyroscopic sensor installed on the passenger compartment floor to record car yaw and lateral acceleration.

ASR (Anti Slip Regulation)

The ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) system, an integral part of the VDC, optimises traction at any speed with the aid of the brakes and engine control. The device computes degree of slip on the basis of wheel rpm calculated by the ABS sensors and activates two different control systems to restore grip: when an excessive power demand causes both drive wheels to slip (e.g. in the case of aquaplaning or when accelerating over an unsurfaced, snowy or icy road), it reduces engine torque by reducing the throttle opening angle and thus air flow; if only one wheel slips (e.g. the inside wheel following acceleration or dynamic load changes), this is automatically braked without the driver touching the brake pedal. The resulting effect is similar to that of a self-locking differential. This allows the Alfa Brera to get out of trouble easily on road surfaces with low grip. The ASR is activated automatically whenever the engine is started but must be turned off by means of a cut-out switch on the central console. The ASR only needs to be turned off when snow chains are used because the wheel must be able to slip by tiny amounts to pile up the snow so that force can be transmitted to the ground and the ASR tends to prevent this occurring.

HBA and Hill-holder

The equipment array on the Alfa Brera is completed by the HBA system, the hydraulic electronic braking assistant which automatically increases the pressure in the braking circuit during emergency braking. And by the Hill-holder system, which maintains braking pressure for a few moments after the driver removes his foot from the pedal, to simplify hill starts and prevent the car from slipping backwards.

Cutting-edge systems for total protection

Passive safety also benefits from state-of-the-art technology. And goes on to include a new chassis designed to absorb impact with maximum efficacy. Occupants are also protected by the body and doors, without forgetting the Isofix attachments for carrying the tiniest occupants with maximum safety. The car also offers innovative restraint systems (pretensioner on the buckle and a degressive load limiter on the seat-belt) and numerous airbags (at least seven as standard): front with two-stage activation, sidebags and curtain-bags to protect the rear seats as well, and new devices that safeguard the driver's knees. These kneebags (the passenger bag is an option) prevent contact with the dashboard surface and help achieve the highest safety levels.

They are complemented by two front airbags with two-stage activation: for the driver (with capacity of 60 litres) and passenger (120 litres). Their operation is controlled by an electronic control unit on the tunnel that evaluates impact severity by means of sensors that are calibrated by conducting crash tests in the laboratory. The system comes with a diagnostic circuit for checking components electronically. The components are tested by a processor that monitors their operation continuously. The airbags will not be activated by low speed accidents (for example, a slight shunt or a bump while parking) or by stresses that are not due to impact (e.g. driving fast over a pothole). On certain markets, the car is fitted with a front passenger airbag that may be deactivated manually so that a baby can be carried in a seat with its back to the direction of motion (the pretensioner remains active).

The Alfa Brera is fitted with two sidebags to protect the pelvis and chest of front seat passengers when the car is struck from the side. They are located inside the front seat squabs. This solution ensures the best possible protection for passengers regardless of their stature, sitting position or seat setting. For geometrical reasons, it is also possible to use a 12 litre airbag: this volume is lower than an airbag housed in the door would require to offer the same protection. The sensors controlling activation of these airbags are located in the central pillars. If an accident occurs, they receive a side acceleration signal and send it to the electronic control unit that is also responsible for operating the front airbags and seat-belt pretensioners. All systems are managed in an integrated manner in accordance with a strategy of total, progressive occupant safety.

The Alfa Brera is also fitted with curtain-bags that drop down along the windows to safeguard the passengers' heads in the case of side impact. The curtain-bags adopted on the new model are more protective than other products, faster to inflate and less invasive for passengers. They open from top to bottom and do not involve a risk of secondary damage to occupants' arms. They also effectively safeguard the heads of front and rear passengers because they extend along the entire width of the window and ensure protection even during rollover. Two bags (one on the right and the other on the left) are located under the roof rails where they are folded into a closed compartment. At the appropriate moment, the covering bends open to allow the bags to expand and drop downward. Lastly, the new model is fitted with a mechanism to release the pedals in the event of frontal impact to protect the lower limbs.