'Not a storm, but a flower unfolding'. These were the words Giorgetto Giugiaro used to define the Alfa Romeo Brera, a hugely attractive and gorgeously styled concept 
car based around the engine, mechanicals and floorpan of the Maserati Coupe.

The prototype was introduced for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year and received several international plaudits: 'Best of Show' from Autoweek magazine at the Geneva Motor Show; 'Best of Show' in the Prototype category at the Villa d'Este Style competition; 2 category prizes at the Bibendum Challenge 2002, one as 'one of the most elegant in the world'; and the title 'the most fascinating car' awarded at the Paris to Montecarlo Super Car Rally 2002. The Brera has also been nominated for the Automobilia 'Best looking car in the world' prize. An entirely respectable CV, therefore, for this generously-proportioned 2+2 made entirely out of carbon fibre. The car is 1894 mm wide, 4388 mm long and 1289 mm high, even through the strongly tapered front and rear give the model an impression of great compactness. An impression that does not detract in any way, however, from the elegance of the lines that flow smoothly front and back to the integral bumpers and converging wedge-shaped light clusters. 

The exterior shape is a succession of classic hints, an ideal place where traditional brand motifs are brought right up to date. A quick glance tells you all you want to know. The rear window, for example, looks like the legendary window on the Giulietta Sprint. The rear end also borrows distinctive traits from the Alfa 156 and 147. Further retro hints can be discerned at the front: the bonnet has a Fifties look, i.e. dominated by a shield embedded in the centre. The innovative door opening system is based on a patented joint: when rotated outward it propels the door forward. 

Inside, the Alfa Romeo Brera is a welcoming and highly sophisticated place to be. The aluminium components are made warm and comfortable by leather padding to protect occupants' knees and shoulders. The instruments and controls are separate, while a generous central tunnel divides the passenger seats to leave room for a high-tech steel structure. The visual impact is uninterrupted, not least because the ventilation outlets are in the door compartment instead of on the facia. The interior lighting is managed by an innovative sensor system that adjusts the darkness of the big upper window. Lastly, a Hi-Fi system with diffusion system (Picasound) by Pierre Piccaluga offers a sound performance 60% better than conventional systems.

Under the bonnet of the Alfa Romeo Brera sits the Maserati Coupe's new Ferrari-developed 4.2-litre engine with eight cylinders in a V (90°), that develops 400 bhp at 7000 rpm. The mighty power unit is located at the front in the middle and paired with a rear sequential 6-speed gearbox.