News June 16 2006

Brera launches in Australia on 16th June 2006

Alfa Romeo Australia have finally released details on the Brera models that will be made available in Australia… and a launch date. As with the 159 full details on the model can be found in the ItalianCar Brera FACTfile with a press drive scheduled soon.

Here is the information on the Brera from Alfa Romeo Australia. 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 of $69,950, 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.

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.

Options are metallic paint and the SkyView panoramic sunroof and on the 2.2 JTS Brera, the electrically adjustable seats and Bluetooth system.

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ALFA ROMEO BRERA

Recommended Retail Price List

These prices do not include dealer delivery, on-road costs or statutory charges (all prices quoted are in Australian dollars)

	Engine	Gearbox	Trim	Recommended Retail Price
Alfa Romeo Brera 2.2 JTS	2.2 litre petrol	Six Speed manual	Leather	$69,950
Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 JTS V6	3.2 litre V6 engine	Six Speed manual Four wheel drive	Leather	$94,950

Options and option prices

	Brera 2.2 JTS	Brera JTS 3.2	Recommended Retail Price
Metallic paint	option	option	$1,750
Electrically adjustable front seats with three stage heating and electrically folding, adjustable, heated wing mirrors, with memory on driver’s side	option	standard	$3,250

View our FACTfile on the Brera