The design of the Brera conveys exactly its essence: a classic Italian coupe that combines sporty handling with a harmonious aesthetic, coupled with an important dose of technology applied to comfort and performance.
Among the classic features of the brand present in this new coupe we find the rear window similar to the historical Giulietta Sprint, the emblem crimped in the center of the hood as in the 1950s and the rear, which suggests the distinctive features of the latest Alfa Romeo models.
The execution of the design was carried out by one of the best designers of the specialty: Giorgetto Giugiaro. On Alfa Brera Giugiaro commented: “Despite its large dimensions this coupe is not rough. It expresses power and solidity but combined with an overall harmony. We have worked a lot on the balance and volume of the overhang so that it doesn't look heavy.”
This coupe type 2 + 2 has a generous volume: 4.413 mm long, 1.830 mm wide, and 1.372 mm high, while its wheelbase reaches 2.525 mm. Despite its size, the lines are developed in such a way that the car appears to be very compact.
The Alfa Brera is equipped with two direct injection Nafteros JTS engines and Twin Phaser technology. The first impeller is a 4-cylinder JTS of 2,200 cm3 cylinder capacity and a power of 185 hp. The second option is a V6 JTS of 3,200 cm3 and 260 hp. This V6 features double overhead camshaft with low friction drive. Both engines use the same six-speed manual gearbox.
Both engines have the JTS (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) combustion system, that is, the stoichiometric direct injection for excellent performance. In addition, the two thrusters ensure the high quality Alfa Romeo, having been set up on the Balocco track and assembled in the final phase at the Alfa Romeo factory in Pomigliano. Obviously, JTS thrusters respect emission limits Euro 4.
When equipped with the 4-cylinder engine, the Alfa Brera reaches a top speed of 222 km/h and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. While with the V6 engine it develops a top speed of 240 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.
Many important components have been designed completely and are therefore specific to the Alfa Romeo V6 engine. First, the cover is made of aluminum with 4 valves per cylinder, 2 camshafts per bed equipped with “Twin Phaser” (continuous phase, intake and exhaust variator), already used in 4-cylinder Alfa Romeo engines and now applied for the first time in the 6-cylinder engine.
These inverters allow a phase shift on both camshafts of 50 degrees from the motor angle and serve, on the one hand, to maximize performance by choosing the appropriate phases for all engine speeds and, on the other hand, to reduce consumption and emissions at partial loads.
Another outstanding mechanical innovation is the Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel drive system. The Brera equipped with V6 engine also features permanent all-wheel drive with three differentials. This is the new “Twin Diff” that represents the latest evolution of the Torsen C differential.
The redesigned set allows considerable space savings, weight reduction and improved performance. Leverages the same forces created by the front differential to increase the locking effect (35% traction and 45% retention) to create a self-locking effect on the front axle (up to 20%) resulting in improved motor skills and curve stability. The base torque distribution of the Q4 system is directed primarily towards the rear axle (43/57) for greater sportiness.
Other technologies were incorporated to improve the performance of the Brera and in turn make it a safer car. The ABS system with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) shares braking action between the four wheels, preventing them from locking and ensuring absolute control of the car.
The ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) anti-slip system is part of the VDC and, at any speed, optimizes traction with the help of brakes and engine control. It remains to mention the HBA system, the electronic hydraulic brake assistant that automatically increases the brake circuit pressure during emergency braking. And finally, the Hill-holder system that in the uphill starts maintains for a few moments the braking action by releasing the brake foot, speeding up the start and avoiding dangerous setbacks.
Regarding the interior of the Alfa Brera, we can highlight its cozy, bright and very sophisticated atmosphere, thanks to the good combination of materials combined with design solutions such as the fixed glass ceiling that increases the internal luminosity.
The Alfa Brera is equipped as standard with a large glass ceiling that is a novelty for the segment. The device consists of a laminated glass panel and a motorized curtain inside it. In this way, the user can adjust the amount of light they want inside the cabin simply by means of the electric control.
© Adrián Blanco 2007 - No full or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —
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