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| Now that's what I call a beautiful view! |
The concept version of the Brera, as seen on the 2002 Geneva Motor Show was a rear-wheel drive machine with a 4-litre V8 mounted longitudinally under the hood but for the production model, launched in 2006, it was available in either a front-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive layout along with the choice of two engines; a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine or a 3.2L V6 engine, both come with direct injection. The 3.2 JTS Q4 is the top-of-the-line model for the Brera, developing 256HP of power and all-wheel-drive, making this the choice for car enthusiasts.
The Brera's design was penned by Italdesign Giugiaro, the man behind the looks of historic Alfas such as the Giulia Sprint of the 60's and the Alfetta GT from the 70's. The Brera's design was applied on the 156 in 2003 and the Alfa 159, making it the brand's signature look back then.
2009 sees the arrival of a special Italia Independent model in association with Italia Independent, an Italian design company. Limited to 900 units and named after Alfa Romeo's partner in the venture, the Italia Independent edition of the Brera was offered with opaque-finish "titanium" paintwork, 18" "turbine" style alloy wheels and an aluminium fuel-filler cap.
Production ended in 2010 but remaining stocks continued until it sold out in 2011.
James May drove this one while Jeremy Clarkson's on the Audi TT Mk2 and Richard Hammond in the Mazda RX-8 on the Series 9 Episode 2 of Top Gear where the boys compare the Audi TT, Mazda RX-8 and Alfa Romeo Brera in Scotland.