Alfa Romeo in the UK wanted to create a true driver's car and with the
help of motorsport specialist Prodrive has churned out a limited
edition Brera S. Only 500 units will be made available.
A year after Prodrive was called in to tweak the sports coupes
suspension and chassis, the Brera S is pronounced as offering better
driver feedback and handling than the standard car.
Briefed to make the Brera S less of a long-distance tourer and more of
a sports car, Prodrive developed a new suspension set-up with revised
spring rates (increased by over 50%).
The cars have also been lowered by 10 mm, reducing the centre of gravity, while also giving the cars a more purposeful stance.
Dampers have been tuned to achieve sharper handling, better control and
greater steering response for the more enthusiastic driver.
The sports car driving experience is achieved by reducing body roll and
flattening the cornering attitude, helped by bespoke Eibach coil
springs and Bilstein dampers.
A lightweight
8C Competizione-inspired lightweight 19-inch alloys and Pirelli PZero
Nero tyres have been fitted, although this is for more than just
cosmetic appeal since they also aid in reducing the car's overall
weight.
This is further reduced by the adoption of hollow anti-roll bars and
aluminium suspension components, and as a result, both are lighter than
the standard models.
The front-wheel drive 3.2 V6 is almost 100 kg lighter than the Q4 version, and the 2.2 weighs about 35 kg less.
The 2.2 JTS and 3.2 V6 JTS Alfa Brera S can reach 100 km/h from a
standing start in 8.6 and 7.0 seconds respectively. They have claimed
top speeds of 224 and 250 km/h.
According to the manufacturer, the Brera S also sounds different from
the standard range. The V6's rumble has been enhanced with redesigned
rear silencers and a Holmholtz resonator gives the 2.2 a more refined
burble.
Chrome tipped tailpipes have also been altered to mirror the shape of the rear tail lights.
Changes inside the cabin are more obvious, with the sports seats in
soft black leather, dashboard, steering wheel, door panels and
gearlever all finished in accentuating red stitching.
To complement the drilled aluminium foot pedals, an aluminium limited edition Brera S plate is mounted in the headrest recess.
