Alfa Romeo Brera V6 3,2 JTS Q4 test

Intro: Window dressing

In 2002 Giugiaro unveiled the Brera prototype. A prototype that won no less than five international awards for its stunning looks. In the face of such success, Alfa Romeo didn’t waste much time in putting this coupe into production as a replacement for the GTV...four years on, the Brera is ready to seduce.

Esthetique: Universal beauty

Its primary strong point: its universal beauty...the Alfa Romeo Brera looks win over everyone whoever they may be. The Brera’s look is a harmonious mix of sport and elegance. Its lines and proportions are examples of automotive perfection. But the Brera is more than that.

The soul of the Brera is pure Italian, with the class of a diva and the temperament of a stallion. It is unique in its genre: a powerful feminine presence anchored with a handsome virility...We wouldn’t say it is androgynous but rather half-angel, half-devil and it is clearly more than deserving of its title of best looking car of the year.

The interior has little in common with the concept car, yet the finish quality is a clear improvement from that of the GTV. Above all else this interior was designed for the driver. The aluminium inserts add splendidly to the sport atmosphere that reigns throughout the Brera. The Alfa signature is found everywhere. While the ergonomics aren’t perfect, you most certainly have the feeling you are in an Italian piece of craftsmanship.

Motorization: Germanic

However, under the bonnet that classic Italian sensation is gone and that is the biggest criticism that can be made about the Brera. The 260 brake horsepower 3.2-litre V6 is GM built, or rather Holden and not Alfa Romeo. There isn’t any of the superb chrome but rather some very unattractive plastic and once you turn the key...that Alfa soul is desperately missing...so is that sweet engine sound. We can take solace in the fact that there is an extra 10hbp but the poorly staged gearbox had us harking nostalgic. While there is plenty of power it is just too linear and that can be chalked up to wanting to meet antipollution standards.

On the road: Not bad, but…

The Q4 all-wheel drive transmission is more for safety concerns than anything else, which in turns leaves the Brera somewhat neutral...rear-wheel drive would have been a nice idea but don’t get us wrong, this is a fine sports car but we were left wanting just a bit more pizzazz.

With a 43-57 front to rear weight ratio, and we tried to have some fun with it, but when the weight is transferred the result is a Brera that under steers...a lot.

As we mentioned this lovely Italian sports car lacks that something extra...But it does have a long list of nifty bits: full-time ESP that can be disconnected, which is always a good thing, Torsen auto blocking, again, very nice, precise steering and excellent brakes. There is little rolling in the corners and the numbers are quite respectable for the Brera, which tips the scales at 1700kgs: top speed... 240km/h and 27 seconds from naught to 1000m.

Efficient and killer looks...this Brera makes a strong case yet there is something missing to put it over the top...it has sold its soul to become just window dressing.