Alfa Brera ...... not quite what we all thought

[urbanmaser]

Alfa Romeo took the Geneva 2002 show by complete storm with the Brera concept car (see below) designed to take the Maserati 4.2 V8. If only they had the courage to have taken that fabulous design complete with doors and a V8 to production rather than the watered down version we have today with a GM V6. With rear wheel drive, a Maserati V8 Alfa maniacs would have gladly paid £50,000 plus

 

[conaero]

Such a shame about that one, it just did not translate into the generic road platform, and the rear seats are a joke. Still a lovely car, but in the long run what a waste of a decent concept.

You know there is a pecking order at FIAT, and certain brands are not aloud to go up against each others territory. If Alfa had made a decent job of the Brera, it would have sit above Maserati and knocking on the door of Ferrari, and in Italy, that is like vomiting on the Pope.

Shame, makers should be aloud to build the best car they are capable of, not be pigeon holed into a certain market, that's why I sort of wish Alfa would be sold and would like to see it at BMW, as a premium above the BMW. Even VAG would position it right.

 

[BigFoot]

You are right, one of my all-time favourite Alfas. I have a set of photos (will be uploading them at some point ) showing how the exterior changed from concept car to production car. Very interesting, when seen side by side the differences are enormous.

 

[Andyk]

Yes a lovely car even with the changes...I drove a V6 when they came out and felt underwelmed...But then a year ago had a Brera S v6 (Prodrive) for a day and my god what a transformation. OK no quicker but great in the bends and far more character....One of Alfa best kept secrets....should have pushed this version more.

 

[nfm]

Yes, I think it is a much nicer looking car than the GT but the comedy rear seats and very poor reviews (I have not driven one) have put me off thinking about one as a runabout. Mind you when the 156 eventually dies I will need to move on to something and Alfa will still be 1st choice.

 

[conaero]

NFM, same here, I have a 156 Sportwagon with 112k on it that refused to die. I wanted a GT to replace it, but went in my mates late type and facelifted (2004) 156 Sportwagon, and its really nice. £5k buys you a minter and the JTD is brilliant.

 

[nfm]

I have read the reviews and they say the JTD is brilliant but mine is the V6 and I do love that engine. I remember test driving the 2L and all the reviews said to get it, as less understeer etc but when that V6 is on song it is special (in the sub Maser world, of course).

I would like a sportswagon next time mind you but with my motor only having 52k and rust free it might last forever, albeit the cost of the belt service (due next year) v the value of the car doesn't really make sense!!

Cheers

 

[alfamaserman]

Yep, I can put my two penneth in here as well having had the 3.2 [GM] V6. It was well screwed together, thirsty, not particularly quick, silly rear seats which should have been a shelf with access from the boot, and was £400 a year to tax!
Overall impression - BLAND! However at the time I thought it was one way to buy a new Alfa with rear wheel drive [well nearly - it was 4WD]