New Alfa Romeo Brera in Depth (UK)

Press Release

Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Design
Page 3: Model Range
Page 4: Engines & Transmissions
Page 5: Ride & Handling
Page 6: Safety
Page 7: Technical Specifications

MODEL RANGE AND EQUIPMENT

Six versions of the new Alfa Brera will be available from launch, as follows:

Available in two trim levels – Brera and Brera SV – the new Alfa Romeo boasts a comprehensive standard specification, many features of which are only available as expensive options on rival models.

The two specification levels include the following:

Brera:

• Electric windows with one-touch function

• Dual Zone climate control

• Remote central locking with alarm and immobiliser

• 7 airbags, including driver’s knee airbag

• Electronic key and start button

• Stereo radio/CD with steering wheel audio controls and 6 speakers

• Leather steering wheel and gearknob

• Fog lights

• Rear parking sensor

• Cruise control

• Multifunction display with trip computer

• ABS anti-lock braking with EBD and HBA

• VDC with Hill Holder

• Rear armrest with ski tunnel

• 60:40 split folding rear seats

• 16" alloy wheels (17" on 3.2)

Brera SV:

In addition, SV adds:

• Leather interior trim

• Stainless steel kick plates

• Brushed aluminium centre console and trim inserts

• 17" alloy wheels

ENHANCED COMFORT AND TELEMATICS

The Alfa Brera interior offers the very latest systems made possible by today’s technology, and a range of options carefully considered to simplify and enhance life on board. Key options include xenon headlamps, satellite navigation (either independent or incorporated within bCONNECT), electrically adjustable front seats, a Bose sound system, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and 18" alloy wheels.

Sky View panoramic roof

Unique to this segment, the new Alfa Romeo may be fitted with a fixed, full-length, laminated glass sunroof incorporating an electrically controlled interior blind.

Dual Zone climate control

The Dual Zone climate control system, fitted as standard across the Alfa Brera range, makes it possible for driver and front seat passenger to select a temperature differential on either side of the cabin.

The system uses solar sensors to monitor solar gain within the two zones and adjust the temperature accordingly. The system also features a highly efficient active carbon pollen filter, and an Air Quality Sensor which automatically activates the climate control recirculation function to prevent the intake of air in areas of high pollution.

Bose sound system

The Bose sound system, developed for Alfa Romeo by America’s leading acoustic Hi-Fi company, offers peerless acoustic sophistication, boasting exceptional listening quality for each passenger under all conditions.

The 570 watt system comprises a radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility and eight loudspeakers, including a subwoofer built into the luggage compartment with its own 6-channel, 200 watt, digital amplifier for the reproduction of the lowest frequencies. An integrated signal processor automatically adjusts base tones so that they remain natural at any system volume.

CONNECT

The bCONNECT system, located in the centre console of the new Alfa Brera, is a ground-breaking, on-line system that connects the driver to an extensive range of services via either manual control or voice commands.

At the heart of the system is a live telephone connection to a call centre manned by operators who, through automatic vehicle recognition, will always speak the driver’s language.

The various CONNECT services include medical advice, 24 hour roadside assistance and the Drive Me system, which can find the address or telephone number of a private individual or company. The operator will also give the driver information on traffic and weather conditions en route, can find a bank or service station, book a hotel or recommend a restaurant, and provide information on shows, films, exhibitions and concerts. Even airline tickets can be booked on request. If necessary, an operator will even guide a driver step by step to a destination, send out a recovery vehicle, or jog the memory over diary appointments or anniversaries.

Information on a requested destination is transmitted by the operator to the Brera’s bCONNECT system and displayed in the form of an icon on the screen. This information may then be opened, stored in the unit’s directory, or entered directly into the satellite navigation system for immediate guidance. In the case of a restaurant or hotel, the operator can either make reservations at the driver’s request, or furnish a phone number for future reference.

The new Alfa Brera’s bCONNECT system comes with a wide, 6.5", full colour active matrix TFT display screen. It includes an RDS radio with CD and MP3 music file playing functions, a trip computer, Dual Band GSM phone with handsfree operation and WAP Internet access, a GPS map navigation system, atlas function, voice activated commands for telephone and voice memo, and an SOS button connected to the Contact Centre for receiving information and assistance.

The Alfa Brera owner can take advantage of bCONNECT services at any time; when travelling on business, or even at home from a land line or enabled mobile telephone.

Bluetooth connectivity

The new Alfa Brera may be equipped with Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone technology with voice recognition, to ensure maximum driving safety under all conditions. The system allows for the use of Bluetooth compatible mobile phones anywhere on board, even when stowed in storage compartments, jackets or handbags.

The Bluetooth hands-free system is fully integrated into the new Alfa. It is accessed via a control panel display allied to control keys located on the steering wheel as well as the latest voice activation technology, which has no need to learn a user’s voice in advance.

The system automatically lowers the volume of the radio, and allows occupants to hear a caller through the stereo loudspeakers. An integral, echo-cancellation system maintains sound quality without any deterioration in timbre, thus preventing unpleasant, metallic tones.

Xenon headlamps

The safety benefits of xenon headlights over conventional halogen lamps are upheld by simple statistics: light intensity doubles, as does the longevity of the lamp itself. Xenon headlamps also consume less energy and distribute the light beam more effectively.

Due to their brighter, far reaching illumination, the new Alfa Brera’s optional xenon headlamps are combined with an automatic ride corrector which compensates not only for static changes due to axle load variation, but also dynamic changes caused by acceleration and braking.

Cruise Control

Cruise Control, operable at speeds over 18 mph, instantly cuts out when the driver presses the brake or clutch pedal. When the ASR traction control is active, this naturally takes priority over Cruise Control, the system returning the car to the previous set speed once ASR has ceased to function.

Follow Me Home headlights

A practical, safety conscious innovation designed to light the interior of a garage or the path to the front door after the car has been locked. Follow Me Home activates the dipped beams and sidelights of the new Alfa Brera by operating the light flasher stalk within two minutes of turning off the engine. Each time the stalk is operated, light activation is extended by 30 seconds up to a maximum of three and a half minutes.

Parking sensors

The new Alfa Brera is equipped as standard with rear parking sensor equipment, which is activated whenever the ignition is turned on and reverse gear engaged.

The system consists of four ultrasound sensors fitted in the rear bumper linked to an electronic control unit and a buzzer. The four detectors cover the rear corners of the new Alfa Brera from a distance of less than 60 cm, and the area immediately behind the car from a distance of less than 150 cm. Proximity information is transmitted to the driver in the form of bleeps at intervals. The bleeps are emitted with increasing frequency, becoming a continuous signal when the car reaches a distance of 30 cm from any obstacle.