Just a few days ago we brought you the revamped Alfa Romeo 159 Sedan and Wagon. Alfa seems to be very keyed up this time, so they revealed another two facelifts today – the beautiful Brera and the stunning Spider. Similar to the 159, changes are quite subtle yet significant all around.
Primarily, considerable amount of weight has been slashed off the car by the use of lighter alloy wheels, aluminum suspension pieces, and aluminum mono-block brake calipers.
Exterior changes include the introduction of a new color (Ice White), together with a new 10-spoke 18-inch wheel. Inside, the seats are sportier and more ergonomic, and similar to the 159; the dashboard has plenty of new things including the revamped controls for the dual-zone climate control system, new satellite navigation system, and more .
As for the power plant, buyers can choose between the new 185 hp 2.2 litre and six-cylinder 260 hp 3.2 litre petrol engines, or alternatively go for the outgoing 210/200 hp 2.4 litre JTDM diesel engine.
Press Release
*Alfa Brera MY 08 and Alfa Spider MY 08*
The new Alfa Spider and Alfa Brera models offer the public a greater optimized range and significant interior improvements in the fields of comfort and on-board well-being. To render the cars even more beautiful, some new aesthetic touches have been introduced, such as the new chassis colour Ice White and a 18” spoked wheel with a sporty dark finish. The greatest change though is in the driving compartments which are even more welcoming and sophisticated, thanks to the use of high-quality materials and innovative solutions. For example, the black interior (from roof to carpet) confers a strong sporty feel to the vehicle. A feel strengthened by the introduction of new front seats (introduced to the Alfa Brera MY 08 also) in a “sporty” arrangement which offer a more ergonomic holding for increased driving pleasure and comfort. Among other things, the electronic seats have a new button which simplifies the back adjustment. To further improve on-board comfort, at the centre of the dashboard we find the integrated satellite navigation system, and all the commands for dual-zone climate control. Carried out in a refined design, from today the displays have a more immediate and intuitive graphical interface, as well as a new arrangement of dials for climate control.
Changes have also been made to the painting on the dash, control panel and sporty steering-wheel, so conferring a plucky look to the entire body. This does not detract in any way from the special elegance that has always distinguished these two vehicles. The inserts in the dashboard and door panel, as well as the handle and opening lever are in a new metallic paint. At the same time, the radio display, gearshift and steering-wheel are made in high-quality material such as carbon-fibre or
aluminium. The interior furnishings are available in a new soft and black material with metallic glints and two types of upholstery: Pelle Frau and the prized Poltrona Frau, characterized by the unique and soft comfort, available in black, leather and red-purple. The leather upholstery on the seats can be matched to the dashboard and panels, which are lined in Frau leather with sporty stitchings in tune with the seats. The interior shows off sporty pedals lined in aluminium, externally the
rear logo si fitted with a “push” system for an immediate and easy opening of the trunk. The rear and front brake calipers are in red aluminium. Lastly, the optimization of the 2008 range foresees a unique rich set of arrangements. These include: VDC, 7 airbags, dual-zone climate control, radio commands on the driving-wheel, cruise control and 17” alloy wheels. The range of optionals on offer is also broad: xenon headlights, 18” or 19” alloy wheels, infomobility services with commands on the steering wheel, Hi-Fi Bose®sound system, Blue&Me, Blue&Me Nav, CD-changer and a sensor to alert insufficient tyre pressure.
Further changes in the 2008 range, is the optimization of the model structure, for the improvement of comfort and dynamism. For example, in comparison to previous models the alloy wheels have been lightened via optimization of the properties of aluminium alloy. For larger dimensions, “flow-forming” technology has been used. The front suspension brackets has been made in aluminium. In the same manner, the stabilizing bar is of the tubular kind, whilst the front-brake calipers (on the 4-cylinder models) are in mono-block aluminium. All these design changes have reduced the total weight of the vehicle by several kilos. The heart and real strength of every Alfa model is the engine. Beneath the beautiful design and feisty personality, both the Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider are fitted with advanced and excellent motors of outstanding performance: the two “petrol” JTS (2.2 with 185 Cv and 3.2 V6 with 260 CV) direct injection engines are both mated to an automatic 6-speed
gearshift. Also on offer, the automatic Q-Tronic shift which is exclusive to the 3,2 litre, whilst the self-shifting Selespeed is available for the 2,2 litre models. In addition, the two Alfa Romeo models offer a 2.4 JTDM 20v, the plucky Multijet turbodiesel with two power ranges: 210 CV (mated to an automatic 6-speed gearshift) and 200 CV (offered with Q-Tronic). As well as the “Alfa Romeo temperament” provided by the engines, the two new cars guarantee excellent dynamic performances, thanks to the high wishbone front suspensions and Multilink in the rear. The Alfa Brera MY 08 and Alfa Spider MY 08 offer the chance to have the 3.2 litre version, with only front traction, allowing a top speed of 250 km/h. In terms of safety, the Alfa Brera MY 08 and Alfa Spider MY 08 have many innovative electronic instruments for dynamic control of the car's behaviour (from braking to traction). They are implemented to raise yet further the dynamic limits, hence not intrusively for the driver, but all to the advantage of safety. The use of these gadgets has been studied with aim of improving as much as possible driving pleasure. It's in this arena that the brand new “Electronic Q2” system is fitted to the entire range of the Brera MY 08 and Spider MY 08 models. Both the new Alfa Romeo models become true reference points in their sector. Thanks primarily to the numerous renewals which have been listed up to now, as well as the different features which distinguish the two vehicles. The new Alfa Brera MY 08 is a coupè of great prestige, that arouses strong emotions, guaranteeing the greatest driving pleasure, drawing inspiration from the brand name's historical legacy in this field. One has only to remember the 1900 SS, Giulietta Sprint, Alfetta and the Giulia Sprint GT.
However, within the Alfa Romeo tradition, the Spider has always been in high-relief, representing the “free and exciting” expression of cars. It's in this spirit that the Alfa Spider MY 2008 renews itself, as the natural evolution of Spider's developed by Alfa Romeo in it's long history. A confirmation of the Spider's “essential and simple” character, united to the technological superiority that distinguishes the “new Alfa generation”.
Source: Alfa Romeo
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