Alfa Romeo Brera S Prodrive | Seen

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【Summary】The Alfa Romeo Brera S Prodrive is a limited-run performance model designed specifically for the UK market. It features upgrades such as bespoke Bilstein dampers, stiffer springs, and a chassis setup developed on British B-roads. The S upgrade is available with either a 2.2-liter four-cylinder or a 3.2-liter V6 engine. Prodrive's upgrades greatly improved body control, steering, and overall grip. This particular 2.

FutureCar Staff Sep 27, 2023 9:15 AM PT

The Alfa Romeo brand has been experiencing a revival, and one of their standout models is the Giulia. Despite being in its eighth year, the Giulia still holds its own as a viable alternative to the German competitors. While Alfa Romeo has had a reputation for reliability issues in the past, owning one of their cars now comes with fewer caveats.

Not too long ago, Alfa Romeo cars were known for their eye-catching designs. However, some of their models fell short when it came to performance. For example, the 4C had stunning looks but struggled on rough British roads. The Brera, on the other hand, promised much but didn't deliver the same level of excitement when driving. However, there was one exception - the limited-run Brera S.

The story of the Brera S starts with Alfa Romeo's UK marketing chief, Nicholas Bernard, who recognized that the coupe was lacking a clear identity. It wasn't as luxurious as a grand tourer and not as sharp as a sports car. Bernard convinced the higher-ups to collaborate with Prodrive to create a performance model specifically for the UK market.

The Brera S wasn't just a minor upgrade. It underwent a major overhaul to address the perceived issues with the original model. This included bespoke Bilstein dampers, stiffer Eibach springs, and a chassis setup developed on British B-roads. The S variant also featured beefier Brembo brakes and stylish 19-inch wheels. It was available with either a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.2-liter V6, which saved weight by removing the all-wheel drive system.

Prodrive's upgrades transformed the Brera S into the sports GT it was meant to be. Reviews praised the improvements to body control, steering, and grip. While it may not have been as dynamic as rear-wheel drive competitors like the BMW Z4, comparing it to the Porsche Cayman seemed unfair given the price difference. The Brera S cost just £1,450 more than the base model, making it an attractive option.

This particular example of the Brera S is number 126 out of 500 and has aged well with 15 years and 102,000 miles on the clock. Priced at £7,995, it's a bargain compared to recent sales of the 3.2 S variants. While you may miss out on the V6 sound and some power, you still get the benefits of Prodrive's upgrades. It's an enticing proposition, especially when you consider what Prodrive could have done with the 4C.

SPECIFICATION | ALFA ROMEO BRERA S