Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 S Prodrive | Spotted
Remember when a better Brera came from Banbury?
Automotive collaborations like the Alfa Romeo Brera S, developed by Prodrive in 2007, don't happen too often nowadays. The Mountune Ford packages spring to mind, though they are far less comprehensive kits than Prodrive's overhaul was. That new cars are better than 15 years ago has probably played a part; ditto the advent of in-house tuning departments (because why share the money around?). And anyone who wants to really go that extra mile in modifying their cars is probably better served than ever by the aftermarket.
Of course, it wasn't always that way. Fresh from the Mazda RX-8 PZ and countless special Imprezas in the early part of the 21st century, Prodrive was approached by Alfa UK to revitalise the very pretty - but rather uninspiring - Brera coupe. At a reputed cost of a million quid, the boffins of Banbury spent a year reworking the Alfa, with 500 cars (split between the 2.2-litre, four-cylinder car, and the 3.2 V6) put on sale in 2008. It cost £24,950 as a 2.2, or £28,450 for the flagship - a £1,450 premium over their respective standard cars, and a price that ensured Alfa Romeo would cover their considerable outlay on the project.
The changes were pretty drastic for a mere 'S' badge. Prodrive fitted bespoke Bilstein dampers and significantly stiffer Eibach springs, dropping the Brera 10mm lower; new wheels saved a couple of unsprung kilos a corner; Brembo brakes ensured it stopped better and many months spent on B-roads all aimed to make the Alfa a more rewarding sports car for British customers. For the 3.2-litre model, Prodrive even went as far as removing the Q4 all-wheel drive, saving 100kg in the process.
The results were little short of transformative. "Prodrive's done sterling work to make the S handle like it does", said one review, praising the steering in particular as a "revelation" compared to the standard Brera; "Prodrive's chassis work releases its inner sports car, while weight savings give the performance more sparkle" read another. Finally, the 3.2-litre, V6 Brera was a fitting flagship to the Alfa Romeo range. If an expensive one. And still not quite as good to drive as the rear-wheel drive alternatives. But it showed admirable commitment to the coupe cause - Alfa cared about its reputation, and Prodrive delivered.
As the Brera was made in very limited numbers, the 3.2 S makes for an interesting modern classic coupe more than a decade later. There are plenty of Breras on sale from just £5k, various four-cylinder petrols and five-cylinder diesels that still look great but won't be much cop to drive, with this 3.2 commanding £14k. Partly that will be due to the condition - fewer than 60,000 miles, "stunning history", four new Michelins and a recent major service - but the Prodrive's reputation is what counts.
Now as then, the S commands more than a 3.2, but is well worth the premium - and its rarity only adds to the allure. What a shame, really, that Alfa didn't hand the wayward 4C to Prodrive as well - what a car that could have been...
SPECIFCIATION | ALFA ROMEO BRERA S
Engine: 3,195cc, V6
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 260@6,300rpm
Torque (lb ft): 237@4,500rpm
CO2: 260g/km
MPG: 25.7
First registered: 2009
Recorded mileage: 59,000
Price new: £28,450
Yours for: £13,995
With regard to the weight, Alfa made a lot of changes to reduce the weight of the car, including thinner higher strength panels and aluminium suspension uprights, my S weighed a little over 1400kg which is not too bad for what is a large and very solidly built car.
A practical hatch though with a decent amount of shove but I think I’d prefer a 147GTA for a similar experience
Ideally prodrive would have fitted a mechanical LSD with a shorter final drive - would have improved it massively (but wouldn't have been possible as would need new MPG test cycles done I guess, but could have been offered as a dealer fit after sale)
It would have seemed better to leave 4WD or make it RWD than FWD and perhaps tune the engine to make up for it or deleted weight elsewhere.
It’s a shame they had the GM V6 in too rather than the Busso and cost a chunk to tax each year. For all that though I do still like them, though perhaps not as much as a GTV Cup which would be similar money
I mean, I am not putting it past Alfa obviously, just wondered!
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