British fettled Alfa Brera S

What is it?

According to Alfa Romeo - and all the advertising bumf that'll promote it - the S is the best of Italy and best of British. The Italian bit is covered by the supermodel looks (and slightly iffy driving position), while the British part is the chassis tweaks undertaken by Prodrive. The changes are meant to turn the Brera S into a more sporting proposition, a sharper car that's been specifically honed for British roads and British drivers' tastes.

Is it any good?

Prodrive is a hugely respected name in the world of motorsport. But the British firm does more than build road and rally racers, it's also involved in numerous projects for road car manufacturers. The Brera S is one such collaboration, Alfa approaching Prodrive a year ago to turn its rather softly set up Brera into a sharper, more appealing driver's car. The result is the Brera S, a car that'll be built in a run of just 500. Using the already lighter 2008 Brera as a basis Prodrive has managed to strip some more weight out. It has achieved that with the V6 model by binning the four-wheel drive system, but other changes reduce the weight further, like the gorgeous alloy wheels that reduce the mass by an amazing 2kg per wheel - despite being bigger in size.

The suspension has been lowered and stiffened, all to the benefit of steering accuracy and feel, the Brera S delivering decent feedback at the wheel's rim. The Brera S can be had with either the 2.2 JTS or 3.2-litre V6 petrol engines. Of the pair it's the 2.2-litre car that's the most convincing. The weightier V6 engine requires stiffer suspension settings than the 2.2-litre car, the result a harsh ride compared to the merely firm, focused one on the 2.2-litre car. Power remains unchanged in both cars, so neither feels massively quick, though S additions like numbered plaques, unique interior trims and those beautiful wheels add some serious appeal to the already great-looking Brera.

Should I call the bank manager?

Chances are if your bank manager is an Italian car fan they'll be ahead of you in the queue for the Brera S. Alfa and Prodrive are only making 500, so you'll need to be quick if you want to get your hands on one too. Obviously, given the fairly extensive changes the Brera S costs a touch more than the standard car, but at only around £1,500 more it's something of a bargain. It's also likely to retain its value a bit better, as Alfa fans are likely to pay a bit more for a used Brera S, especially if you keep things like the chassis-numbered, signed certificate of authenticity from Prodrive.

Summary

If you're after an Alfa Brera then the S is definitely the one to have. It might not be any quicker, but the suspension modifications have sharpened it up and improve the driving experience markedly. That's particularly true of the 2.2 model, the too firm 3.2-litre V6 less convincing. However, if the Brera S is on a list with other coupes there are better driving choices out there; any Audi TT or BMW 1 Series Coupé will provide more grins. The Brera counters with its jaw-dropping looks, those S wheels adding further to its visual allure, but we'd spend our money elsewhere.

Kyle Fortune