Alfa Brera V6 Q4
Discussion
I hear a lot of mixed reviews about this car, but the recent dip in price has made them extremely affordable. Now, before I continue I need to stress that I love Italian cars, so I'm not interested in the 'non-essential' things like trim quality, depreciation, mpg...
However, I have heard that they are pretty rubbish to drive, far too heavy (1700KG?) That doesn't seem much to me, my old Boxster was 1500, and that seemed quick enough. Secondly, the engine is a GM unit? That could be a deal breaker, can anyone give me some feedback on that? Quality, power delivery, sound? Lastly, I've been told that the 4WD version is split 75/25 rear bias - so almost entirely RWD. Again is that true? I'm not looking to own another FWD car at the moment.
Also, is the 2008 model update worth the extra cash?
Thanks guys!
PS, I know a test drive is probably the best way to find out this stuff, but there's none available in Glasgow at the moment...
However, I have heard that they are pretty rubbish to drive, far too heavy (1700KG?) That doesn't seem much to me, my old Boxster was 1500, and that seemed quick enough. Secondly, the engine is a GM unit? That could be a deal breaker, can anyone give me some feedback on that? Quality, power delivery, sound? Lastly, I've been told that the 4WD version is split 75/25 rear bias - so almost entirely RWD. Again is that true? I'm not looking to own another FWD car at the moment.
Also, is the 2008 model update worth the extra cash?
Thanks guys!
PS, I know a test drive is probably the best way to find out this stuff, but there's none available in Glasgow at the moment...
Having owned the pre & post update (the wrong way around), the older car is much better in my opinion.
The new seats look great & offer more lateral support but they sit higher up & dig you in the thighs. The nice (but fragile) real brushed alloy dash trim & door was replaced by cheap sprayed plastic jobbies. That's the trivial part.
However, the worst part was the solid ARB's were replaced with exactly the same diameter hollow ones (crazy) & some steel suspension parts were replaced with same design alloy parts.
Lighter, yes but ultimatley less rigid & less sharp to drive.
The VDC on the later cars was more restrictive too & you get the idiot brake flashing hazards.
As for front wheel drive cars, not what Prodrive planned or developed but what they had to work with at the last minute.
Don't expect everyone to agree of course. My car will be at Goodwood on Sunday so pop by if you want to chat.
I also own & run a V6 GT too so am probably uniquely qualified to discuss the merits of the Holden based but FPT headed Brera engine versus the Busso in the GT
The new seats look great & offer more lateral support but they sit higher up & dig you in the thighs. The nice (but fragile) real brushed alloy dash trim & door was replaced by cheap sprayed plastic jobbies. That's the trivial part.
However, the worst part was the solid ARB's were replaced with exactly the same diameter hollow ones (crazy) & some steel suspension parts were replaced with same design alloy parts.
Lighter, yes but ultimatley less rigid & less sharp to drive.
The VDC on the later cars was more restrictive too & you get the idiot brake flashing hazards.
As for front wheel drive cars, not what Prodrive planned or developed but what they had to work with at the last minute.
Don't expect everyone to agree of course. My car will be at Goodwood on Sunday so pop by if you want to chat.
I also own & run a V6 GT too so am probably uniquely qualified to discuss the merits of the Holden based but FPT headed Brera engine versus the Busso in the GT
Edited by Squadrone Rosso on Wednesday 12th December 20:35
That's a very kind offer, sadly I'm in Scotland for a few more weeks. I'm growing more interested on the Berra by the hour.
Am I correct in assuming the four wheel drive version is predominantly rear wheel driven? And please, as much engine detail as is possible. I was such a fan of the old arese v6, and the fact that the new one may be a lazy gm block is my biggest issue. What can you tell me about the new engine?
Am I correct in assuming the four wheel drive version is predominantly rear wheel driven? And please, as much engine detail as is possible. I was such a fan of the old arese v6, and the fact that the new one may be a lazy gm block is my biggest issue. What can you tell me about the new engine?
The standard split is 57% to the rear although as its is a torsen system, over 80% will go rearward. Turn the nanny systems off (the ASR & VDC can be completely disengaged) & it feels very rear drive.
With it on, it's very understeery but even with it off, it's very safe.
As for the engine, the head is all Fiat Power Trains. 260bhp with continuously variable timing on all four cams.
The engine doesn't sound quite as nice as a standard Busso GT/GTA but the overall package sounds better due to the lovely exhaust sound. Our GT runs a trick exhaust though & the Brera will soon follow suit (Unicorse Wizard replica). Don't get me wrong, the Busso is a fantastic engine but the newer V6 is also a cracker that doesn't deserve the ill feeling shown towards it by other Alfisti. It also responds well to a map (my first one was).
The main bugbear of the Brera is the stupidly long gearing. 2nd is mid 70's, 3rd is past 110. It's not slow but it doesn't feel that fast as a result. The car is solid as a rock at speed, even at a GPS indicated 163 achieved leaving Switzerland into Germany (seriously). It'll run rings around any standard GT/GTA on anything other than billiard smooth roads.
It's a bit heavy too & low 20's thirsty. It's also not a tear arse sports car. Very much a stylish lady that knows how to party when in the mood.
I also run an old Alfa Giulia Spider (RWD) & a Fiat 500 Twinair. They're all great but all different.
But, you either get non-super Italian cars or you don't. I genuinely don't think there's an in between & PH is by far the worst place I've ever come across for prejudice against these cars!
With it on, it's very understeery but even with it off, it's very safe.
As for the engine, the head is all Fiat Power Trains. 260bhp with continuously variable timing on all four cams.
The engine doesn't sound quite as nice as a standard Busso GT/GTA but the overall package sounds better due to the lovely exhaust sound. Our GT runs a trick exhaust though & the Brera will soon follow suit (Unicorse Wizard replica). Don't get me wrong, the Busso is a fantastic engine but the newer V6 is also a cracker that doesn't deserve the ill feeling shown towards it by other Alfisti. It also responds well to a map (my first one was).
The main bugbear of the Brera is the stupidly long gearing. 2nd is mid 70's, 3rd is past 110. It's not slow but it doesn't feel that fast as a result. The car is solid as a rock at speed, even at a GPS indicated 163 achieved leaving Switzerland into Germany (seriously). It'll run rings around any standard GT/GTA on anything other than billiard smooth roads.
It's a bit heavy too & low 20's thirsty. It's also not a tear arse sports car. Very much a stylish lady that knows how to party when in the mood.
I also run an old Alfa Giulia Spider (RWD) & a Fiat 500 Twinair. They're all great but all different.
But, you either get non-super Italian cars or you don't. I genuinely don't think there's an in between & PH is by far the worst place I've ever come across for prejudice against these cars!
That is really helpful, and exactly what I was hoping to hear (excluding the mpg). Im especially pleased that the electronic stability stuff can be turned off.
My current plan is to find a V6 Q4 with panoramic sky roof. I genuinely think its the kind of car I could keep for the rest of its life, a handsome cruiser. With a few, very tiny cosmetic tweaks the brera can be a stunning looking machine.
I'm desperate to get a test drive in one now, I wonder how it will compare to the Porsche.
My current plan is to find a V6 Q4 with panoramic sky roof. I genuinely think its the kind of car I could keep for the rest of its life, a handsome cruiser. With a few, very tiny cosmetic tweaks the brera can be a stunning looking machine.
I'm desperate to get a test drive in one now, I wonder how it will compare to the Porsche.
Symbolica said:
It sounds very flat in comparison, but it's by no means a bad engine. Also it might just be me, but it seems to be a bit lacking in torque at low revs compared to a lot of 6 cylinder engines.
It has more grunt & flexibility than the Busso in the lighter GT. But, the long gearing is a blessing & a curse.Gassing Station | Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff