The Tragic Failure of The Alfa Romeo Brera

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Dostoevskij wrote that "beauty will save the world," but it certainly didn't save Alfa Romeo, much less the Brera.
By the time production was terminated, in October of 2010, just over 20.000 Breras had left Pininfarina's production line in San Giorgio Canavese, and brand-new examples could still be purchased well into 2011.
However, as they say, time is a great healer and the greatest revealer, and that definitely applies to the Brera, which is now being rediscovered and appreciated by Marque enthusiasts.
The story of the Brera started at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show when the legendary automobile designer Giorgetto #Giugiaro unveiled the stunning Brera concept car, built on the floorpan and running gear of the contemporary Maserati Coupé.
To say the car, named after a fashionable Milan neighborhood, was well-received is an understatement: critics and public alike fell head over heels for Giugiaro's latest creation, which stole hearts and awards wherever it went, so much so, in fact, that even the notoriously tone-deaf Fiat management could not ignore it.
However, those weren't happy days at Fiat's HQ in Turin, as the Group was bleeding money at the alarming rate of about 5 Million a day. #AlfaRomeo had to make do with a paltry 600 Million to invest in new models, so Giugiaro had to adapt his original design to a shortened version of the so-called "Premium" platform developed for the 159 saloon.
To Giugiaro's immense credit, the production #Brera unveiled in late 2005 lost little of the sheer visual impact of its 2002 forebear, despite the markedly different proportions dictated by the front-wheel-drive platform.
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[@Aesthetporium]

I bought one six months ago because I was inspired by this channel. 2006 2.2 JTS that was originally bought in Monaco, now has a happy home in Croatia. It's no sports car, but, it's impossible to drive it without a smile on your face. Such a beauty, the design is atleast 15 years ahead of the competition at the time.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Wow, it's an honor to have somehow influenced your Brera purchase :) and I'm glad you are so happy with it, thank you for letting me know!

[@Aesthetporium]

@@Matteo_Licata Thank you for making these videos, I always learn something new every week that I probably wouldn't look up otherwise. Keep it up!

[@tomahawk1556]

Alfa Romeo Brera >>> Still one of the Best Looking Car in the Parking Lot in the City even in 2022! Forza Alfa Romeo 🐉🇮🇹

[@mauriziolagaxio4954]

I agree 100%

[@jimmyj1969]

Brera/Gtv/159: one of the most beautiful cars ever made! So beautiful that one would have it just sitting in the living room, as a word of art!

[@tomaszmleczek8889]

Im lucky ownee of 159 and I always smiles when I went to parking and see my Bella

[@philipgligorov5848]

I have a 2004 GT, and I would park it my living room too. Beautiful car

[@jami7772]

Still driving my 2.2. Still getting the looks ! Only Guigiaro has the mental capacity to deconstruct a front headlight unit, so much so that the design is represented in the Tonale. Yes the SZ/RZ kind of did it but the Brera/159 was a better interpretation IMO. So good was the design of the Brera, influential designer Frank Stephenson (F430, MC12 etc) had two of them and rates it as a design classic.

[@milospinkfloyd3325]

Is there availible video of frank stephenson talking about brera?

[@Matteo_Licata]

I was at Fiat when Stephenson was there too, and remember to this day his company Brera because of the weird way he repainted the alloy wheels

[@jami7772]

@@Matteo_Licata Now that's a story for another day !

[@alincorha1274]

@@milospinkfloyd3325 look for the future classics vide from Frank Stephenson

[@bobinpune]

*Frank Stephenson has designed some of the shittiest looking cars ever!* Struts around as if he's the 2nd coming of Michelangelo!

[@RVoogt]

Last week I got the 1750 TBI version, 19in wheels, metallic grey and cognac leather with carbon interior... I just love it.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Wow, that’s fantastic. Congratulations and enjoy!

[@RVoogt]

@@Matteo_Licata engine blew up.... But I still had warranty. So it's now in the shop, getting another engine.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Ouch! Lucky that you had the warranty then

[@wonderdays4287]

I’ve got Brera 3.2 q4 Rosso with 100k km on the clock😊 it’s a perfect car even in 2023. And my absolute favourite ❤️😎

[@Matteo_Licata]

Great to hear! Congratulations on your cool Alfa!

[@037dusan]

In its days that front overhang looked enormous - second only to rare examples like »Peugeot 407 Coupe« and »Renault Laguna Coupe«. Probably because, well, it is enormous.

[@Curva_West]

The V6 engine was made at the GM Holden engine plant at Fisherman’s Bend, Melbourne, Australia. The plant was unfortunately closed down and dismantled. The one problem with the Brera was it was overweight. The engine I’d pick is the 1.75lt Turbo. Bel video. 🍀👍

[@nessuno5403]

Typical, generic and imprecise claims - here's a more accurate description: *"The core engine is indeed produced by Holden in Melbourne and shares the Commodore V6’s architecture, plus crankshaft with Commodore’s 85.6mm stroke and connecting rods to suit. However, the bore size is 89mm against Commodore’s 94mm, accounting for the roughly 0.4-litre displacement difference. The bare bones are shipped to Italy for final assembly with Alfa’s own pistons, JTS cylinder heads and specific intake and exhaust systems."* (Brera review by CarSales, July 2006)

[@helenabarnett6441]

Bought mine two years ago... I don't think I'll ever part with it! Never tire of seeing it, or being seen in it! What a car should be. A means of getting from a to b in style & elegance. Beautiful. (Something the modern tonka toy suv's can only dream of!) Great video Matteo. And you showed the best colour too, misano blue. Ciao.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it. Which color is yours?

[@helenabarnett6441]

@@Matteo_Licata Misano blue.. (2006, 2.4 diesel) Some of the early promotional videos I have seen show the same colour, so I think the marketing team must have agreed the blue really suited the design. I hope one day to drive from UK to Turin on a Grand Tour! Loving your KZbin channel..

[@Matteo_Licata]

Cool. Yes, it’s perhaps the best color for the Brera, even better than red. Thank you very much for your appreciation and, when you’ll make that drive from the UK to Turin, feel free to send me an e-mail: I’ll gladly show you around my city 👍

[@helenabarnett6441]

@@Matteo_Licata Grazie, Matteo

[@peterli6138]

Excellent video, Matteo!! 👍👍 My first Alfa was a Brera 2.2 JTS. It's gorgeous, but it didn't handle well. Since then I have bought an Alfa 916 GTV 2.0 TS and a 156 2.5 V6, and the Brera was sold. Both the GTV and the 156 are more enjoyable to drive. Despite the negatives about the Brera, Alfa have shown how to build a good quality and reliable car. During my 2-year ownership of the Brera nothing was broken, and it felt solid like a Mercedes.

[@greygtv6]

That's hardly surprising because the guy in charge (forget his name) apparently was responsible for BMWs and over-saw the development of a Rolls Royce model before Alfa brought him in. That's according to comments I've read on the internet.

[@murrayrosser]

Bought a 2009 3.2l Prodrive Variant in the UK and shipped it home to New Zealand about 6 years ago. Car now done 96,00km and runs extremely well. Inside and out it is a pleasure and an excitement to drive - looks and handles better than many other 'safer' brands and, I see, in the UK this variant has held/increased in value. Only 250 of these 3.2l two wheel drive cars were made - absolutely the pick of all Brera models!

[@TwinSparx3005]

Had the 1750 tbi in Ti spec and unwillingly sold her off after my first new born arrived. Until today, I miss her dearly.

[@greygtv6]

Same colour as mine so I think I need a Quad badge in the same place. Mine is the diesel and I love it especially the torque. Build quality is superb with zero rattles for a 2007 car.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Cool car, and the 2.4 diesel was probably the best engine for it 👍

[@hugovianadasilva5479]

I want one. But with a petrol italianian engine. There is only one, the 1.8TBi. Hard to find here in Portugal 😞

[@Matteo_Licata]

Here in Italy, collectors are already pushing up the prices for those few Brera TBi made... And I wonder if it's worth paying the premium, to be honest. I'd happily have a Brera with any engine, as it looks so damn good :)

[@harryhazza626]

Im still driving around in my Brera 3.2 Q4 , its brilliant, sounds beafy , looks incredible, and is fairly reliable. I love this car , if you look after it it'll look after you. Just don't expect it to be a mazda mx5. Its not a sports car , its a cruiser ,a sexy one ❤️❤️❤️

[@shankarbalan3813]

What a really pretty car. So sad the public have no taste and hence didn’t appreciate it.

[@toyotaprius79]

Need for speed Carbon was my first introduction to this lovely thing

[@mzungusi]

I didn't understand the Brera , until I saw one recently on the street in Bucharest. It's REALLY cool looking! I really want one , but there's no way I can 1) Get one here in the US. 2) Maintain the thing when I get it. Oh well....

[@Matteo_Licata]

Yes, it’s a tad too early for Breras to be legally importable in the USA. Then, of course, get spare parts will be near-impossible. Most are already unavailable, by the way.

[@jqassam]

It is my current car. 2.4jtdm. And that will remain so until it is possible. Red with 19" Prodrive wheels. Sitting in the garage and waiting to be driven. I've bought 159 SW with a hook to transport bikes. Both look and drive well. But Brera is the precious one.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Cool!

[@jqassam]

I've always had a inkling for Alfas even in 80ies. 75 with proper trims looked better than BMW 3s and when SZ came out, I was gobsmacked. What a wild and daring concept. I've seen that in the Alfa saloon in Udine or somewhere around that town.

[@gr182]

Sorry Matteo, forgot to mention, your videos always prompt me to start looking at the second hand car adverts for the model in the video! That is a testament to the quality of your videos! 👍

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you very much :) By the way, it happens to me as well, when I film these cars!

[@arth3313]

Been looking forward to this, Thank you. Is that a sneak peak on a 159 video😉

[@Matteo_Licata]

That day I filmed the Brera an a Spider, but not a 159 unfortunately. Will try my best to source one though!

[@arth3313]

@@Matteo_Licata looking forward to you covering more alfs romeos😇

[@Franksie169]

I owe a 2.2S Prodrive, I had a couple of Alfasuds in the 80s which didn’t end well but never forgot them or the love of Alfa, had it for a couple of years and can’t see me ever selling it, Prodrive sorted out the handling and never get bored of just looking at it before driving it, simply love it

[@ilmaio]

She looks the look, but drives like a minivan, because of the ridiculous weight. An Alfa must excite the driver, the Brera does not. The soul-less engines are just a part of the problem. A 1,100 kg version, rear wheel drive, would have been selling better despite the boring engine. A pity, because the Brera was far prettier than the TT for example. Better engines, less useless mass, rear wheel drive or 4WD, and it would have been selling in numbers. For that to happen, Alfa Romeo should have been falling in different hands than Fiat. Another crime against the country perpetrated by Prodi and his gang. Among many.

[@AlfaGrale]

I own a Brera 2.2 for 14 years and a Gtv 3.0 V6. It’s true that the Busso Gtv is much more exciting to drive but I am still in love with the way the Brera looks from outside and inside since the first day I bought it. The Brera is unique in it’s own way and I believe that when the time comes it will receive the appreciation it deserves. In real world the Brera is truly a solid, reliable and luxury GT to drive

[@Matteo_Licata]

You're absolutely right :) Here in Italy, prices have already been firming up, it seems the Brera's time is finally coming.

[@nickholmes6376]

I worked at an Alfa dealer when it was launched,, fantastic looking car but let down by woefull engines, i hated every power unit in that model apart from the 1.8 tbi but they are as rare as hens teeth,.i also liked the matt paint finish

[@Hhh-j8o]

1.75 TBI, surely.

[@markallen2984]

Alfa Romeo had left the United States before this car was built, so the only time I got to see one was during a visit to friends in Innsbruck. It's such a beautiful car. Actually the new Mazda3 hatchback reminds me of it. In a different reality the union of Alfa Romeo and Mazda would no doubt create some remarkable cars.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Mazda has often played the role of "the Japanese Alfa," one could argue. Unfortunately, we were denied the Mazda-based Alfa Spider...

[@paullacey2999]

I think its looking better as time goes by,If only Alfa Romeo built a Coupe Guilia nowadays,but its SUV's people want now.Shame on them....

[@1BCamden]

I’m very lucky 🍀 to own a 2007 3.2 Q4 example, it is an elegant masterpiece. When maintained properly, it can punch well above its weight. Thankyou for acknowledging this model

[@Matteo_Licata]

Cool, just like the car in the vid then! Thank you for watching and wish you many more years of driving enjoyment with your Brera!

[@rabit818]

It’s all in the details. The chrome line on upper grille that extends to the lights. And of corse the rear slopes rear end. An exquisite Alfa.

[@dm5374]

I've never owned an Alfa (Lancia was my brand...) but truly your commentary was 100% spot-on. Alfa seems to be a series of "what could have beens", from the Montreal though the 6, that really it's such a pity so much competence and imagination has gone to waste because of management issues.

[@Matteo_Licata]

"it's such a pity so much competence and imagination has gone to waste because of management issues." Very well said. Your sentence sums it all up very effectively indeed! 👍

[@nrs6956]

Alfa + Beautiful Italian woman a winning combination.! Viva Alfa Romeo.

[@christophchristoph9909]

This is currently at position 1 in my next car list (coming from a 159)

[@TheBaron481]

Its my next car. The design is aggressive and absolutely timeless. I adore Alfa Romeos

[@pjrebordao]

The major problem with the Brera was the brand itself. Already at that time, most of the buyers (or fleet buyers) with that kind of money to spare, would turn to the more "safer" prospects offered by BM, MB, Audi... And the problem subsists today. Regardless of how good and gorgeous the cars (and SUVs) are, they face an uphill battle and, unfortunately, they will loose...

[@danieloide787b]

I own a 2.2 just like the miniature one and I'm totally in love with it. The design is unique, and the driveability it's superb. What a great GT, I've just miss a bit of less weight for make it more fun and better room in the back seats!!

[@Muushondje]

Great storytelling Roadster Life ! I have enjoyed every second of it !

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you!!!!

[@tjshill82]

The fact that the GT and Brera were on sale side by side for a number of years shows how messed up Alfa was. They were both competing in the same market. Then they discontinued both of them had absolutely no coupes for sale at all 🤷‍♂️.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Indeed. It's a travesty that Alfa, of all brands, no longer offers any coupé or spider!

[@Hhh-j8o]

@@Matteo_Licata or hatches lol

[@Archman155]

@@Hhh-j8o or sportwagon.. their management is a complete joke which has robbed us of so many cars. guilias would have sold so well in europe with a sportwagon option but they decided to cater to the US market, which was barely aware of alfa's existence and had a terrible dealer network, and kept it as a saloon only.. theyve done stupid things like this so many times

[@shafeqmohd4021]

Still one of several Alfa Romeo that I want to keep if money and space permitted.

[@chrtsi6912]

When i recall the Brera concept presentation tears come to my eyes...what a missed opportunity...

[@user-tl5iz9pt8t]

I love my grey 2008 2.2S in every way - but that engine is its weakness. It is exceptionally smooth and will run on a light throttle quietly at low revs if needed. But it simply doesn't have the pulling power needed for a car of this nature. However, it is the most beautiful car imaginable - I call her 'Bellissima'. I have had mine for 7 years now and, provided my insurance company doesn't think I am too old for it, I will keep it until I stop driving. It has been very reliable too (at 51,000 miles). I can't believe a car such as this failed commercially.

[@thatbritishguitarist9254]

Can we get a video on the 159? It's my favourite model. Love the videos btw

[@Matteo_Licata]

As soon as I’ll get to film one, I’ll make a 159 video. Next week there’s a Spider, by the way ;)

[@parmentierluxuryfashion822]

A 2.0 Jtdm diesel was also available on the latest versions of the Brera. Very good engine block for this GT. My Brera 2.0 Jtdm has already given me 350,000km trouble-free driving pleasure. In my opinion, the diesel is the best choice for the Brera, because its only major drawback is its relatively high weight. With the extra torque that a diesel offers, this disadvantage is minimized. The Brera is the best and most beautiful car I have ever had!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Yes, it perhaps arrived too late in the model's run to make a difference, but the 2.0 JTDm was a very good option indeed. It seems to me that these cars were misunderstood and marketed improperly in period. Which is a pity because, as your experience shows, these were brilliant cars.

[@pierinocuschera954]

I just bought my first Alfa Romeo, & I went for the brera simply because, I loved it from the moment I looked at it & now I can finally afford one. I always dreamed of owning a red Alfa Romeo when I was a kid & now I own, in my opinion, the most beautiful of them all. ❤

[@jura05]

Love the ending of the video!!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Glad you liked it :)

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

I love my 159 Sportwagon. Still looking for my perfect Brera. There's more than one would expect here in Au.

[@Matteo_Licata]

I didn't know there were many Breras Down Under. Funny to think that their engines went from the Holden factory all the way to Italy, then came back to Australia installed in the cars! That's quite a lot of miles :)

[@hagenkleemann7309]

Even if it sounds a bit far fetched for some, to me the Brera is and will stay one of the most stunning and unique car designs that ever made it into serial production. Had it been a sales hit, it would play in the same league of appreciation as the Citroën DS, the Jaguar E-Type or the Mercedes 300 SL from the 50s, given it hit the streets in times when uniqueness in automotive design was a thing of a long gone past.

[@Matteo_Licata]

It does indeed deserve to stay in such hallowed company, as it's a perfect design: it doesn't have a bad angle, no matter how hard you look :)

[@angelobondi6147]

i agree totally, still my Brera 2006 looks the best in any parking lot. Hard to belive is 18 y.o. The humanity missed the opportunity to own one big time

[@MrTheunivideo]

I am a very average 1.82m tall, and sitting in a Brera, my head touched the roof, which is unfortunately completely unacceptable. Maybe i did something wrong - but i checked all the adjustments! I could not get comfortable. Just as well, I couldn't afford one!

[@JJHurst]

Had my 2.2 S for 3 weeks , it’s a very underrated car ....I can’t think of a single thing I’d replace it with given my particular set of considerations.

[@Matteo_Licata]

The Brera S is something special, thanks to the Prodrive mods… I talk about it in a new video that’s going online later today ;)

[@JJHurst]

@@Matteo_Licata excellent! I’ll look forward to watching that later...

[@briankay4713]

Great video and knowledge Matteo 👌 as always. Tired of all the comments about its handling and dynamics ... never sold as by Alfa or described as or in any form a sports car .... It is a GT with gorgeous styling and interior ... lovely and comfortable place to be on long trips ....I've done 400 mile trips in mine in supreme comfort ...

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you! Yes, enthusiasts really missed the point on the Brera in period, and it’s a crying shame. I do believe that Alfa could have marketed it better though, as it’s evident that potential buyers didn’t understand the car

[@briankay4713]

@@Matteo_Licata totally correct Matteo ....the build quality is on another level too as you pointed out ...especially compared to the GT which was on sale at the same time ... A real missed opportunity..like many in Alfas history unfortunately 😔

[@stefanogallo585]

Quando guido la mia Brera tutti osservano la macchina in segno di ammirazione e di stupore....questo è sufficiente e tutto il resto passa in secondo piano.....

[@Matteo_Licata]

Eh si. Un vero classico dello stile Italiano che gli appassionati non hanno saputo apprezzare come meritava quando uscí.

[@Nesboy85]

I am sure that it still has to be one of the most beautiful cars in the parking lot for many but I was always confused about the Brera. Design-wise I think that the car is beautiful up to the end of the front door. From that point until the back I never liked it. It seemed unbalanced or that the front didn't suit the back. I would like it to be a true coupe than a sports hatchback with small windows for the back seated. A rival for the CLK coupe I 'd say. That is why I chose the GT and never regretted it. The Spider on the other hand was beautiful!!! BUT that has always to do with the taste of an individual. Apart from that I think that it was a big mistake having both GT and the Brera in the market. That definitely confused the potential customer who at the end (as the sales showed) chose the GT mostly, and for many good reasons too (starting with the comparison of the 2.0 jts vs 2.2 jts specs of the cars). On the other hand, the management took a lot of time figuring out that the engines didn't also suit the car. Unfortunately, as Alfa always does, right before the end, offered the car with a proper engine & upgrades. The 1750 tbi was amazing both on the Brera & Spider...

[@TheOrientalBoyz]

Exactly, I also don’t like the rear end of Brera, that’s why I bought the spider. It looks balanced and perfect!!

[@TheRealFLX81]

The girl is beautiful! The car... Somewhat, but I always found it much too hefty and the rear somewhat plump. Would have preferred a GT with the 159s front end.

[@brunotulliani]

For me it was love at first sight. I saw the car here in Montreal when it first came out and it was the Italian Ambassador who was driving. Great segment!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Cool. Was it officially sold in Canada?

[@brunotulliani]

@@Matteo_Licata No it was not but being an Ambassador has it's advantages. Diplomatic immunity........lol. I saw it during the Grand Prix season in the old port of Montreal. There was also an exposition of antique Ferraris.

[@thesunreport]

I saw a black one of these on the road a few months ago, I thought it was a nice looking car, with a good stance and width. 🙂

[@marcop1587]

Imagine if it had been built 10 years later on the Giorgio platform with rwd configuration and the qv V6...

[@chasinglimits]

It would be the ultimate street machine!

[@RD19902010]

It has a design flaw - it is very short and thereby not as attractive from the side. I vastly prefer my 159 SW - the aggressive front goes along very well with the sleek body.

[@Archman155]

true. the original brera concept looked far more natural but obviously they just did what they could with the 159 platform they were provided with. they still made a beautiful car despite the fact its so silly on the side. for me its the massive overhang on the front the way the back curves which makes it look like a shoe. the concept had similar overhangs on both sides so it looked a bit better imo

[@gooo1762]

Why does everyone hate the brera. I love the look and the aesthetic of the car. Its my dream first car.

[@Pat_RickX]

Seeing the Brera as a GT, the 2.4 JTD seems to be a perfect engine for. Due to the sound and the torque, FOR ME it's the engine I would choose .

[@Matteo_Licata]

Personally, I wouldn't mind getting a diesel Brera. Given it's no sports car, but rather a long-distance cruiser, it makes sense.

[@zedmanZ9]

I would love to own a Brera but the Ford Focus/Volvo V50 platform has set the bar high for handling and I certainly would not want to go back to sloppy handling. I continue to admire the Brera from a distance. maybe one day for the fun :)

[@Kol2388]

Honestly it doesn't matter, it looks gorgeous even today and it's an Alfa.

[@ronhutcheon9302]

I have one (2.2jts) and its the second most inspiring alfa I've had (GT1300Jnr with a balanced 2ltr in it was no 1

[@MAtogable]

Reminds me of my ex-wife, beautiful from the outside, but wrong platform

[@stefan.2833]

The alfa romeo 159 is the best looking sedan ever and nobody can change my mind. I'd get the GT over the brerra for a coupe tho.

[@tomaszmleczek8889]

In my opinion 159 is better look in wagon and I happy owner of one

[@stefan.2833]

@@tomaszmleczek8889 I forgot to say that the wagon is probably the best break too :)) I like both equaly, i can't decide wich one looks better. I wish i'll put my hand on one soon.

[@tomaszmleczek8889]

@@stefan.2833 159 is cheap beauty You should be quick rust will be not wait when You will be ready to buy

[@RD19902010]

@@tomaszmleczek8889 luckily the 159 is not that rust-prone compared to its predecessors

[@JuanManuelTastzian]

Loved this video, Matteo! Imagine if they didn't have to squeeze it into the 159 platform (a car I love the looks of, BTW), and had the Busso V6 :O Keep it up, my friend!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Glad you liked it, thank you!!!

[@mariobotti1952]

Except the weight, it is still a beautifull car. Design is absolutely gorgeous

[@1258-Eckhart]

I fell in love with the Brera and went especially to the Geneva show in March 2005 to view it.

[@davidelonghi3663]

Ho avuto anche questa ,2400 turbodiesel 210 CV .....l'auto e' più bella di tutte le auto tedesche degli ultimi 20 anni ! E lo sarà ancora di più negli anni a venire . Classe pura !

[@downesy68]

Gorgeous car and one that I always coveted. I test drove one a few years ago and found the interior a bit cramped and not overly practical. Not long after that I bought a 159 because I just couldn’t get over that beautiful front end and had to have it in my garage. I also ended up buying a GT because of the Busso engine and far more practical interior than the Brera.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Cool! A beautiful garage pairing, congratulations!

[@johanvandersandt8904]

A friend of mine had one. It was gorgeous!!!

[@randomchannel1712]

Well, I like mine a LOT it is a car never to be made again, as Davide Cironi put it, designed by the hand of one man and not influenced by market trends. A very arrogant coupe that really makes you look back many times when you park it. And it drives amazing, every aspect of it very refined, everything even the weight of the pedals. I'm keeping it even with the huge taxation and service cost (which I do myself), these cars HAVE TO BE PRESERVED never ever will there be more coupes like them ever again.

[@GarajeMaldizer]

20.000 Brera and 12.000 Spider 939, both born classics 😍

[@Matteo_Licata]

The Spider 939 is coming next week, by the way ;)

[@GarajeMaldizer]

@@Matteo_Licata i can’t wait!! 😍😍😍

[@sotirisbakaimis3276]

I have driven the 2.2 on the Serres circuit for a few laps in a presentation of Alfa Romeo Greece back in 2006. A blunt car, regarding it's driving characteristics, but with descent build quality. The mistake in my opinion was the FWD platform, which felt quite "heavy " to my eyes/hands. What a pity, because the (Giugiaro) design - as in all Alfas - is awesome & timeless!!!

[@johnchurch4705]

The platform is heavy, it was originally meant for Saab but Alfa ended up with it. The Pro Drive cars are 100k lighter with uprated suspension .

[@fhwolthuis]

Bella Bella 🇮🇹😍

[@dirkleroy]

I love my Brera! :-) Silver grey with black leather interior, 2.2 JTS engine which has power enough to take you on a trip on long roads through magic sceneries like those in France where I'm heading off every year ... Car is really luxurious with electric and heated seats, electric foldable mirrors, good music installation and GPS (with DVD) built in, good airco system ... Engine has a lot of power and torque ... Shape is beautiful and attracts views from everyone seeing this car driving by ... What else could you wish for?

[@Matteo_Licata]

Yes indeed! I wish more people appreciated those qualities when it was new!

[@nebojsaovuka5220]

I just bought one 2.0 jtdm, rosso, most beautiful car in my part if town, ok there's Giulia rosso but he's a guest, not resident 😊 Everyone is turning when I pass by. Alfa should reconsider making a Brera mk2 honestly and no deals with GM or anyone else, also needs to be much lighter

[@Boris-xx7dw]

One the best looking cars ever, and the build quality was superb, but I hated driving it but loved looking at it , the car never let me down in the three years I had it .

[@GlowingTube]

Beautiful! So many people I know who have owned ALFAs tell me that the newer ones are more reliable, but the reputation of the older cars still tarnish the reputation of ALFAs in my country, Australia.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Indeed. Old prejudices still linger over the brand, despite the fact new cars are generally as dependable as any other make

[@RD19902010]

But the older ones were more fun...

[@GlowingTube]

@@Matteo_Licata Unfortunately ALFA sales in Australia are low due to this reputation and a policy of offering a warranty term that is the shortest of its competition. The brand deserves better.

[@peterorigenes4358]

Would make a good car to transplant the Quad powerertrain and underpinnings. They don’t need to redo the body design. No massive grille which Alfa is creeping towards.

[@stevesrover]

I loved these when they were new. Alas, I was in no position to buy one at the time. But if a car as beautiful as this was released today, I think I would do my best to buy one!

[@Matteo_Licata]

Couldn't agree more!

[@icsunonova]

indeed bella bella

[@stevieray6216]

What do you think about the new Tonale? Will it be able to save the Alfa brand? In the past decade or so it seemed that whatever they tried, nothing really worked and now, even if it should turn out to be a great car, it will be a huge uphill battle with Alfa all but disappeared from the market.

[@kremolaconia]

I reckon Tonale looks like their best attempt in 20 years. Sad it's an SUV but they need a car that sells right now.

[@nessuno5403]

And the smaller Brennero SUV, made in Poland, is next :(

[@kremolaconia]

@@nessuno5403if it is cheap and it sells, it may allow for better models, but in my opinion, buy anything you can afford pre-Fiat and be happy. The real Alfa Romeo is dead. Prove me wrong Alfa!

[@nessuno5403]

@@kremolaconia I agree about the first part... let volume sellers bring in R&D money and profits for proper models. But I'd add: buy pre-FIAT or current Giulia/Stelvio, before they all become a PSA broth

[@Matteo_Licata]

I do think the Tonale may be the “saviour” Alfa so badly needs. Right vehicle, right design, and a big step forward on the “infotainment” front, which is undeniably important to the average buyer. I think it’ll work this time!

[@elioboezio7107]

At the time the Brera appeared, I drove a 1996 GTV 2.0 Twinspark and dreamed of 'upgrading'. Unfortunately, with currency exchange rates increasingly going against us - and import duties too - the retail price was ridiculous for the performance available. Regrettably, this was even worse when the 4C was announced...

[@Falcone-en4wl]

This Giugiaro's creation was a beauty from a pure design perspective. Anyway I'm afraid not all the mistakes should be forgiven. This is the case, since it was an FCA attempt to force the Alfisti to accept an Alfa that wasn't actually an Alfa where it should have been, under the hood. Nice job as usual, Matteo.

[@nessuno5403]

FCA had nothing to do with this car and did not exist at the time

[@gr182]

I was also captivated by the Brera's good looks after seeing the stunning prototype in Geneva. I also test drove it and found it very attractive inside, especially with the glass roof. I am not sure what put me off ordering one exactly. I drove a Busso V6 Alfa 166 back then and definitely the engines in the Brera were a disappointment and off putting. Also the Brera felt cramped inside after a Alfa GT and with small children at the time I felt it was just not practical enough. Shame because the styling was beautiful. Love the video and enhanced by your pretty test driver! 😊

[@Matteo_Licata]

The GT was a full four-seater, so I can see why you didn't get the Brera, which was a 2+2 at best. It really was a car for another era, when mass-market GTs still were a thing. But in the 2000s it was a formula only a few undestrood and/or had any inclination for.

[@dipling.pitzler7650]

Good thing you made the beautiful model walk around the car while touching the continuous go around waistline as the real beauty of the design is specially seen in the plan view or birds eye view which very much reminds me of the legendary disco volante and the Alfa spider "osso di sepia" with these continuous ellipsis in the plan view, this time accentuated by edges at the ends borrowed from the Alfa Romeo heart or shield shaped radiator grill.

[@Matteo_Licata]

Glad you appreciated it! Thank you!

[@studiocalder818]

A classic pearl of FIAT strategy for Alfa. Abroad, however, it was appreciated by a niche audience: designers, architects, some singers

[@Cancerian816]

Time is a great healer... Mazda is doing this architecture some justice with the KODO Design Language

[@gerrypetrocco5551]

Another great look into one of Alfa Romeo's works of art. Well done & keep up the great reports. Bravo !

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you!!!!

[@zeon5323]

Beautiful car!

[@Prodby33]

Dreaming to buy one in next years Such a beauty Thanks for the video

[@Matteo_Licata]

Thank you for watching!

[@gergosimahazi]

Whenever I see one I can't help thinking of the 2002 concept and how it was degraded (the word I replaced there began with the letter f...) into this. There is a chance for redemption, though, as I see an Alfa Red Brera sitting in front of my apartment every day, and I must admit I'm starting to admire its lines. Then the illusion shatters when it fires up its diesel. I guess it'll always be an ambivalent car in my eyes.

[@marcbrasse747]

Bella indeed. And she knows it!

[@Dominik189]

Going by the comment section I guess I'm the only person who really didn't like the Brera at any point. To spite actually getting to drive one for about 6 months when I was visiting family abroad, it just never grew on me. It just looked bloated to me and it was absolutely horrible in terms of handling.

[@ambergris5705]

You made me feel very old when you said "a 20 years old design"...

[@Matteo_Licata]

Oh yes... Same happens to me more often than not!

[@BanjoLuke1]

Silly me! I always thought the Brera used the "other" V6. I had no idea it was the Aussie-built mongrel lump. A fierce looking car, even in production form. Many years ago I was in an Alfa dealership to see a (used) early Mito. On the showroom floor were a pair of unregistered cars.... A late GT and a late Brera. I asked the salesman what the difference was.... Was the Brera a replacement for the GT? He looked genuinely uncomfortable and said it was really down to looks and depended on what you wanted from a car. He said the ranges complemented one another. One of them was a Fiat JTD and the other a four-pot petrol.... I forget which was which.... And both were red. I felt quite sorry for the salesman. He looked like a man with a gun pointed at him. I still rather like the angry eyes of the Brera, but it was not a beauty. More Klaus Kinski than George Clooney. It had menace. Your story of its birth and death have made me a little sad. The only car video to quote Dostojevski, too.

[@nessuno5403]

The V6 was modified by Alfa Romeo, so GM Holden made only the basis: *"The core engine is indeed produced by Holden in Melbourne and shares the Commodore V6’s architecture, plus crankshaft with Commodore’s 85.6mm stroke and connecting rods to suit. However, the bore size is 89mm against Commodore’s 94mm, accounting for the roughly 0.4-litre displacement difference. The bare bones are shipped to Italy for final assembly with Alfa’s own pistons, JTS cylinder heads and specific intake and exhaust systems."* (Brera review, CarSales July 2006)

[@Basseck]

The GT was like a coupe version of the 156 on technical base of the 147 whereas the Brera was a car concept of its own. If at all the Brera was the replacement for the 916 GTV.

[@grrfy]

I preferred the look of the previous GT tbh and it came with the busso ,like my 75.

[@ThePhilosopher01]

The first car that left a huuge impression on me as a kid. It still has a special place in my heart. But the gm v6 on a fwd platform with that gigantic front overhang puts me of from buying one...

[@pfacka]

Hmm have you tried to drive one? It isn't remotely as bad as they say. Main grounds for criticisms are based in expectation of a sports car, which Brera is not. It is very competent long legged mile eater. It's not nose heavy. Especially with V6 and Q4, because it feels so heavy that you would not notice :-D. It handles very neutral. On surface with less traction it will rotate with weight transfer.

[@ThePhilosopher01]

​@@pfacka yea I never considered it to be a sports car either. More of a grand tourer, and thats perfect because, it doesnt look like a sports car that was developed on the Nürburgring. Im totally fine with that. And if I was going for a brera, then the one and oly option for me is the 3.2 v6 q4 because of awd :D. But then I often read, that the interior is super tiny and Im quite Tall... And of course I dont know, if I can trust the jts v6 :D

[@mc2w]

it was nice looking, but for the price simply not competitive with other brands. remember side-by-side road tests against the audi TT of the time, all with quite devastating losses for the brera.

[@jpthiran]

allways found this car spectacular

[@cancracker]

It didn’t do well compared to the GT which still had the Busso V6. Having a choice I would always pick the GT even if the Brera was more technologically advanced.

[@downesy68]

That’s what I did. The GT is also a true 4 seater and is a far more practical daily driver.

[@raftopoua]

I did the same in 2010

[@C.I...]

I could never choose the GT, even with that engine. The Brera is just so beautiful, and the GT so ugly to me.

[@downesy68]

@@C.I... the most beautiful feature of the Brera is the front end, which I get to enjoy with my 159. So I have the best of both worlds 😉