2008 Alfa Romeo Brera TI review

Alfa Romeo Brera TI review:

The Paris show hosts the world première of the sporting TI specification of the Alfa Brera that is due to go on sale in autumn 2008. This version is distinguished by the TI logo applied to the front wings and will initially be available with 2.2 JTS (Manual and Selespeed) and 3.2 V6 engines and later also with other engines.

TI stands for Turismo Internazionale, an acronym that Alfa Romeo used to assign only to its best-equipped cars with the most sophisticated engineering. Such cars were derived from standard production models but, as a result of experience built up on racetracks throughout the world, were customised with mechanical and styling changes to create thoroughbred sports cars that could still be driven on ordinary roads.

The Alfa Romeo engineers adjusted the tuning of the suspension system to emphasise the car`s renowned attributes of sportiness and handling still further: the springs and dampers are even stiffer, designed specially to ensure an effective grip by the 19-inch tyres, while the shape of the brand new alloy rims, inspired by the 8C Competizione, has been developed for maximum weight containment and efficient cooling of the braking system. The latter features large brake discs and Brembo red one-piece front callipers with a radial attachment. These top-quality engineering attributes mean full expression of Alfa Romeo driving satisfaction, with its time-honoured qualities of agility, precise steering and safety under all conditions.

Inside, the TI weds the sporty spirit of an Alfa Romeo with the class and elegance that is expected of an Italian product. A carefully-crafted finish and material quality was the brief of the Alfa Romeo Style Centre when developing the interior environment. The high-containment anatomical seats are trimmed with soft leather and finished with top-stitching and a metal plate bearing the TI logo. The dashboard central console and the steering wheel panel are in dark brushed aluminium or carbon fibre, as an option. The anatomical steering wheel grip and gear knob are in perforated leather. The interior environment can be made even more exclusive by adopting a leather dashboard, a sophisticated option created with hand-crafted diligence.

For maximum driving satisfaction, the instruments can also come with sporty graphics, with white lighting, while the pedal unit and foot rest are in aluminium with a special non-slip treatment.

The version on show in Paris is equipped with a lively 185 bhp 2.2 JTS engine (an up-to-date power unit made entirely of aluminium and equipped with direct fuel injection) combined with a Selespeed sequential gearbox. It also offers a long equipment list that includes a dual zone climate control system and VDC stability system with optional extras such as a radio navigation system, xenon headlights, sky window, adjustable door mirrors with memory, luggage retaining net and sensor pack.