Alfa Romeo UK
has recently introduced its new 200 bhp 1750 TBi
petrol and the 170 bhp 2.0 JTDM diesel engines
to the head-turning Alfa Brera coupé and Alfa
Spider convertible range, following the
unveiling of the powerplants in the Alfa 159
range late last year.
The Alfa Brera
and Alfa Spider perfectly encapsulate the
characteristics most synonymous with Alfa Romeo
– sportiness and elegance – and now with the
latest in engine efficiency and refinement, the
updated line-up in the Brera/Spider range has
never been stronger.
In addition to
the two new engines produced by Fiat Powertrain
Technologies (FPT), an exclusive edition trim
level will be available, known as Italia
Independent – featuring unique content including
a matt black titanium exterior finish, 18” black
opaque turbine design alloy wheels, carbon fibre
effect trim inserts and a radio/sat-nav system.
The Italia Independent trim will be available on
all Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider derivatives.
1750
TBi 200 BHP TURBO PETROL ENGINE
The new Alfa
Romeo 1750 TBi engine embodies a long heritage
of motoring excellence. The new, lightweight,
variable valve timing, direct injection
turbocharged engine develops an impressive 200
bhp along with 320 Nm of torque to bring new
levels of drivability to the Alfa Brera and
Spider range.
Perfectly
complementing the current engine line-up, the
new 16-valve, twin overhead camshaft 1742 cc
petrol unit promises keen fuel efficiency, along
with much lower CO2 emissions, down
to 189 g/km for the Alfa Brera and 192 g/km for
the Alfa Spider.
Significantly,
through a process known as ‘scavenging’, the
maximum torque of Alfa Romeo’s new petrol engine
is achieved at just 1400 rpm – little more than
tickover speed – with maximum power developed
between 4750 and 5500 rpm.
From a
standstill, the 1750 TBi engined Alfa Brera and
Alfa Spider reach the 0 - 62 mph acceleration
benchmark in virtually identical times of 7.7
and 7.8 seconds respectively, before both
topping out at 146 mph. However it is the
on-road flexibility of the in-gear acceleration
that sets the engine apart from its competitors
– offering a more sporting driver experience
consistent with a ‘flat’ torque curve and a
constant delivery of power – perfect for
confident overtaking and relaxed long distance
driving.
Routine
maintenance intervals for the 1750 TBi version
will be set at every 21,000 miles.
2.0
JTDM 170 BHP DIESEL ENGINE
Given that Alfa
Romeo introduced common rail diesel technology
more than 10 years ago on the Alfa 156, it
should come as little surprise that a new diesel
unit has now been developed that brings higher
power and torque values, yet, at the same time,
increases fuel efficiency and lowers CO2
emissions.
Alfa’s 2.0 JTDM
powerplant develops 170 bhp available at just
4,000 rpm, and the latest incarnation of its
MultiJet technology means that the 2.0 JTDM unit
delivers its maximum torque of 360 Nm between
just 1750 rpm and 2500 rpm.
Significantly,
the new 2.0 JTDM powered Alfa Brera and Alfa
Spider cover the 0 – 62 mph sprint in just 8.8
and 9.0 seconds respectively, and possess a top
speed of 135 mph. CO2 emissions are
reduced to just 142 g/km – putting these
vehicles into one of the lower road charge tax
bands.
Routine
maintenance intervals for the 2.0 JTDM version
are set at every 21,000 miles.
LATEST TRIM ADDITION -
ITALIA
INDEPENDENT
From the
exterior, the Italia Independent trim is
distinguished by its head-turning matt black
titaniuim finish, 18” black opaque ‘turbine’
design alloy wheels, red brake calipers and Alfa
8C inspired aluminium fuel cap.
Internally, the
car boasts a sporty black leather bound steering
wheel and gear knob with red stitching,
carbon-fibre trim inserts, sports dials, black
sports leather upholstered seats with Italia
Independent branded headrests, aluminium sports
pedals and foot rest, and a high-tech radio/sat-nav
sytem with Blue&Me™.
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