Alfa Brera & Alfa Spider get new engines and Italia Independent trim

The Alfa Brera & Alfa Spider get new engines and a new trim option

Alfa Romeo introduced new engine options last year on the Alfa 159 – the 1750iTBi Petrol engine and the 2.0 litre JTDm diesel – which are now about to find their way in to the Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider.

Which is a far from bad move. The 1750i Turbo manages to deliver 200bhp and a decent amount of torque – 236lb/ft from only 1400rpm – which makes it distinctly brisk – 7.7 & 7.8 seconds respectively to 62 mph for the Brera and Spider.

The oil burning 2.0 litre JTDm gets fewer horses than the petrol – 170 – but comes with more torque – 270lb/ft. That translates in to 0-62mph times of 8.8 and 9.0 seconds, which with a decent amount of torque will feel quicker until you find an open road.

That’s the engine options cleared up for the Brera and Spider, but what about the Alfa Italia Independent trim? Well, that becomes an option right across the range for the Brera and Spider and offers exterior cosmetic tweaks such as 18″ turbine alloys, red brake calipers and an Ali Fuel Cap (very 8C).

Inside you get some ‘Sporty’ red stitching and leather on the gear knob and steering wheel, some bits of carbon fibre, a set of sport instrument dials, leather seats and ali pedals. You also get the Blue&Me and SatNav and the required ‘Italia Independent’ badging.

Prices on the petrol versions are £25,205 (Brera) and £27,205 (Spider). Opt for the diesel and you’ll have to fork out £24,995 (Brera) and  £26,995 (Spider).

Alfa Romeo has seen fit to divvy up a full set of specs and info in the new engines for the Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider press release if you want to check them out.

These engines make a couple of good cars an even more tempting option. Well, good-looking cars, anyway.

By Cars UK