Over the last century, Italian designers have proven that they have mastered the art of automotive design. It thus came as no surpise that an Italian was picked as designer of the 20th century. This designer is Giorgietto Giugiaro, who, after working for Bertone in the 1960s, started his own 'design-house', dubbed Italdesign, in the 1970s. His best designs were Alfa Romeos, like the Giulia Sprint and recently the Scighera concept. At the 2002 Geneva Motorshow, an Alfa Romeo designed by Giugiaro once again stunned the visitors.
The Alfa Romeo on display was the Brera concept. Unlike many concepts launched these days, the 2+2 GT is a fully workable and driveable car. It is based on Maserati Spyder/Coupe mechanicals, which is also designed by Italedesign / Giugiaro. The 400 horses, developed by the V8 engine, are transmitted to the rear wheels through a six speed sequential transaxle. The large, but subtle wheels are shod with Michelin's Pax System tires to ensure maximum safety at high speeds.
On the Maserati-based chassis a carbon fibre body is mounted. Although it is made from some of the most advanced materials available, the body's design draws inspiration from previous and current Alfa Romeo models. The front fascia is dominated by a large V-shaped grill on either side flanked by the headlight units. These are made of three seperate lights, growing from small on the inside and large on the flanks, adding to the overall V-shape. The long doors open unconventionally by a patented rotary and push knob. When rotated outward, the door is projected upward. The rear end design very much inspired by Alfa Romeo's 147 hatchback.
The interior just oozes class and luxury with its voluptuous leather seats and clean aluminium accents. The dashboard is dominated by two large dials, one to display the speed, the other to display the revs. The passengers are seperated by a large central tunnel and console set.
As mentioned earlier, the Brera is a fully working prototype. It has been entered in various events in 2002 like the Paris Louis Vuitton Concours d'Elagance, the Supercar rally and the Goodwood Festival of Speed and its has been entered in a number of road tests. Its 2001 Geneva predecessor, the Aston Martin 2020, has received similar treatment and has covered well over 30,000 km within a year. This underlines that Italdesign does more than just design very beautiful cars, but is quite capable of building incredibly reliable one-offs.
With the Brera, Giugiaro proved that he has far from lost his touch that earned him the title 'Designer of the 20th century'.
Article by Wouter Melissen, last updated before 12 / 01 / 2004
After years of fun with a spider cabrio, I now drive a 166 (3 kids need more room). Quality-wise, the 166 shows that Alfa can build a car that runs 60000 km without any failure. With my Spider, I had my share of electronic flaws, but as with some oter creatures, its sheer beauty made up for it... I can't wait to see this Brera hit production. But Fiat is in such dire straights that I don't think they'll have the guts nor the money to put this beauty into production and compete in this segment. But if they do, let's hope they don't change a thing!! Not the interior, nor the make of engine (GM?? the thought alone...)
Alfa driver half century ago:
parrett 15-8-2003
At age 80 I am not sure we need a 2nd car in the family however I may need a new Alfa after seeing this recent design by Giugiero. (If hopefully they are reintroduced into the U.S.) Vernon M. Parrett, M.D.
do u really know anything about marketting LocalGod?
ALFA 166 17-7-2003
"this is not a child attitude about I want it; therefore, it most be build as it is. In real life, people do not care if the item is greater than a designer brand. V6? same tag price as a BMW or a MB? Consumers go for the TAG that is on the product, not for the qualities. i.e the case of the VW Phantom. Who in the world would buy it when they can buy a BMW 7 series at the same price. In my opinion, only freak people how are addict or loyale to the Brand. This is like TIMEX selling a watch at the same tag as a ROLEX. Which would you pick? Ok, maybe you find Rolex to old fashion; therefore. you get the TIMEX.(if this is your personal preferency in chossing vehicles, then happy for you. I'm not trying to be sarcastic to you, if I offend you somehow, my bad). This is why car makers do car shows and prototypes, to see how the market reacts to there new innovations. You know how much leather, chrom, hi-tech, hp and torque the designers like to put-in when it's about car shows. Everyone has hopes and dreams, but how many of dreams do come true. If we have them all, this would be a perfect world with no limit. However, we all know that sky is the limit. when the thing really goes into production, you will see the amount of reduction on the leather, chrom, hi-tech, hp and torque they did in order to reach a larger market segment other then one segment, the ""nuts area only""."
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Brera Concept
Over the last century, Italian designers have proven that they have mastered the art of automotive design. It thus came as no surpise that an Italian was picked as designer of the 20th century. This designer is Giorgietto Giugiaro, who, after working for Bertone in the 1960s, started his own 'design-house', dubbed Italdesign, in the 1970s. His best designs were Alfa Romeos, like the Giulia Sprint and recently the Scighera concept. At the 2002 Geneva Motorshow, an Alfa Romeo designed by Giugiaro once again stunned the visitors.
