Alfa Romeo Brera S
If looks were everything the Brera would be one of the best-selling cars on
the planet. Its striking lean-forward posture, the svelte, oh-so Italian
flowing lines and creases and the typically Alfa grille and headlamp array
just make you want to throw caution to the wind and have one. But, alas,
it ain’t that simple. Good though the original Brera is, it’s
a proper GT – great for cruising long distances and the occasional
cross-country dash but not ‘sporty’ enough for us Brits, so Alfa
UK asked Prodrive to make a few tweaks to suit British tastes – the
result is the Brera S.
First let’s look at the bits that haven’t changed. The engine and
gearbox options are exactly the same as the standard Brera. This is a good
thing. The 185bhp 2.2 in our car is classic Alfa – free-revving, smooth,
responsive, a wonderful soundtrack and full of soul. The gearbox is as sweet
as they come with short throws that slot into place.
Inside, this is a driver’s car. The instruments and cowling have been
designed with typically Italian flair and are wrapped around the driver. There’s
still a sense that aesthetics are more important than practicality (the lettering
used on dials is all in Italian, for example) but at least these days most
controls are where you’d expect them to be. The driving position is low
but comfortable and visibility is decent enough considering form’s priority
over function. There’s a quality feel throughout and build-quality seems
good – something Alfa have focussed on recently. Kit levels are high
with leather, dual-zone climate and cruise as standard. Yep, it’s a very
cool car to be in and be seen in.
Now to the changes. The brief was to produce a car that was a more sporting
drive but also one that can cope with the rather patchy road-surfaces us Brits
inevitably come across when we hammer round our country roads. Lots of boffin
types in white coats adjusted spring rates, dampener settings, suspension geometry
and ride height. They even shaved a few kg off the weight of the alloy wheels
to increase steering response. The result is sharper handling, which is no
surprise, sharper and typically Alfa steering with oodles of feedback and,
most surprisingly, a more supple ride. All this begs the question why have
a standard version? The answer’s simple really. There are only 500 Brera
S being made, the standard car’s no slouch but most importantly it’s
still gorgeous.
Price: from £24,950
0-62: 8.6secs
Top speed: 139mph
Lexus ISF
The IS has been around for a good number of years now and has established itself
as a highly capable and very reliable alternative to the usual prestige suspects.
Noticeably absent from the range has been a fire-breathing oriental dragon
to put the frighteners up the M3 and RS4. Until the IS F.
If you’re wondering, the F stands for Fuji, the track in Japan where
much of the testing was done. With such a nomenclature and Lexus’ reputation,
expectations are high so it’s rather fortunate that the F delivers in
spades.
First the raw facts. There’s a 5.0 V8 with 417 horses and 372lbft of
torque under the bonnet and it propels the IS F to 62 in 4.8 secs and on to
a limited top speed of 168mph (when it’s this high why bother?). Obviously,
exceptional pace by any standards but what’s just as remarkable is the
refined nature of this engine below about 4000 revs (upwards of which it becomes
a joyous burble). It’s as content to pootle along as it is to red-line.
Mated to the engine is an eight-speed auto gearbox. This may seem like an unneccessary
number of gears but in practice it adds to the F’s usability - it’s
never strained or coarse. In fact that sums the F up. Usable, day in day out,
with very little compromise. You don’t even have to compromise too much
on mpg – 25 to the gallon is very respectable for this amount of performance.
Handling and grip are frighteningly good, guess this is where all that track
development reaps its rewards. The suspension is lower with completely reworked
geometry and new shocks and springs. Steering feedback isn’t at M3 levels
but then it compensates by being so easy to drive. If you want it a bit edgier
you can switch to sport mode which changes the sensitivity and response of
inputs such as steering and throttle to give a more thrilling driving experience.
It’s got all the attributes we’ve come to expect from Lexus too – rock
solid reliability, excellent build quality and finish, sharp styling, a comfortable
and very well-specced cabin. Ride ain’t bad either given the performance
on tap.
So what’s not to like? Well, how about a limited UK run of just 150!
Yep, if you’re lucky enough to get one you’ll be in a very exclusive
club indeed. Fingers crossed, Lexus HQ will have a rethink some day soon.
Price: £51,000
0-62: 4.8secs
Top speed: 168mph
Feel the revs with these beauties this summer
FIRE POWER