Alfa Romeo has fitted its new 200bhp 1750 TBi engine to the 2010 Brera coupé and Spider convertible ranges – alongside the 170bhp 2.0 JTDM diesel. We’d already seen both engines in the 159 compact executive model in 2009, but the new pair should broaden the appeal of Alfa’s distinctive sports duo.
Alfa’s 1750 TBi: the tech lowdown
The TBi engine is a very zeitgeisty 1742cc four-cylinder, equipped with twin overhead cams running 16 valves, direct injection and turbocharging. This full book of tech is enough to liberate 200bhp and 236lb ft from just 1400rpm – not bad specific outputs for a 1.7.
The new TBI engine will appeal to business drivers in particular, who will benefit from CO2 emissions of 189g/km in the Brera and 192g/km in the Spider. It’s not an especially low emissions figure in isolation, but decent when you remember this duo will sprint to 62mph in 7.7sec, hit 146mph and require servicing only every 21,000 miles.
And the 2.0 JTDM?
Alfa coined the first application of common-rail diesel technology a decade ago in the 156, don’t forget. Things have moved apace since then, the new 2.0 JTDM delivering 170bhp and a stout 266lb ft of twist from 1750-2500rpm.
The diesel Brera and Spider take around 8.8sec to reach 62mph and top out at 135mph. Emissions of CO2 stand at 142g/km.
At the same time as launching these new engines in the sportier Alfas, the company has rolled out a new spec level: Italia Independent. It adds a head-turning matt black paintjob, 18in black alloys, red brake callipers and an 8C supercar-style aluminium fuel cap. Inside you’ll find black leather aplenty, aluminium trim on the pedals and carbonfibre dotted here and there.
We’ll stick with the rather attractive standard cars, thanks…