The Brera, says Alfa Romeo, was intended for cruising on straight continental roads, not British bendy ones. Earlier they announced something tougher and sportier for our more demanding roads. This was the Brera S, developed by British racing engineers Prodrive, who run the Aston Martin team.

James Martin, better known as a chef, test drove the new mean machine:

I was really excited to get my hands on one of these, as they’re only building 500. But do you know what? I think it’s gone too far in the other direction. … What Prodrive have done, rather than beef up the engine, is to lower the centre of gravity, reduce the weight by 100kg and fit specially commissioned Eibach coil springs and Bilstein dampers to reduce roll and pitch and enhance cornering. They say this new set-up gives it a ‘more nimble and agile feel, with increased driver feedback’. You can say that again. … [It] is like trying to win a Grand Prix in an earthquake: it’s just bounce, clang, bounce, always on the verge of wheelspin and a literal pain in the backside.

It only goes to show, you can’t please all of the people all of the time.

Specification

£28,450 at alfaromeo.co.uk
Engine 3.2-litre direct-injection V6
Power 260bhp
Peak torque 322Nm at 4,500rpm
Top speed 155mph
Transmission Six-speed manual

Standard features 19in alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero Nero tyres, Prodrive, engineering dampers and springs, revised exhaust silencer, ABS, ASR, EBD, hill-hold, dual-zone air conditioning, Italian Frau leather upholstery with red stitching, aluminium sports pedals, six-speaker CD/radio, rear-parking sensor, cruise control, folding heated wing mirrors.