2006 Alfa Romeo Brera Preview

As for the chassis, the Brera starts off on a clean slate using Alfa's new Premium platform, which will also be used to

The Brera will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, set for early March of this year. (Photo: Alfa Romeo)

underpin the upcoming 157 premium sedan, set to make its debut later this year. As with GM architecture, to maintain vehicle identity, there are some differences between the 157 and the Brera; the latter rides on a shorter wheelbase, and features a spaceframe construction for the upper body. Alfa claims that the double-wishbone and multi-link suspension will give its new sports car "outstanding drivability".

Like the concept car did, the Brera will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, set for early March of this year. Alfa hopes to have the Brera on sale in European markets by the end of this year. Though it hasn't been confirmed, expect to see a convertible version,

So, as it stands what does the Brera mean to us in North America? (Photo: Alfa Romeo)

perhaps under a different name with different styling sometime in 2007.

What does the Brera mean to us in North America? As it stands, not a whole lot, as Alfa Romeo has been absent from our shores since the brand retreated in the early '90s, shutting down its network of dealers. Since that time, things have changed; although the Fiat Group, of which Alfa Romeo is a key member, is financially troubled, its links to GM may mean a comeback as early as 2007.

Like Citroen, Peugeot and Renault, Alfa Romeo and Fiat know that North America is a market that could completely turn tables. With a recently overhauled range, including the Brera, 157, and the forthcoming compact 148, expect to see some sort of move announced in the months to come.