Sometimes it's a little difficult to sort through a car manufacturer's over-enthusiastic prose about its latest car. But if any irrational exuberance is ever justified, it's in the case of Alfa Romeo. Its recent models—including the 8C, 8C Spider concept, and now the Brera and the Spider—are some of the most beautiful designs to hit the market in recent years. The company is now enhancing the appeal of the somewhat-affordable Brera and Spider for 2008 with a surprising number of tech upgrades.

The interior now features a new integrated satellite navigation system, a dual-zone climate control system, new A/C controls in the dash, steering-wheel controls for the stereo, and seven air bags. Options, meanwhile, include a Bose sound system, "infomobility" controls on the steering wheel, a low-tire-pressure warning system, and Microsoft's Blue&Me system, which is based on Windows Mobile for Automotive and offers Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

The Brera is one of the three cars Alfa Romeo is scheduled to debut in the United States when it returns for the 2010 or 2011 model year. Having owned a 164S for five years way back when, I can't wait.

Source: Alfa Romeo