Alfa Romeo Brera/Brera Spider

Most of the updates made on the Brera and Spider for 2008 are found on the inside, with the only notable exterior updates being the addition of 18-inch wheels and a new color called Ice White. Inside, Alfa has fitted the two models with new front seats designed to be both sportier and more ergonomic, a new navigation system with a better interface, and rearranged climate control dials. There are also minor color scheme changes throughout the interior, including the addition of metallic-painted inserts on the dash and door panels and addition of several lightweight parts to the chassis -- the brake calipers and suspension brackets are now made of aluminum and the wheels are of a lightweight alloy, which reduces total weight by several pounds.

The real news here is the new Electronic Q2 system that makes its debut on the 2008 Brera and Spider. Instead of the mechanical Q2 system found on many Alfas, which uses a Torsen limited-slip differential, the Electronic Q2 system uses the brakes to shift torque from one side of the car to the other to help maintain traction. In front-drive models, the system is linked to the front wheels. In all-wheel drive models, its linked to the rear wheels, where, according to Alfa, it has similar benefits to a fitting the car with a central Torsen and self-locking rear differentials.