Autodelta now makes Q-Tronic 6-speed automatic transmission available to its bespoke Brera J5 3.2 C conversion, widening further its high-performance range based on the Alfa Romeo Brera sports car. The same conversion is also available on the Spider J6 3.2 C.

The Alfa Romeo Q-Tronic system has been a very popular addition to the Alfa Romeo Brera and Spider V6 models since it was introduced in 2006. An all-new generation of ‘self shifting’ 6-speed gearboxes, Q-Tronic is another innovative new transmission from Alfa Romeo which offers all the characteristics and functions of classic automatic operation (parking, reverse, neutral and drive) to the driver, or optionally by sequential mode through the use of a selector. Q-Tronic continues the brand’s tradition of using the letter “Q” to designate the company’s most sophisticated new technologies.

Adapting Autodelta’s supercharging conversion to incorporate the Q-Tronic V6 models has required evolving the system to take into account the constriction placed on the increased engine bay packaging demanded by the new transmission system. An all-new remap of the ECU has been developed by Autodelta to meet the new and individual characteristics posed by an automatic transmission and thus to allow the Q-Tronic to fully maximise and integrate the benefits of our supercharger system.

The Autodelta Brera J5 3.2 C Q-Tronic comes with all the features of the Model Year 2008 (MY) upgrade that was officially launched at Autosport International (Birmingham) in January. The Brera 3.5 3.2 C Q-Tronic thus delivers the increase in maximum power of 352 bhp and peak torque of 435 Nm, which allow for even stronger motorway overtaking capability. Performance is similar to the Brera MY with 0-100 km/h reached in 5.3 seconds while a top speed of over 260 km/h is easily achieved.

Alfa Romeo’s new Q-Tronic system uses a Smart electronic control unit to optimise gear shifting, maximising efficiency of the engine, and to offer greater fuel economy and comfort by reducing the number of pulses felt by the driver. Q-Tronic also allows the driver the ability to maximise a sporty ride to his requirements by offering sequential gear changing: when the driver depresses the “+” button it automatically shifts up to the next gear, while pressing the “-” button reverses the progression. Unlike many rival systems, this overrides the automatic function, allowing the driver full control of gearchanging. Q-Tronic also offers a choice of two modes (“Sport” and “Winter”) in addition to the default setting. “Sport” resets the gear shifts to a higher rpm to allow a livelier ride while “Winter” mode maximises grip for when conditions are more hazardous, for example when the road is covered in snow.

Jano Djelalian says: “We’re delighted to be able to widen the Brera J5 3.2 C model range to encompass the Q-Tronic transmission. Alfa Romeo’s sequential transmission systems have always been very popular with our customers, especially Selespeed, and we have had a lot of demand put on us recently to make our supercharging conversion available to Q-Tronic version.”