Limited edition hardcore Alfa Brera S announced

Refined: The Alfa Brera and Spider

However, the engines remain untouched so buyers will get the choice of two petrol engines – a 2.2-litre 182bhp and range-topping 3.2-litre, 256bhp lump.

The 2.2-litre Alfa Brera S will accelerate from 0-62mph (100kph) in 8.6 seconds and have a top speed of 138mph.

But the 3.2-litre model is no longer four-wheel drive, with power now channelled to the front wheels.

Alfa Romeo supermini - first pics

This should reduce weight and accelerate the Brera S from 0-62mph in about 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed in excess of 150mph.

Production will be limited to 500 cars and the Brera S will also get some exterior and interior adjustments.

Mouth-watering Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

Oxfordshire-based Prodrive has been working with car makers and motorsport teams for more than 20 years and is best known for its work with the Subaru Rally Team.

Dave Richards, the chairman of Prodrive, put together a consortium to buy British sports car maker Aston Martin last year.

And it’s not the first time Prodrive has got together with Alfa Romeo. In the mid-Nineties the two worked together on the Alfa Romeo 155 Touring Car.

Read our interview with Touring Car star Jason Plato

Prices for the Alfa Brera S are expected to start at about £25,000 for the 2.2-litre model and £30,500 for the top-end 3.2.

Full details and images will be revealed on May 19, with the Alfa Brera S going on sale at the end of the month.