Alfa Romeo has been working with Prodrive over the past year to tune the handling of its Brera coupe, specifically for the British market.

The changes to the Brera S have been signed off from Alfa Romeo’s engineering department in Italy.

Peter Cambridge, Prodrive project leader, said: "The collaboration has built on the existing model’s capabilities to deliver outstanding driver feedback and handling."

Production of the Alfa Brera S will be limited to 500 numbered cars that will include further enhancements to the exterior and interior of the car.

Two existing petrol engines in standard specifications will power the special edition Alfa Brera S from launch next month.

Prices and specifications will be revealed at its UK launch on May 19.